200+ Clubs and Counting: The Channing Experience

At Channing, the school day doesn’t stop when the last lesson ends. With more than 200 clubs and societies and 25 sports on offer, every girl can find something she loves, and perhaps discover a passion she never knew she had.

Why clubs matter

Co-curricular life is where so much of the Channing Experience happens. It’s where friendships form across year groups, where confidence grows and where girls learn to lead, organise and collaborate. Trying something new is also one of the simplest ways to be 10% braver, whether that’s speaking in a debate for the first time or stepping onto a netball court.

Something for every interest

Clubs run at lunchtime and after school, and the timetable is refreshed every term. A snapshot of what’s on offer includes:

• Debating Club and Model United Nations, for girls who love to argue a case
• Sci Fiction Book Club and Creative Writing Club for readers and thinkers
• Globetrotters, our Geography club for curious explorers
• Chess Club, for strategists of every level
• Rainbow Society, a welcoming space that celebrates our inclusive community
• LAMDA and Show Choir, for performers finding their voice
• STEM clubs including Anatomy Club and D&T Club for girls who want to get hands-on with their STEM learning

Music every day of the week

Our Music School runs 24 co-curricular musical activities each week, from School of Rock 10% Braver Club to Jazz Band. Whether a girl is picking up an instrument for the first time or preparing for a solo, there’s an ensemble, choir or group ready to welcome her.

Sport for everyone

With 25 sports on offer, our PE department makes sure there’s a way for every girl to stay active and enjoy being part of a team. Clubs include athletics, badminton, cheerleading, cross country, dance (ballet, contemporary and jazz), football, gymnastics, karate, netball, tennis and volleyball.

Sport also takes our girls further afield, with ski trips to Austria, netball and football tours to Barcelona, and tournament trips throughout the year.

Stepping up and giving back

As girls move up the school, they increasingly shape the programme themselves. Sixth Formers run lunchtime and after-school clubs for younger pupils, including our Key Stage 4 drama club, and Year 9-12 students take part in community service through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and local partnerships. It’s a lovely example of our older girls passing on their enthusiasm and building their own leadership skills along the way.

Beyond the school gates

Our trips and tours programme adds another dimension, from residential trips to subject visits, with a growing focus on sustainability in how and where we travel.

Finding her thing

For new families, our advice is simple: encourage your daughter to try a few different clubs in her first term. There’s no pressure to commit straight away, and some of the best discoveries happen when girls step outside their comfort zone. With more than 200 options, the hardest part is often choosing.