The Cricketer Schools Guide 2021 by The Cricketer

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

FEATURING THE TOP 100 SENIOR, TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS AND TOP 50 JUNIOR & PREP SCHOOLS

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SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021 CONTENTS 4

The Cricketer schools’ coverage

Nottingham Academy

Katchet competition

Durant Cricket

Woodstock Cricket

Mansfield Sports Group

Cricketer Jobs

Top 100 secondary schools

Top 20 all-girls schools

115

Top 50 junior/prep schools

147

Highly commended

148

Index

STAFF Editor Simon Hughes Managing editor Huw Turbervill Assistant editor James Coyne Art director Geoff Barton Proof reader Richard Hobson Finance and subscriptions manager Chris Smith Commercial director Jim Hindson Digital editor Sam Morshead Digital journalist Nick Friend Digital journalist Nick Howson Social media editor Owen Riley Commercial executive Ed Krarup Customer service executive Thomas Blow Editorial intern Ollie Thorpe Inclusion in the guide: every year we invite schools across the country to submit their entries. Having collated the entries the judging panel scrutinises the schools against a number of criteria including facilities, fixture programmes and coaching set-up to determine which should be included in the top 100 senior schools, top 20 all-girls schools and top 50 prep and junior schools. We can, of course, only include the schools who submit an entry – so if you believe your school is worthy of consideration please do make sure you submit via www.thecricketer.com/schoolsguide or by emailing us at magazine@thecricketer.com

TO SUBSCRIBE or for any subscription enquiries call 0203 198 1359 On the cover: Worksop College, Wimbledon High School, Warwick School, Bede’s School/Eastbourne College. Photos: Sam Bowles/Paul Carroll/Andy Saywell

Girls’ cricket on the march in schools Hello and welcome to the 2021 issue of The Cricketer Schools Guide, your definitive list of the best schools for cricket in the UK. You should be proud if your school is in it – there’s a lot of competition and jockeying for inclusion. I am a big fan of schools cricket. I love the passion and spontaneity and unpredictability. I am more nervous watching my own kids play than I ever was when I was playing in games myself, even cup finals! I also think schools cricket is really important. In this weird, often anarchic world, it teaches important lessons about preparation, teamwork, camaraderie and fairness. I am thinking, for instance, of the way the players warm up together, of the way the staff encourage the players to put out the boundary markers and help with the covers and sightscreens, of the way they support each other in the field, and have a debrief afterwards and invite the opposition in for tea afterwards, though of course that has not been possible this Covid-disrupted year. There has been a massive advance in girls’ cricket in schools and I really liked my daughter Nancy’s explanation for why it’s a great game for girls. She said it takes longer and its less intense than popular girls’ sports like hockey or netball so you get the opportunity to really talk and get to know your team-mates and make new friends. She actually played in the boys teams throughout her school career and it was a brilliant example of gender integration which benefitted both sexes. What other team sport can achieve that? With this in mind, you will notice that for the first time we have included the top 20 all-girls schools for cricket. This list was compiled alongside Lydia Greenway and her Cricket For Girls coaching initiative and

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Supporters of The Cricketer Schools Guide Durant Cricket are one of the country’s leading suppliers of cricket ground equipment to cricket clubs, professional counties and schools across the country. We have enjoyed a long and distinguished

celebrates the efforts but also acknowledges the different challenges that girls’ schools face compared to their mixed or single-sex counterparts. Schools cricket also teaches discipline and respect. I’ll give you a personal example. When I was batting in a schools match, I was on about 30 and I spotted that there were three men behind square on the legside. I knew the Laws only allowed two so next ball I went down the wicket had a big wahoo and was bowled. The opponents all congratulated the bowler but I pointed out the three fielders behind square and told the umpire, a teacher from the opposing school, it was a no-ball so therefore I wasn’t out. “Yes you are, you have been bowled!” said the umpire, “now off you go you cocky little ---” and the opponents jeered at me. It was embarrassing and I had no option but to leave the scene. It was an important lesson. It taught me that however unjust the decision to accept it with good grace. The umpire’s decision is final. I never ever contested an umpire’s decision again – even a plumb lbw off my bowling given not out (no DRS in those days). That level of respect makes us all better human beings and we should always remember that umpiring is tough and tiring and a really important part of the game. Well done to all of you for your inclusion in this guide and also for managing to keep cricket going in the difficult summer of 2020. Onwards and upwards!

