“80% of our children play football outside of school..... we want something that is inclusive for every child so they can all participate. ”

The Education Sector

Programme Overview

We deliver school programmes in both the State and Independent sectors and cover from early primary years through to senior schools and Colleges of Further Education.

The programmes are totally inclusive for children and students of all abilities. Often called 'chess on wheels' because of the strategic thinking required, fencing provides physical and cognitive benefits for fencers from an early age. Our courses help the fencers develop their motor skills, improve their concentration and gets them to think strategically. They will also learn to make complex decisions quickly, analyse problems and think fast on their feet. The spin offs from this are huge both socially, mentally and physically.

The classes are tailored for boys and girls, and are inclusive of ALL abilities, including physical or mental impairments. They are run by a team of highly experienced coaches, who teach pupils about fencing in a lively and fun atmosphere. Our coaches are all BFA qualified, hold enhanced DBS certifications and are all fully insured.

Fencing in Senior Schools

The club delivers inclusive fencing programmes across a number of private schools in the North Yorkshire area. Some have a very strong fencing tradition whilst others are new to the sport. Schools that currently run our programmes include Yarm School, Ampleforth College York and Queen Ethelburgas Collegiate York . The programmes offered are tailored to the requirements of the individual school, however they can include……

  • A structured and monitored programme that that begins in the Prep School and continues through to Year 13.

  • Sessions for all levels of fencing. From those wanting to learn and fence socially through to the athlete competing at the highest level.

  • Enrichment programmes that run within the school PE curriculum through to after school fencing clubs.

  • Specialist coaching with 1-2-1 lessons that run through the school day. These are in place for those fencers wanting to improve and compete.

  • Organising fixtures and competitions against other fencing schools together with accompanying fencers to national ranking competitions. .

  • The provision of talent pathways to local clubs.

For more information of the programmes offered please download this free booklet

Fencing in Junior Schools

fencing in primary schools

We work with many Primary Schools in the region introducing fencing at an early age. Starting with skill and fencing games based sessions, we progress onto the ‘Go Fence’ programme where we introduce plastic weapons , perfect for large groups wanting to safely learn the basics in a classroom environment. The inclusion of fencing in the school ticks all the boxes relating to the effective use of the PE and SPORT Premium funding.

The programmes offered are tailored to the requirements of the individual school, however they can include……

  • ten week curriculum blocks linking fencing to subjects such as maths, languages, sport science and health/nutrition

  • An Olympic day where we run 4-5 sessions introducing pupils to the sport in condensed, quick fire, one hour sessions.

  • Participation in cluster group/ academy tournaments.

  • Talent pathways to local club and external competitions.

  • Staff training and CPD sessions ( a CPD sessions is included as part of the 10 week curriculum programme).

If you would like any further information on any of our school programmes please contact Simon Trevithick at Harrogate Fencing Club

For more information on the festival including entry details and kit requirements please contact Simon Trevithick at Harrogate Fencing Club

Yorkshire Schools Fencing Festival

In November of this year over forty fencers from five North Yorkshire schools converged at Yarm School on Teeside for the first ever Yorkshire Schools Fencing Festival.

The Festival, which will consist of four events over the 2025/26 academic year, is sponsored by HFC, and will be hosted, in turn, by each of the participating schools, all of whom are Affiliate Members of British Fencing.

The purpose of the event is to give school fencers in the region the opportunity to compete against fencers from outside of their own school clubs , in a competitive but less pressurised environment. Effectively introducing them to the world of competition.

The structure of the competition is still in its infancy and will change to eventually accommodate more teams. However, in this, the first event, there were two competition categories , both with mixed teams. The Under 14 category was a foil Italian relay to 45 points and the over 14 event was a mixed weapons (foil, epee) to 40 points.

All the bouts were refereed by qualified officials.

The next Festival round will be held at Ampleforth College in March follow by subsequent rounds at St Peters York and Queen Ethelburgas Collegiate York.