Scholarships and Awards Cricket 2024

Cricket Scholarships and Awards 2024

Contents About Berkhamsted School

Berkhamsted School is one of Britain’s leading independent Schools, with over 475 years of history and tradition. It is a Day and Boarding School for boys and girls. We aim to create an environment in which all pupils are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Our approach draws on the best of modern teaching methods, yet we retain traditional values and standards.

Academic achievement and effort is of great importance but we emphasise the vital role played by other activities such as sport, art, drama, music and outdoor adventure in giving our pupils a broad educational experience.

It is situated in the historic town of Berkhamsted, a prosperous community surrounded by Chiltern countryside, and within easy reach of London (just 30min by direct train to Euston). Our Patron is Her Majesty The Queen.

SCHOOL STRUCTURE

Berkhamsted School has a ‘diamond’ structure that combines both single-sex and co-educational teaching. Boys and girls are taught together until the age of 11 (Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Berkhamsted Prep), separately from 11 - 16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form (Berkhamsted Sixth).

The structure is a real strength of Berkhamsted. In the senior School, girls and boys are taught separately on different sites, but share in academic trips and visits and in many co-curricular activities, including the chamber choir, orchestras, drama, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Combined Cadet Force. At Berkhamsted, boys and girls are able to maintain an appropriate level of social contact that means it is possible to develop friendships with their peers across both parts of the senior School.

Berkhamsted Cricket

Cricket is played during the Trinity term and is enjoyed by a large number of pupils, with the school able to field up to 17 boys teams (1st XI – 3rd XI, U15A-C, U14A-D, U13A-D and U12A-D) and 11 girls teams (1st XI, U15A, U14A, U13A-D and U12A-D) during mid-week and weekend fixtures. The School aims to provide a cricketing experience to all of its pupils, across a range of abilities, as well as competitive fixtures to any students who wish to represent the School.

Cricket is at the heart of the summer curriculum with pupils at the Preparatory School (Years 3-6) and Senior School (Years 7-10) participating in cricket in their Physical Education lessons, games afternoons and during competitive fixtures. The senior cricket programme (1st XI – 3rd XI) combines Years 11-13 with training sessions and matches taking place on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons in addition to Saturday fixtures. The School’s experienced cricket staff include ECB Level 3 coaches, former professional players, experienced league players and numerous cricketing enthusiasts. All are led and supported by the Head of Cricket, PE Department and Bucks Cricket Board coaches in delivering to pupils of all ages and abilities.

The School’s fixture card is extremely strong and allows the students to test themselves against the top Schools in the area, including Bedford School,Merchant Taylors’, Haberdashers’, Abingdon School and Stowe. The fixtures allow pupils to experience a range of playing formats with T20, 30 and 40 over cricket played throughout the School as well as the 1st XI weekly limited overs (40/50 overs)

matches and two-day fixtures later in the summer. Pupils also participate in the very popular Inter-House 6-a-side competitions that run annually.

The school season concludes with the much anticipated annual cricket week at the end of the Trinity term, when over 130 matches are played in seven days! A range of formats are played including: 6-a-side tournaments against local opponents for U11s (Boys & Girls), U13 (Girls) & U15 (Boys), a 1st XI 2-day fixture, a 1st XI T20 tournament with three high calibre opponents. The week culminates with the much anticipated fixture against the MCC which is held in front of the whole school as we celebrate achievements in our end of year Prize Day.

FACILITIES

Berkhamsted has some of the best cricket facilities in the area with eight grass squares across three sets of playing fields. The cricket facilities are maintained by an experienced and skilled team of six grounds staff. The showcase ground is the beautiful 1st XI pitch at Chesham Road, a facility which has recently been transformed by the addition of the David Case Pavilion with sensational views of the fields from the balcony. There is also a 5 -lane artificial net complex, 3 high quality grass nets and a fantastic indoor facility for the winter training programme.

TOURS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Berkhamsted cricket teams embark on a major overseas tour every three years, in 2019 we travelled to Sri Lanka and in Easter 2023 we are off to India with 2 squads (Senior and U15).These trips are undoubtedly one of the most memorable sporting experiences of the students’ time at the School and the opportunity to play cricket in challenging sub-continent conditions whilst immersing themselves in the cricket and local culture of this beautiful island.The 2019 trip included matches for each squad at the Pallekele International Stadium, the new test ground in Kandy which had hosted the England Team only months before.There were also day trips to Elephant Orphanages, wonderful hotels, the very best of Sri Lankan hospitality and an excellent standard of cricket wherever you travelled in this cricket mad island.