SIMON HUGHES Editor @theanalyst

relationship with The Cricketer and are proud to support the magazine’s fantastic coverage of schools cricket. We would like to congratulate all of the schools who are featured in this prestigious guide. From everybody involved in our game we thank all schools for their dedication to keeping the game alive in the most difficult of circumstances this year. This commitment has ensured our game will bounce back stronger than ever next summer. Cristian Durant, Managing Director Durant Cricket thecricketer.com | 3

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

The summer that nearly never was T

ABOVE MCC faced Worksop College in September

4 | thecricketer.com

he circumstances that plunged our game into near catastrophe need no further introduction but what should be shouted for all to hear is how the cricket community picked itself up, adapted to the new way of life and got the game back on. When schools broke up in July for the summer holidays, cricket was still pinned to the canvas by government guidelines and regulations. However, schools cricket got back on its feet in the autumn. The pre-Christmas term saw schools play cricket matches in this period for the first time ever. MCC travelled the length of the country to play fixtures while schools wishing to adhere to internal bubbles ensured pupils maintain their passion for the game, even if they were not competing against other schools. But let’s go back to the start of the summer term. The Met Office reported the sunniest April the UK had ever seen yet the classrooms were empty and the playing fields silent. This is where the

commitment, enthusiasm and creativity of schools flourished. Almost all schools ensured cricket remained part of the curriculum at home, whether this be throwing a tennis ball against a wall, bowling to a target in the garden or just analysing footage of famous matches. Eastbourne College director of cricket Rob Ferley even created his own app, P3 (standing for: Preview, Prepare, Perform), which helped pupils improve their decision making. St Peter’s School, York replicated matchdays with Dice Cricket, a pupil-led initiative, and South Gloucestershire & Stroud College invited former pupils James Bracey, Chris Dent and Craig Miles to speak in virtual Q&As. James Taylor (Shrewsbury School) also returned to his old stomping ground to share his knowledge. Myerscough College in Manchester kept the competitive spirit alive by taking on Cheadle Hulme School virtually via a PlayStation cricket game. Actual player names made it feel as close as possible to a normal Saturday fixture. Off the pitch Marlborough

College raised £5,500 for NHS Charities Together, Cricket Without Boundaries and the Ruth Strauss Foundation through their Run 100 to Raise 100 initiative. The idea was devised by Ben Spink and developed with Rosie Pembroke (the boys and girls 1st XI captains) to unite all the school’s cricketers. Participants were required to run 22 yards 100 times in full batting equipment. Marlborough coach and ex-England and Gloucestershire allrounder Mark Alleyne completed his century in just under 12 minutes. The efforts made to promote cricket, teamwork and physical activity were fantastic to see in such an uncertain time for young people especially. Throughout this guide, schools have displayed focus on the mental wellbeing of their pupils. Without consistent physical interaction it can be so easy for pupils to slip under the radar and suffer alone and quietly. Opening Up Cricket was presented to the entire cricket community at Brighton Aldridge Community College to help provide structure and tools to maintain positive mental health through

SAM BOWLES/NATHAN STIRK/GETTY IMAGES

The Cricketer had its ear to the ground as schools navigated an unprecedented summer. Ed Krarup rounds up our 2020 schools cricket coverage

such a challenging period. The Canterbury Academy were also a fantastic example of simply encouraging conversation, with coaches regularly and informally checking in on players and players checking in on each other. With no summer term matches on which to report, The Cricketer’s schools coverage took a different angle, speaking to several current professionals and diving into their school experiences. Worcestershire’s Jack Haynes credited Mark Hardinges and Noel Brett with his development at Malvern College, while England Women’s spinner and Shenfield High School alumna Mady Villiers suggested: “If I went to a different school, I don’t think I would be playing cricket today. I don’t know what I would be doing but it wouldn’t be cricket.” Speaking to The Cricketer Villiers thanked the school’s director of sport Garry Sapsford for her success adding that, “the girls’ set up is brilliant thanks to Garry. It is so inclusive and he puts just as much emphasis for both the boys and the girls.” Malvern had a further impact on the magazine’s summer at The Cricketer Village Cup final at Lord’s. In the only non-professional game at the home of cricket this summer, Colwall, from Herefordshire, defeated Hertfordshire’s Redbourn by just six runs and five of the winning XI were directly linked to the college. This included both openers: Ollie Cox is a current pupil and Ben Cooke was in the same boarding house six years ago, while Richard Howitt is housemaster of that same boarding house. “Ollie has called me Sir or Mr Howitt for the whole summer. I did say to him when we’re at Lord’s you can call me Richard!” Howitt laughed. It was in these Schools Guide pages last year that The Cricketer picked out Eastbourne College’s Tawanda Muyeye as one to watch following his recordbreaking 2019 summer. He has since been named as the Wisden Almanack Schools Cricketer of the Year and has received worldwide praise from admirers that include

