Year 12 Bradford Grammar School student Olivia M combines her A Level studies with competing in polocrosse – with the ultimate goal of representing her country at the Polocrosse World Cup.
Alongside her studies in English Literature, Politics and Psychology, and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Olivia is committed to excelling in one of the most demanding equestrian sports.
Growing up in Clifton, Brighouse, Olivia began riding at Church Farm stables at the age of six. Surrounded by horses from a young age, she took regular lessons and was introduced to polocrosse at 13.
Describing her passion for the sport, Olivia said: “There’s the adrenaline of being on the pitch, the speed and skill involved… but also the community. You spend weekends playing sport with your friends in a field – it’s an amazing atmosphere.”
Olivia trains daily after school at her yard in Priestley Green and travels every other Saturday to Dart Polo Club to train in a larger arena.
At weekends, she travels to tournaments across the country, often competing from Friday to Sunday in four 30-minute matches. Travel times can range from one to five hours, during which she completes school assignments on her iPad. “Balancing schoolwork and polocrosse can be a challenge, but BGS has helped me develop strong time management skills,” she said. “I use free periods to get ahead, which frees up my evenings for training – especially important in winter when daylight is limited.”
Olivia has already achieved national success. Her team won the national championship two years ago, and she was shortlisted for the England U16 International Tour to the USA. She also attended a training trip to South Africa.
At home, Olivia manages two horses – Trixie, her main competition horse, and Colin, a younger ex-racehorse she is training for future competition.
“My short-term goals are to get Trixie competition-ready for higher grades and bring Colin up to novice level,” said Olivia. “This season I’m focused on building strong foundations for both horses, rather than aiming for squad selection.”
Her long-term ambition is to earn a place on the England U25 squad, with the ultimate aim of joining the senior Open Squad and competing at the Polocrosse World Cup.
“I know it will take a lot of hard work, but that’s what drives me,” she added. “Playing internationally would be incredible, and I’m determined to keep improving.”
Alongside her sporting goals, Olivia plans to complete her A Levels next year, take a gap year to travel and gain work experience, and then attend university – with Durham, York and Exeter among her top choices.
“I want to keep progressing in polocrosse while continuing my academic studies,” she said. “It’s a balancing act, but I’m excited to see how far I can go in both.”
BGS Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe said: “Olivia’s story is a shining example of the BGS spirit in action: pursuing excellence, embracing ambition and showing that with hard work, passion and the right support, students can achieve great things – both inside and outside the classroom.”
“I want to keep progressing in polocrosse while continuing my academic studies,” she said. “It’s a balancing act, but I’m excited to see how far I can go in both.”