Rugby

All pupils take part in Rugby during games and those selected for the squads train out of lesson time, playing regular matches both midweek and at weekends. Pupils gain County and regional honours. The season starts in earnest with pre-season training. Tours take place both within the UK and overseas, most recently South America.

Hockey

Hockey is the main team sport of the Hilary term. The fixture list is full and challenging. It offers pupils at all levels the opportunity to compete against traditional local rivals and strong school sides further afield. Pupils are expected to train two or three times a week to prepare for weekend and midweek fixtures. The recent introduction of the exciting indoor game during the Michaelmas term provides an opportunity for pupils to perfect their skills under the high intensity of the indoor environment before the outdoor season. With many pupils gaining county and divisional honours, the strength of MCS hockey is growing on an annual basis.

Cricket

The school's major summer sport is cricket. This takes place both in games lessons and training sessions after school. Fixtures for the twelve teams take place both during the week and at weekends and give many pupils the chance to represent the school. Many pupils gain county honours and compete in the county cup, with the U13s and U15s both progressing to the National Stages of the competition in 2009.

Tennis

Due to the excellent facilities (24 grass courts and 11 hard courts), and the dedication of both players and coaches, tennis is a thriving sport. All pupils get the chance to play in the Trinity Term, either just for recreation or in one of the many school tennis squads. U13, U14, U15 and senior teams play a strong fixture list, including Eton, Abingdon, Cheltenham, Shrewsbury and Rugby. Winter coaching is available for selected players.

Athletics

All pupils take part in a full programme of athletics in PE lessons, culminating in an inter-house Sports' Day. School teams are run at U13, U15 and U17 level. The school enters the Achilles Relays, Radley Meets and the City Schools' Competition. Athletes regularly represent the Oxford City team and the county.

Sailing

Sailing takes place at Farmoor reservoir, just outside Oxford. MCS Sailing Club provides training and certification using the internationally recognised RYA syllabus, teaching sailors from the level of total beginner to competent fleet racer. The School owns part of a flight of Fireflies, a race-ready 420 and a flight of Laser lls, and is lucky to have the use of Toppers, picos, Vagos and other boats belonging to Oxford Schools Sailing Association. Alongside recreational sailing and fleet racing we teach team racing in the U4th and above; for the last two years MCS has held the National Schools Team Racing Trophy.

Rowing

Rowing takes place on the Isis, which is accessed via the Cherwell river surrounding our playing fields. Pupils row in Games time, at lunch times, after school and at weekends.

In the autumn and winter months MCS oarsmen compete against other schools and clubs in 'head of the river' races, timed processional races of 2 - 4 miles. The summer is given to regattas.

Rowing is very popular. MCS pupils relish the excitement of competition, the satisfaction of physical fitness, and the exhilaration of moving at speed over the water. MCS pupil Simon Steele recently represented Great Britain.

Badminton

All pupils interested may take part whatever their level of expertise. All equipment is provided, although players are welcome to use their own racquets. Fixtures against other schools take place at U14, U16 and U19 levels, and there are sessions with external, as well as internal, coaches.

Chess

Magdalen College School has an enviable reputation in chess. Currently holding four national titles, pupils from the age of eight to eighteen play in tournaments all over the country at local, regional and national levels. 

Coaching is available for any pupil who wishes it: older pupils are coached by Grand Master Peter Wells. The club plays in the local adult chess league as well as the Oxon Schools League. Many friendly matches are also played.