ABOVE Marlborough’s Run 100 to Raise 100 initiative BELOW Mady Villiers thanked Shenfield High School

Kevin Pietersen and Kumar Sangakkara. The batsman has an enormous future ahead of him. On the topic of the Almanack’s school award, The Cricketer investigated what has happened to previous winners who haven’t made such an impact in the first-class game. Will Vanderspar, winner in 2011 while at Eton College, spoke candidly saying he was left “distraught” when he learned he would not be offered a contract by Middlesex. “In my heart of hearts, did I really want to go for it? It’s hard. Trialling for two summers is miserable. It kills one’s love for the game quite quickly,” Vanderspar explained. Teddie Casterton became the first grammar school winner in 2018 for his exploits for RGS High Wycombe. “Thinking about the award before I got it, I was like: ‘These guys [Jonny Bairstow, James Taylor, Jos Buttler] have got it and they’ve gone on to play England cricket,’” Casterton said. “It kind of sets up that expectation that if you work hard enough, it gives you a step up above everyone else. It was a bit saddening that nothing really came from it.” It is not all bad, though. Casterton contributed his writing talents to The Cricketer this summer and has already published a collection of short stories. The Cricketer’s exploration into professional cricketers’ school stories carried on, as Glamorgan’s Billy Root reflected on his time at Worksop College where he “would often have a batting session instead of French lessons”, and Will Jacks talked through his memories of scoring 279 runs in 138 balls for St George’s College, Weybridge. Jacks has since established himself as one of the brightest short-form talents in the game after his performances with bat and ball

for Surrey in the T20 Blast. England bowler Freya Davies remembered her years at Brighton College, where she was an integral part of the boys’ teams and continued the school’s fine tradition of producing female cricketers, adding to a list that includes Sarah Taylor, Holly Colvin, Laura Marsh and Georgia Adams who set the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy alight this summer. The Cricketer learnt of Ben Charlesworth’s choice between tennis racquet and cricket bat, and his development while at St Edward’s School, Oxford. The Gloucestershire batsman’s bromance with Haynes was a lovely anecdote. The Cricketer checked in with Jason Gallian at Felsted, and the ex-England batsman’s plans for school sport post-Covid. And Luke Samarasinghe laid out the blueprint for how to run a successful state school programme, his work at Watford Grammar School for Boys leads the way in this field. Ben Gibbons, who turned Queen Mary’s Grammar School, a state school in Walsall, into a driving force, raised an interesting issue that faces many state schools and smaller independent schools. Speaking in his new role at Newcastle-under-Lyme School, Gibbons said: “One of the biggest challenges was that a lot of our talented players had left to attend other schools on scholarships.” However he believed multiple smaller scholarship offers should be combined so that one local student, for whom a 10 per cent scholarship would not be enough, can receive a full scholarship and access education and facilities. “As a department, we feel the scholarship system should be offered to those in the local district. There are a lot of talented sportspeople who don’t get access to the facilities a school like ours has.” Tom Eisenhuth, master in charge at Elizabeth College, Guernsey, provided an update to his school’s cricket activity that follows a very different structure to mainland counterparts. “We have teams from year nine upwards playing in the men’s divisions of Guernsey club cricket,” he explained. As a result of this the school has a significant influence on the island’s national side. thecricketer.com | 5

ABOVE Malvern housemaster Richard Howitt scoring a halfcentury in the Village Cup final RIGHT Berkhamsted were one of many schools to play September fixtures