“The highlight of my experience at Berkhamsted has been the opportunities I have had to further my experience as a cricketer. In Year 12 the School went out to Sri Lanka on tour and with this being just prior to the start of the season and was perfect timing. On the tour not only did I get to know the players in the team much better but I also got to play at some incredible grounds, the main highlight being a one-day game at the Pallekele International Stadium.”

Sports Scholarship Programme

Scholarship Curriculum and Mentoring

Successful candidates will be involved in a scholarship curriculum which includes an individual mentor who will meet with the scholar regularly and support them throughout the year. Scholars are also required to attend termly scholarship seminars/webinars with guests speakers who will deliver session on topics relevant to their sporting programmes. There will also be the opportunity for the senior scholars to do some mentoring of their own whilst working with younger age groups squads both in the off season and during the season. Each scholar will receive a progress report at the end of the academic year and a review of scholarships will take place at the end of Year 8 and Year 11.

Scholar Support

One of the most important aspects of being a sports scholar is being able to combine the demands of their sporting programme with their academic studies. This is even more important for cricket scholars who must contend with public examinations during their season. Scholars occasionally require some additional support to manage their workload and schedules and this is facilitated through the following:

1. Scholarship Mentor - scholars have access to a mentor throughout their time at the School who are there to support them with managing their sporting and academic commitments as well as setting and monitoring targets. Mentors and scholars will meet regularly.

Scholars Weekly Schedule

Each cricket scholar will work closely with the Head of Cricket and need to show excellent determination and organisation skills due to significant training and academic commitments throughout the year and the challenge of balancing preparing for external examinations and performing at a high level during the summer term.

During the off season (Michaelmas & Lent terms) cricket scholars are expected to commit to a busy weekly schedule to include an after-School session with School and Bucks CB, at least a 1 to 1 session and, for pupils in Years 9-13, two strength & conditioning sessions a week. During the cricket season scholars will continue with their 1 to 1, strength & conditioning sessions but also have two timetabled cricket sessions and a minimum of one fixture a week (often two). All sessions are playercentred with the aim of improving their technical, mental and physical approach to their overall performance. The School also actively encourages successful candidates to participate in other sports.

2. Physiotherapist – the School physiotherapist runs a weekly clinic and works closely with the Athletic Development coaches to design and implement suitable programmes for the sports scholars and elite athletes as well delivering required treatments and rehabilitation.

3. Athletic Development – Berkhamsted has two full time Athletic Development Coaches who provide all our elite sportsmen and women with Strength & Conditioning programmes. Athletic Development has become and integral part of the Berkhamsted sports programmes and it is imbedded within all our teaching so that students.

4. Tutor & Head of House – every pupil at Berkhamsted will have a tutor and House master who oversees their pastoral care and academic progress. These key members of staff will also liaise with the scholars’ mentor when required.

5. Boarding House Master – a range of residential boarding opportunities (full, weekly, flexi) are available at Berkhamsted and a number of our senior scholars have chosen to board with us. The boarding staff are experienced in working with understanding the needs of pupils on sports scholarships.

6. Learning Support - the learning support team offer study skills support and extra academic support on a 1 to 1 basis to those who require additional help with any academic studies. This has proven to be invaluable for some pupils who have found the transition between Schools a challenge.

7. School Counselling – the team of counsellors offer additional support to all pupils whenever required.

Partnership - Buckinghamshire Cricket Board

Berkhamsted School is extremely proud to be in partnership with Buckinghamshire Cricket Board to help develop the cricketing talent in the local area and currently has 24 boys and girls in the Bucks CB squads.This partnership allows a clear dialogue to take place between the County and the School to make sure both parties are working in the same direction to deliver the best possible outcome for the player. In recent years this relationship has evolved and is now firmly embedded in all that happens with Berkhamsted Cricket. During the winter, the School hosts a weekly EPP indoor session run by both Bucks CB and Berkhamsted School coaches. Jason Rance (Bucks Cricket Board Head Coach) runs weekly 1 to 1 sessions with selected Berkhamsted students who are on the EPP pathway, this allows our students access

to top class coaching from county coaches without having to travel. The partnership continues in the summer term as Bucks CB coaches help to deliver the cricket programme across the School, including our girls and Preparatory School programmes.

