Tess Howard

Tess Howard joined The Perse in 2010 and quickly established herself as an outstanding hockey player. While at the School, she became the youngest top goal scorer in the National League for the 2016 season with Cambridge City Hockey Club. She progressed through the England age-group teams, captaining the U18 side and winning European Championship bronze medals at U18 and U21 level.

After achieving three A*s at A Level, Tess studied Geography at Durham University, where she continued to excel in hockey. She went on to establish herself as a regular England and Great Britain international, winning gold with England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and representing Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Alongside her sporting career, Tess has become a leading advocate for greater choice and inclusivity in sportswear. Her university research explored how sports kit can affect girls’ participation in sport, helping drive changes to hockey regulations in England and internationally so that female players could choose between shorts and skorts. In recognition of her work, she won the Changemaker Award at the 2023 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards and was appointed an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours for services to inclusive sportswear for women and girls.

Through her sporting achievements and advocacy, Tess continues to make a difference both on and off the pitch.