6 | thecricketer.com

“Fourteen players from the Guernsey squad [when the island hosted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe final in 2019] were from the college. They were a variety of ages from teenagers to late 20s and 30s but we always have a couple of boys in the national squad while they are still at school.” Dean Headley and Gary Steer gave fascinating insight into why there aren’t more black coaches in private schools. “How can black coaches be fairly represented in schools when you think of the small number of African-Caribbean players in county cricket?” Headley, currently director of cricket at Stamford School, said. “Most of us coaches in independent schools are exprofessionals, so if county cricket is going through a dip in these players then schools will also see fewer black candidates looking for jobs. I think it’s hard when you talk about representation. If I left here, and only white people applied for my job what is the school meant to do?” Steer, director of cricket at Bedford School, agreed and reflected on his time in charge of the youth section at Warwickshire where he witnessed the same issue. “I worked there for 13 years before Bedford School and the only West Indian boy to go through the system was Recordo Gordon. It was similar when I was a player too, this has been an issue for a very long time. For some reason black boys aren’t seeing cricket as an avenue to go

down that they want to play or the routes into county cricket are not reaching out to black communities.” As September arrived pupils returned to schools and so did cricket. MCC played dozens of matches and The Cricketer were present at their fixture against Worksop College, with the school scrambling a single off the final ball of the match to win by one wicket. MCC head of cricket John Stephenson told The Cricketer of the club’s dedication to their school fixtures programme. “They are amazing days,” Stephenson said. “The games are played in the right spirit and are generally evenly balanced contests that are played on good pitches in beautiful surroundings. The playing membership love it. “We feel that sending good quality adult sides to cricketing schools is great for the development of young cricketers. We also try to demonstrate good conduct. Sometimes it may be a bit of a mismatch where you have to help coach a batsman through an innings but also when somebody is getting close to a hundred you really want them to do it. We do play hard but we play fair.” The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School were unable to play external fixtures but they did play franchise-based year-group fixtures to maintain a level of competition alongside training. Boys really bought into the idea, adopting franchise team names and a

conducting a player draft. The Cricketer covered Stowe School’s two-wicket victory over Berkhamsted School. After such an unusual summer, where there has been doubt over whether any upper-sixth cricketers would get to represent their school one more time before heading for pastures new, Berkhamsted and Stowe agreed to field players who had recently left their respective schools. Stowe fielded a side that would have been last summer’s 1st XI, while Berkhamsted’s XI was entirely made up of those to have recently left. Both schools enjoyed the opportunity to give their departing players a proper farewell. Elsewhere, King’s College, Taunton recorded a comfortable 66 run win against Clifton College. King’s captain Henry Smeed (brother of Somerset youngster Will) was the match-winner scoring 94 off only 60 deliveries. He was unselfishly assisted by James Rew who scored 90. Schools cricket has taken many forms in the unusual year that is 2020. But one thing has remained consistent, which is the dedication that our schools show to the game and the constant appetite within young people across the country to get outside and play. Next year schools cricket will come back with a bang, and for that all of us involved in the game must give thanks to school coaches, volunteers and teachers who have provided a cricket offering in the most difficult of circumstances.

AARON PARSONS

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

Keith Medlycott at Reedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School

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SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

Heroes of the Schools Guide

Cricket is now at the heart of Nottingham Academy Primary. Ed Krarup speaks to Andrew Staszkiewicz, the man responsible for this transformation

ans of cricket would consider Nottingham to be one of the sport’s main hubs. With Trent Bridge synonymous, cricket is seemingly accessible and in an ordinary summer rarely would a week go by without some Test, first-class or T20 action. But in Nottingham’s schools cricket needs an extra push, as it does in nearly every state institution across the country. Professional action on your doorstep just isn’t enough to inspire

the next generation. Nottingham Academy Primary have been mainstays of the Schools Guide’s top 50 junior schools since the new list was introduced to compliment the top 100 senior schools in the 2019 edition. The school’s PE department is led by Andrew Staszkiewicz, who early on identified cricket as a sport that can bring a lot of good to the school. “The school is part of the Nottingham School Sport Partnership and we have always entered a lot of events,” Staszkiewicz

explains. “But we weren’t particularly focused on any sport in particular. After a couple of years in the job finding my feet I spoke to the head, who is also passionate about sport, and we identified cricket as one to focus on.” Nottingham Academy has a significant number of South-Asian pupils and pupils had shown an informal interest in cricket. Here was a school where creating a more structured cricket programme made sense. This decision was taken five years

ABOVE Nottingham Academy LEFT Andrew Staszkiewicz RIGHT Anuj Dal of Derbyshire has given coaching sessions at the school

