Seaford College Leads 2026 SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy

The 2026 SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy has commenced, drawing over 150 teams for the annual competition held throughout the autumn term. Seaford College, based in Petworth, has established an early lead, marking the first time in the trophy's 13-year history that the Sussex school has topped the standings.

Seaford College has remained undefeated in their initial three matches. They secured victories against RGS High Wycombe (28-24), Hurstpierpoint (41-10), and St Joseph’s of Ipswich (24-12). Their upcoming fixture is a challenging away game against defending champions Northampton School for Boys (NSFB), who narrowly defeated Seaford in a previous encounter.

Christian Head, Seaford's director of sport, anticipates the match against NSFB as a critical benchmark for their season. Seaford's team, captained by back-rower Tom Read, includes players associated with the Harlequins and Bath academies. The team played their match against St Joseph’s on the artificial surface at Ealing Trailfinders, where former head of rugby Sean Thomson is now affiliated with the club's academy.

Northampton School for Boys is rebuilding after their successful 2025 season, where they achieved nine wins from twelve matches to become the first state school to win the national title. Mill Hill School delivered a notable performance by defeating NSFB with a score of 51-35. This victory was highlighted by wing Malakai Morgan's three tries and two from captain Olly Barribell. Mill Hill has since defeated Lord’s Wandsworth College 54-5 and Uppingham 12-7. The school is linked with Premiership club Saracens, which has contributed to developing professional players like England flyer Noah Caluori.

Several players from last season's NSFB squad are now part of the Northampton Saints system. Among them is title-winning captain Hugh Shields, who was recently included in the match squad for a friendly against Georgian team Black Lion.

In other matches, Brighton College achieved a close 20-19 victory over Cranleigh in a game played in memory of former teacher Peter Bellinger, who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2022. This fixture also served as a fundraiser for MND research, raising approximately £17,000.

Brighton College secured their win with a late penalty by Max Taberner, after Cranleigh had led 12-10 at halftime. Brighton's center, Rio Bennett, is a player to watch and is part of England's under-18 squad. Whitgift School, led by lock Marcus Grisdale, has won two of its three matches, including a 27-26 victory over Wellington College, marking their first win against the former champions in ten years. Sir Thomas Rich’s (STR), affiliated with the Gloucester academy, has also performed well, with full-back Dan Scott scoring two tries in their 18-17 win against King’s Worcester. This win followed a close loss to Bromsgrove.