Video: World Cup Fever Sweeps Through Harold Hill School As Football Inspires Pupils On And Off The Pitch.

A school in Harold Hill is fully embracing the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with football fever taking over classrooms, corridors and the wider school community.

Drapers’ Pyrgo Priory School has thrown itself into the spirit of the world’s biggest sporting event, transforming the school with colourful national flags and giving every class a team to follow throughout the tournament.

To add to the excitement, each class selected a random envelope containing a national team, creating plenty of friendly competition and giving pupils a unique connection to the World Cup as the tournament unfolds.

The celebrations are the latest chapter in what has already been a hugely successful year for football at the school.

Earlier this year, Drapers’ Pyrgo Priory launched the highly successful Pyrgo Priory Football Academy (PPFA) under the leadership of the school’s dedicated Sports Coach, Mr Bradley Chapman.

The academy was created to give young people greater opportunities to develop their footballing ability, confidence and teamwork skills, while encouraging a lifelong love of sport.

In March, the PPFA hosted its first-ever football tournament, welcoming local schools to compete for the trophy.

The event proved to be a tremendous success, bringing together young players from across the area to enjoy competitive sport, showcase their talents and build new friendships.

The tournament reflected everything that school sport should be about—participation, teamwork, enjoyment and community spirit.

Looking ahead, the school has ambitious plans for the future.

Staff are committed to growing the Pyrgo Priory Football Academy and expanding the annual tournament, with hopes of welcoming even more schools in the years to come.

The aim is simple: to create more opportunities for young people to develop their football skills, build confidence, forge lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories through sport.

With World Cup fever sweeping through the school, football is continuing to play a major role in inspiring pupils both on and off the pitch.

But perhaps what deserves the greatest praise is the enthusiasm and commitment shown by staff.

Creating opportunities such as these takes time, energy and dedication, and the team at Drapers’ Pyrgo Priory School continue to go above and beyond to provide enriching experiences for their pupils.

Whether decorating corridors, organising competitions or developing new sporting opportunities, their passion for helping young people thrive shines through.

The Havering Daily would like to congratulate everyone involved at Drapers’ Pyrgo Priory School.

From the staff and volunteers to Mr Chapman and the young footballers themselves, the school is showing how sport can bring people together, inspire ambition and create a real sense of community.

As the World Cup captures the imagination of millions around the globe, one thing is certain—football fever is alive and well in Harold Hill.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.