8 | thecricketer.com

ago and since then there has been an explosion of cricket at the school and the game has established itself as an integral part of not only the curriculum but also school life. “There is a group of children every single day playing cricket,” Staszkiewicz says. “We’re not blessed with space at all but there is an alleyway down the side of the building and there are always children playing.” Lack of space is one of the most common issues that city schools have to overcome when trying to introduce any sport, cricket especially. But such is the passion for the game at Nottingham Academy that they find a way. “The game they play in the alley looks like something they have

made up themselves. There is lots of appealing and lots of arguments over whether something was out or not out.” But it wasn’t always this way. While there was an appetite for the game, Staszkiewicz had to put in the initial work. “I had to do a lot of stuff personally at the start. So running clubs within the school, getting more equipment and entering all events that Nottinghamshire put on. They also came in to deliver sessions.” Staszkiewicz himself is a cricket man. He captains Caythorpe CC in the Nottinghamshire Premier League and has a degree in sports development.

He was once club team-mates with Derbyshire’s Anuj Dal, and the batsman has been to the school several times to deliver sessions. Staszkiewicz has also taken children to Derbyshire to see their set-up a few times in the hope they catch the bug and see just how far the game can take them. “We have also had Joe Ashdown in to do some coaching. He’s very good. He’s been coming in for two years and we have also had Chance to Shine in for the younger years. Cricket has become a part of what we do.” Pupils were falling in love with cricket, whether in the playground in a coaching session or on a school trip to a first-class ground. But this all requires funding, thecricketer.com | 9

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

ABOVE Nottingham Academy students had a training session with West Indies players

10 | thecricketer.com

and head teachers will be familiar with the headaches caused when trying to decide how to allocate budget. But at Nottingham Academy cricket was proving its worth. At the end of 2018, Nottingham Academy were selected as one of the top 50 junior schools for cricket in the country in this guide. The impact was charmingly positive. “The kids love seeing themselves in the Schools Guide. The first year we got in a lad called Devesh who was picked out as our best prospect and he was absolutely delighted. “He was showing everyone the magazine, talking about it over and over again, he absolutely loved it.” The recognition in this publication has been something of a springboard for cricket at the school, showing what can be done with enthusiasm and dedication. Staszkiewicz and his work has been

featured on East Midlands Today on BBC as well as local channel Notts TV. “The headmaster is fully on board now with any cricket we choose to do because he knows it is having an impact on the children. For a city school like us, who aren’t blessed with lots of money, Ashdown is a decent investment but the head and myself know that he will deliver a great standard and it will have an impact.” A portable net has now been installed in the playground meaning children can play safely. Space may be limited but the school are choosing to use that space for cricket, such is the development of the game at the school as opposed to investing in other sports. But that still doesn’t stop the children playing alley cricket as well. “The pupils learn a lot more by playing cricket together than perhaps football. There are a lot more conversations about teamwork. That group of children I was talking about earlier, it’s really quite nice to see them playing with each other now. “They do have the odd argument, but they have formulated a system of turn-taking, praising each other and talking to each other. I don’t think you would get that with other sports.” Staszkiewicz has overseen a lot of change at the school over the past eight years. But he reflects especially fondly on one summer’s day in 2019. “We were really lucky to have a session with the West Indies

World Cup squad at Trent Bridge. Loads of schools had the chance to apply to do that and we were lucky enough to be chosen for this amazing opportunity. I think we were chosen because we displayed how important cricket is to us as a school. “The West Indies players were phenomenal. They were answering all of our children’s questions, making them feel at ease but also having a lot of fun. “That’s probably the best day I’ve had as a teacher.” Unfortunately 2020 has not been as memorable and the difficulties of producing club cricketers from state schools have been exposed. “It’s improving [the number of children who are part of clubs] but I do feel it’s really difficult to bridge the gap between loving cricket in Year 6 and carrying on playing when they leave primary school.” Primary school cricket revolves around fun and involvement, but every reader of this publication will be all too aware of cricket’s harsh realities if you miss a straight one first up. A solution to this, however, is for schools like Nottingham Academy to develop links with clubs. Pupils will keep playing club cricket if their friends are too and Nottingham Academy’s links with Caythorpe are continuously growing. “Looking forward we want to play our first hard ball fixture as soon as possible. We’d love to play another school in this guide so we can take out children to a really good facility and give them a game.”