Berkhamsted’s fantastic facilities host a number of Bucks matches throughout the summer which include a number of county fixtures as well as an internal trial/fixture day with nearly 200 Bucks boys and girls playing cricket on Chesham Road playing fields. The School and County also have several annual fixtures against one another during the season for both the boys’ and girls’ teams.The highlight is the 1st XI match against Buckinghamshire U17s, a fixture that always proves to be a tight contest.

Scholarship Case Studies

Scott Rolfe - 1st XI Cricket Captain and 1st XI Football

Scott joined the School in Year 9 on a sports scholarship and has represented the Cricket 1st XI for four seasons (Captain for 2 years) and 1st XI Football. Scott has also been an integral part of the Bucks CB U17s & Academy squads in recent years. He is studying Economics, Geography & Psychology and hopes to study Law & Politics at Cardiff University whilst pursuing his cricket and a place in the MCCU set up.

It was the best choice of my life, haven’t regretted a single moment and it has set me up for the future. I will certainly recommend Berkhamsted to anyone, I cannot speak highly enough how it has developed me as a cricketer and all-round individual.

‘I have had 2 incredible tours to Sri Lanka, which I will treasure forever and would have been otherwise unable to experience.

“

They have been the best years of my life and the memories and friends I have created through sport will last a lifetime. I have learnt valuable leadership skills and the team ethos has been brilliant.’

”

Ben Adshead - 1st XI Cricket and 1st XI Football

Ben joined the School in Year 12 on a sports scholarship and has represented the School at both 1st XI Cricket and 1st XI Football. Ben represented Bucks CB U17 in 2019. He has done this whilst studying 3 A levels (Economics, Maths & Physical Education) and hopes to study Sport Science at Leeds University next year.

“Initially what stood out about Berkhamsted was the effort that staff made to show me the School and the facilities available to a cricket scholar.’

The scholarship trial day was really useful for me as I was introduced to Mr Walker (Head of Sixth) and got the opportunity to train alongside the current Berkhamsted 1st XI, who were all extremely welcoming.

The coaching I received at Berkhamsted was nothing short of exceptional.

Coming from a School where I was the only player in my year who owned a set of whites, I never imagined being able to play competitive cricket with my School friends. At Berkhamsted, I have been able to do that and I can confidently say that it is the most I have enjoyed training and playing with a team in my life.”

Ben Harris - 1st XI Cricket Captain and 1st XV Rugby

Ben joined the School in Year 12 on a Sports & Science scholarship and has represented the School at both 1st XI Cricket and 1st XV Rugby. Ben represented Bucks CB U17 and Bucks County Rugby U18 in 2019. Ben was awarded the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship whilst at the School and has done all of this whilst studying 3 A levels (Maths, Physics & Chemistry). He plans on studying Chemical Engineering at Nottingham University next year.

“

‘I had a range of options and attended a Berkhamsted Open Day without any previous preferences on which School to choose. Immediately after my first conversation with the sports staff I was excited by the number of unique opportunities including fixtures against top Schools and a tour to Sri Lanka.’

The best part of the cricket scholarship opportunities are the weekly 1 to 1 coaching sessions with Mr Campbell which I had never had before and helped improve my batting a lot by focusing on certain technical aspects.

One of the big challenges with being a cricket scholar is there are a lot of cricket commitments around exams and the university application process.The School also take these very seriously which is good because they help you plan your time around both the sporting opportunities and academic commitments.

Sports Scholarship

Who can apply?

Sports Scholarships are awarded to pupils in recognition of sporting excellence, talent, and future potential. Pupils must have attained the entrance criteria for the School. Pupils who are in Year 11 at Berkhamsted are not eligible to apply for a scholarship for Berkhamsted Sixth.

How do I apply?

Registered pupils should complete the relevant application form which can be downloaded from the School website, and provide any additional information requested. The pupil is expected to have representative experience or its equivalent at county level or above and provide evidence of commitment to school sport. The Director of Sport will invite successful pupils for an assessment day. Pupils are assessed on the basis of their Sport CV and a practical assessment. In addition, there will be a panel interview, which will include the Director of Sport.

Can I apply for a Bursary?

Additional means tested funding is available to raise the value of the award, which needs to be identified on application, however is only awarded in conjunction with a Scholarship. If you would like to have a discussion about scholarship offers and financial support, please do contact George Campbell (Head or Cricket) at GCampbell@berkhamsted.com.

What we expect of a Sports Scholar

Award holders should be ambassadors for Sport who will make a full contribution to the sporting life of the School throughout their time in the School.

Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the pupil’s time in the School. Scholars are mentored throughout the duration of their scholarship and parents and scholars will receive regular updates on their progress. Scholarships are reviewed annually by the Director of Sport. If it becomes apparent that the pupil to whom an award was made is not meeting expectations in terms of performance, progress, attitude and conduct or is not making a significant contribution to Sport in the School their scholarship may be withdrawn.

Age Title Method of Assessment Indicators of Suitability

11+ The Sports Scholarship

• Interview with the Director of Sport

• Portfolio of sporting achievements

• Practical Assessment

13+ The Sports Scholarship

• Interview with the Director of Sport

• Portfolio of sporting achievements

• Practical Assessment

16+ The Sports Scholarship

• Interview with the Director of Sport

• Portfolio of sporting achievements

At least county representation or equivalent standard in one of the School’s main representative sports.

At least county representation or equivalent standard in one of the School’s main representative sports.

At least county representation or equivalent standard in one of the School’s main representative sports.

* Berkhamsted School’s main representative sports are Cricket, Football, Lacrosse, Netball & Rugby

Sports Scholarship Dates

Deadline

For entry into Year 7 2024 and 9 2025, the scholarship application deadline is Monday 9 October 2023.

Pupils must also be registered by Wednesday 27 September 2023 in order to apply for a scholarship. Registration takes place by completing our online registration form, and paying a registration fee.

For entry into Year 12, the scholarship application deadline for 2024 entry is Monday 6 November 2023. Pupils must also be registered for Sixth Form entry at the same time.

Dates

Monday 13 November Year 7 2024 Entry

Monday 20 November Year 9 2025 Entry

Week commencing 20 November Year 12 2024 Entry

Incent Awards

Incent Awards are offered to high calibre talented pupils from financially or socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

1. They are awarded to enable talented pupils who would not otherwise be able to attend Berkhamsted, to afford to do so.

2. Pupils must demonstrate academic potential or have a particular talent(s) or skill(s) so that they will make a significant contribution to some area of School life. The pupil must clearly demonstrate the potential to reach scholarship level in whichever talent or skill is being assessed - by being awarded a scholarship in one of the following areas: Science, Academic, Art, Drama, Music or Sport - to be considered for an Incent Award. The Peter Gibbs Science Scholarship falls under this category.

3. The Award shall be up to 100% of the tuition fees, and, where appropriate, may also include financial assistance for the following areas:

• School uniform and sports kit

• Travel to and from school

• School trips and expeditions

• Extra lessons e.g. Music, Drama etc. if applicable.

• Any financial assistance with the above is subject to approval by the Vice Principal

While most applications for Incent Awards will be received from pupils who are presently in maintained sector schools, Berkhamsted does work with a number of feeder schools in the independent sector who offer awards on a similar basis and therefore will consider applications from pupils who are presently in receipt of means-tested awards of this nature.

Incent Awards are given for the duration of the pupil’s time in the School. However, Incent Awards may be withdrawn if it becomes apparent that the pupil to whom an award was made is not making the most of the opportunities available to him or her.

Age Title Method of Assessment

9+ The Incent Awards

• Interview

• Qualification by Entrance Assessment

• Scholarship assessments in relevant area (Academic, Music)

11+ The Incent Awards

• Interview

• Qualification by Entrance Assessment

• Scholarship assessments in relevant area (Academic, Music, Drama, Art, Sport)

13+ The Incent Awards

• Interview

• Qualification by Entrance Assessment

• Scholarship assessments in relevant area (Academic, Music, Drama, Sport)

16+ The Incent Awards

• Interview

• Scholarship assessments in relevant area (Academic, Music, Science, Drama, Art, Sport)

How to apply

If you would like to apply for any of our Scholarships, please submit the relevant application form (available on the website) together with the supporting information requested by the deadline which is published on the website.

Pupils must be registered for entry into the school, before the relevant deadline, in order to apply for a scholarship. Registration takes place by completing a registration form, and paying a registration fee.

In case of financial need, the value of Scholarships may be increased by the award of additional means-tested funding. Parents interested in applying for such funding should tick the required box on the Scholarship Application Form. We will then be in contact regarding the completion of a confidential statement of financial circumstances for consideration.

Scholarship enquiries

All enquiries related to Scholarships and Awards, requests for application forms and applications for additional funding should be directed in the first instance to the Admissions Department on the following contact details:

Telephone: 01442 358001

E-mail: admissions@berkhamsted.com