Sports at Ermitage International School Paris

At Ermitage, we believe sports are more than just games, they are a vital part of education and personal growth. Regular physical activity helps students find balance, build resilience, and develop the confidence they need to succeed both on and off the field. Sports are also a powerful ally for academic success, fostering discipline, focus, and teamwork.

Our sports programme encourages every student to discover a sport they love, whether for fun, fitness, or competition. From mandatory physical education classes to optional activities, students can choose to play for leisure or challenge themselves at a competitive level: everything is possible. Thanks to partnerships with the city and local clubs, Ermitage students have access to a wide variety of opportunities and facilities. Whether on the intramural field or in international tournaments, sports at Ermitage inspire students to push their limits, embrace teamwork, and find joy in movement.

Why Sports Matter for Us?

Building Balance and Well-Being

At Ermitage, we believe balance is key to a healthy and successful education. Regular physical activity not only strengthens the body but also supports emotional well-being, helping students manage stress and stay energized. Sports provide a valuable outlet from the demands of academics, allowing students to recharge, refocus, and return to their studies with clarity and motivation. Whether through individual challenges or the joy of being part of a team, sports help our students cultivate lasting habits of health, balance, and confidence.

Supporting Academic Success Through Sports

Studies consistently show that active students perform better academically, and at Ermitage we see this connection every day. Physical activity stimulates concentration, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being: all of which directly support learning. Sports are not a distraction from academics, but a natural complement to them.

By staying active, students develop stronger time-management skills, greater discipline, and a healthier balance between work and play. Sports also boost energy and motivation, enabling young people to approach their studies with focus and enthusiasm. At Ermitage, we encourage every student to see sports as an ally in their academic journey, helping them reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.

Developing Life Skills: Teamwork, Leadership, and Resilience

On the field, in the gym, or on the athletics track, sports at Ermitage are more than physical exercise: they are a training ground for life. Students learn the value of teamwork, understanding how to communicate effectively, support one another, and work towards a common goal. They also gain opportunities to take on leadership roles, whether by captaining a team, motivating their peers, or setting an example through dedication and fair play.

Equally important, sports nurture resilience. Through victories and defeats, students discover how to handle challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. These lessons in perseverance build confidence and determination that carry over into academics, relationships, and future careers.

At Ermitage, we believe these life skills are just as essential as classroom learning. By engaging in sports, our students grow into balanced, capable, and confident individuals, ready to face whatever comes their way.

Sports Opportunities at Ermitage

Physical Education for All Student

Every student participates in regular physical education, ensuring that everyone benefits from movement, skill-building, and teamwork.

Sports for Leisure and Personal Growth

For students who want to play for fun, our wide range of extracurricular activities offers the chance to stay active, try new sports, and connect with peers in a relaxed environment.

Competitive Sports and Club Teams

For those who wish to compete, Clubs Teams, the Ermitage Mustangs as well as our Equestrian and Golf Programmes offer a pathway to develop skills, represent the school, and participate in local, national, and international competitions.

Join the Spirit of the Mustangs!

High School: Varsity boys and girls compete in the Round Square International tournament in Denmark, as well as local games in the Paris region.
Middle School: Our younger Mustangs take part in regional tournaments against local schools and clubs.

Our Sports Programmes

Fully integrated into the school schedule, our sports programmes combine academic excellence, personal growth, and athletic achievement. Our teaching and pastoral teams know each student personally and work closely with those enrolled in sports programmes to ensure they thrive both academically and athletically. Through individualised coaching and continuous support, students build confidence, progress at their own pace, and enjoy a balanced and enriching school experience.

Programme équestre
Programme de golf

Programme équestre

Our equestrian programmes offer students aged 11 to 18 the chance to combine their love of horses with academic excellence. They can practice a range of disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, and cross-country.

Known as the “City of the Horses”, Maisons-Laffitte boasts a rich equestrian heritage. Located in the heart of Maisons-Laffitte Park, the school provides an ideal setting for horse riding. The nearby Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest also offers an impressive 65 kilometres of well-maintained bridle paths.

Many Ermitage students choose horse riding as an extracurricular activity, benefiting from the school’s official partnerships with prestigious equestrian establishments.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EQUESTRIAN PROGRAMME

Programme de golf

Ermitage International School offers an outstanding golf programme at the Maisons-Laffitte Golf Club, just a few minutes from campus. Students train in high-quality facilities, including a covered driving range with Trackman technology, a 9-hole course, and dedicated short-game areas,and benefit from expert coaching from certified professionals.

Whether students are discovering golf for leisure or training at a competitive level, the programme is fully integrated into the school schedule. This approach ensures a strong balance between sports and academics, supported by individualised coaching and continuous progress throughout the year.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GOLF PROGRAMME

Sports & Wellness Opportunities

Ermitage offers a wide range of sports and wellness opportunities that complement our core sports programmes. Students can explore new disciplines, develop personal skills, and stay active in a supportive environment. Our programmes promote confidence, resilience, teamwork, and overall well-being, helping students thrive academically and socially.

Local Club Opportunities

Thanks to Maisons‑Laffitte’s rich sporting infrastructure, students can also join numerous local clubs and activities outside school hours, including:

Tennis, squash, padel, and pickleball at nearby clubs
Swimming and wellness at the local aquatic centre
Team sports: football, basketball, rugby, volleyball, handball
Equestrian activities, leveraging the city’s equestrian heritage Martial arts and indoor sports for skill development and personal growth

These local opportunities allow students to pursue their interests, discover new passions, and build friendships while staying physically active.

Outdoor Trips: Ski & Surf

Each year, students enjoy trips to the Alps with professional instruction. These experiences focus on skill development, confidence, and enjoyment of outdoor sports, without any competitive pressure. They offer memorable experiences that complement both the intramural and club-level programmes.

Melanie Doherty
Admissions IB

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