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SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

Keeping the game alive

O ABOVE AND RIGHT The new scoreboard, nets and artificial pitch at Orton Park

12 | thecricketer.com

rton Park CC in Peterborough are a strong cricket club. With three Saturday teams, a Sunday team, a women’s team and juniors from U9s to U15s there is no lack of cricketing appetite. The club have made great strides in the past few years but their facilities were unable to keep up with the club’s progression and demand to house more players.

Supporters of The Cricketer Schools Guide

During lockdown Orton Park invested in a new two bay netting system, as well as an artificial pitch and an electronic scoreboard. These new facilities, that were installed by Durant Cricket, have ensured that once cricket returned after lockdown, Orton Park were equipped to safely accommodate a packed summer schedule. Both clubs and schools are experiencing an influx of players just wanting to strap their pads

on. That is why it is so important that facilities are not only well-made and equipped to last, but are also safe and able to deal with hygiene regulations. “There used to be one old single lane net which was very tired and only just fit for purpose,” Orton Park chairman Mark Durham tells The Cricketer. “But to Durant Cricket’s credit, within a matter of weeks they managed to get the job done for

PHOTOS RICHARD PARKES

The Cricketer visits Orton Park CC in Peterborough to see how their new Durant Cricket facilities are helping them to expand the club and keep all players and members safe

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE the start of the season. What we’ve got now has made a huge impact, especially for the juniors, but for all those involved with the club.” The new two-lane facility ideally suits any club or school, with a fully-enclosed permanent structure and full run-ups. The white netting at the back is a smart touch to replicate a sightscreen. The difference now is that Orton Park can host significantly more players in their two nets and comply with social distancing. The 19-digit electronic scoreboard is not only smartlooking and far more visible than its ‘nail and slate’ predecessor but it too helps maintain social distancing and hygiene measures. Had Orton Park not invested in a scoreboard that can be remotely controlled they would have had to sanitise all the numbered slates after each use. Now nobody has to go near the scoreboard unnecessarily. Cricketing benefits include instant score updates directly from the scorer, rather than Chinese whispers at the end of each over between the scorer and whoever is nearest the scoreboard. Durant have also installed an artificial wicket on the square. “All our junior games are played on the artificial,” Durham continues. “We have a midweek adults team using it as well every Thursday, plus training on a Friday so it gets a fair bit of peppering. But it feels like you’re playing on a brand new wicket.

“This is perfect. I think they’re great for kids to learn on because not everyone has a good grass wicket. At times you can get out to a real grubber on grass but you don’t get that at all on our artificial” MARK DURHAM,

ORTON PARK CHAIRMAN

“They’re much better now than when they first came out. They uses to be a concrete slab with a bit of green carpet so lads bowling 60 could get it round your ears. “But this is perfect. I think they’re great for kids to learn on because not everyone has a good grass wicket. At times you can get out to a real grubber on grass but you don’t get that at all on our artificial. “Clubs that don’t have artificial pitches tend to put their kids right on the edge of the square where it’s not so well looked-after.” Nothing can put a junior off the game more than a delivery that doesn’t rise and unfairly gets them out. But the new artificial wicket is as true as they come and it is these small differences that keep juniors loving the game. “Every club should install an artificial pitch. They make life much easier for the groundsman,

especially as every age group has their own wicket length now. On grass, once the wicket has been made for one age group no others can use it, but on an artificial you can spray all the different lines in different colours and be ready to go. “They’re not that expensive for the amount of use you get out of them. In the week, more often than not, there is play on the artificial every day Monday to Friday.” Not only have the new facilities helped Orton Park handle Covid restrictions – that may indeed be in place in some form next summer – but they have also enabled the Peterborough club to expand, allowing more teams and juniors to play the game safely. “Durant are always who we prefer to use. Their reputation and quality speaks volumes.”

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Supporting every step The Cricketer speaks to Worcestershire captain JOE LEACH about his rise from Shrewsbury School to the first-class game, and how Woodstock Cricket helped him along the way

oodstock Cricket are delighted to be supporting The Cricketer Schools Guide, having taken great pride in providing young players with the very best support, advice and of course, the finest quality handcrafted cricket bats and equipment. Players that include the likes of Worcestershire captain Joe Leach, who looks back on his long relationship with Woodstock, and his time at Shrewsbury School, with a great sense of gratitude. Leach, now 30, joined Shrewsbury as a 13-year-old and was surrounded by a golden generation of cricketing talent. He was the year below James Taylor, now an England selector, and Glamorgan’s David Lloyd would join the school in sixth form in the year below Leach. “I feel lucky that I ended up at Shrewsbury. I was there when the cricket centre was built and got to work with Paul Pridgeon (formerly a Worcestershire bowler and now vice-chairman at the county). “I do attribute a lot of me becoming professional to Shrewsbury and Pridg, he was exceptional. The facilities were as good as those in the professional game, as was the coaching. The pitches were outstanding as well so you do realise how fortunate you are to be in that environment. “If you want to become professional, everything is there for you to do it. “I always batted at the top for school, and I opened the bowling too. Though, I remember on a tour to Australia I had an absolute nightmare with the new ball, and master in charge Andy Barnard said I’d never be bowling with the new ball again. “The irony is that I take it now in first-class cricket. I let him know that all the time!” Since 2012, the year of his first-class debut for Leeds/Bradford MCCU, Leach has been part of Woodstock’s stable.

“I’ve had a really good relationship with John Newsome, who founded the brand, ever since I got to know him. He made bats for some guys at Shrewsbury CC and after picking up a couple of them, I rang John and have been lucky enough to be associated with them ever since. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad Woodstock, nor have I ever seen someone buy one and say it’s anything other than outstanding. The quality speaks for itself as the company continues to grow with more professionals joining. “If you go into most of the leagues around here, there are at least three or four Woodstocks in each side.” Having the right equipment is essential for promising young cricketers looking to make their way in the game. Getting that first contract is so important and Woodstock help their players fulfil their potential through expertise and personal touch. Leach has walked out to bat with a Woodstock his entire professional career. And it’s not just been his bat that has always displayed the Woodstock name. The Shropshire brand provide contracted players with the full arsenal of equipment including pads, gloves, protective equipment and bags. “The way John treated me when I was younger, he deserves the loyalty. To be able to drive 45 minutes up the road and go see him at his barn is gold dust. I trust him explicitly. He knows what I like more than I know what I like! “It’s got to the point now that when I go visit him he’s already got three or four bats waiting for me, ready to go. He can just look at a piece of wood and know if it will do the job, and he hasn’t been wrong yet.”

Joe Leach uses Woodstock equipment

For more information about sponsorship, or to arrange for Woodstock Cricket to visit your school, visit www.woodstockcricket.co.uk thecricketer.com | 15

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

Taking the new ball

Mansfield Sports Group are quickly establishing themselves as the one-stop shop for the needs of the best cricketing schools

he job of a school cricket coach goes so much further than just picking the team. As the schools featured in this guide have proven, schools’ cricket programmes are becoming increasingly professional with specialist coaching, analysis and strength and conditioning programmes now the norm. Coaches across the country are helping more school players knock on the door of the professional game, but to implement an effective programme they need specialist equipment. Balls and coaching aids all come at a cost and it is often also part of the coach’s remit to arrange the purchasing and delivery of teamwear, for both training and matches. Sourcing equipment can be both difficult and timeconsuming, but Mansfield Sports Group provide a wide range of exclusive products that give coaches a complete sports equipment and apparel solution, empowering them to spend more time focusing on the players themselves. MSG was founded 10 years ago by Richard Mansfield, a man with experience in the cricket industry and a passion for helping players get better. He picks up the story: “We are a cricket manufacturer who exclusively manage a number of brands. They include Macron, who make our teamwear; BAS, who supply bats, pads and gloves; Leverage, who make our elite coaching aids and British Allround Sports, our home-grown Made In England brand that manufactures cricket balls for matches and training.” Macron teamwear Schools’ cricket is no longer restricted to just wearing whites in 40-over matches on Saturdays. Now there are T20, two-day and even 100-ball fixtures and the move to coloured clothing for shorter form matches is here to stay.While fantastic for the pupils to be able to play multi-format cricket, it can

16 | thecricketer.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE with the designers, production and marketing teams planning the cricket range which we are launching in 2021. Schools and counties across the country are poised to don the Macron badge.”

be a headache for the school needing to provide a whites kit as well as coloured, on top of training apparel. But MSG and their technical sportswear partner Macron – who are a world-known teamwear and clothing brand – can kit out a school to cover all of its needs including students’ personalised PE uniforms, staff uniforms and the various sports’ playing and training kit. “Macron offer a massive range of stock items that we can turn around in record time from our brand new HQ in Bologna. We have a number of Macron Stores around the UK, and also provide an on-line shop for schools to manage their requirements. Custom-made ranges of sportswear and much more are also available.” Macron are already a trusted brand in rugby and football – having been official kit supplier for half of the teams in the 2020 Six Nations – and are now making a successful venture into cricket. “As part of our partnership with Macron, over the last 12 months we’ve been working

LEFT Trevor Bayliss and Paul Collingwood using MSG products BELOW Mark Ramprakash

“I have been using a wide range of MSG products for a few years and found them invaluable when coaching and the players have benefited training against these products. The service has also been fantastic and I would recommend MSG to clubs and schools.” Paul Collingwood England assistant coach “I have been very impressed with the range of products. They have provided excellent variety for the development of young cricketers.” Mark Ramprakash director of cricket, Harrow School “As coaches, there has never been a more exciting time to be working within the game. Players are developing new skills at a more accelerated rate than ever before and my MSG equipment enables me to stretch each player beyond their previous limits. The MSG training equipment is so innovative, yet so practical. A must for any coaching kit bag.” Mark Garaway director of cricket, Millfield School “Luke (my son) has used BAS cricket bats and equipment for several years and the quality is superb, second-to-none. MSG have been incredibly professional and knowledgeable and have taken great personal care and time to make sure Luke gets the equipment which is right for him.” Rob Webster managing director, Sky Sports

Leverage coaching aids There is far more to coaching than just pitting players against one another in the nets. Throwing tools are nothing new but the Roboarm from Leverage – exclusively retailed by MSG – leads the way. Easy to grip and control, it can be used for either batting or fielding practice and England assistant coach Paul Collingwood is among its users. “The majority of England and county coaches have now moved over to our version of this product,” Mansfield says. “There is demand from retailers wanting to buy them direct from us but the slingers and MSG balls are still only available through MSG.” Leverage also make bowling machines. There are seven different machines ranging from £400 up to £10,000, providing schools with a choice dependant on budgets and investment. One consistency though is the quality that makes the Leverage bowling machines universally trusted pieces of equipment. “We’ve already got some machines at Yorkshire and West Indies have bought some too,” Mansfield explains. Individuals too have been benefitting from MSG’s Leverage products. One of Leverage’s most popular products is the Springball. “It is in almost every county coach’s kitbag. What it does is allow a coach to teach players how to play spin. You can even throw the ball underarm and it will turn as much as Shane Warne!” British Allround Sports balls Cricket is quite unique in that the quality of the ball is essential in both practice and matches. However, high-quality cricket balls are expensive and throughout the summer dozens can become unfit for use or lost. There can often be hundreds of pupils playing and netting on

any given afternoon, so having a large supply of high-quality, inexpensive balls is essential. This is something MSG understands and they have created a range of balls that challenge the best-known brands in the market, but at a fraction of the cost. “We listened to bowlers when manufacturing our balls. I have worked closely with Jofra Archer, Steve Kirby, Min Patel, Jon Lewis, Azhar Mahmood and Devon Malcolm to find out what they want in a ball. We can offer an £18-quality ball for just £6.” And these British Allround Sports balls are clearly catching on in the county scene.“We now supply 10 of the 18 counties with our cricket balls for games and practice. “Also during lockdown I had Ben Stokes, Archer, Tom Curran and former England captains Collingwood and Michael Vaughan calling us. We sent them various training balls and equipment to use at home.” If you head to the Mansfield Sports Group YouTube channel you can see videos of the products being put through their paces by the England stars. BAS equipment Fans will fondly remember the BAS brand. South Africa’s Hashim Amla, one of the game’s silkiest batsmen, played many a classy innings with a BAS in hand while Collingwood, MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar also walked out to the middle with a BAS willow. These bats are trusted by the best and MSG can offer fantastic deals on BAS bats, pads, gloves and bags. Through MSG’s brands they can effectively cover all needs a school may have. “We’ve kept a fairly low profile over the past few years to make sure that we have a fantastic product. Now it has been tried and tested by the best in the market and we have coaches and the best players in the world biting our hands off to get our products.”

For more information on MSG, and how they can work with your school, visit www.mansfieldsportsgroup.com thecricketer.com | 17

JOBS The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 cricket jobs site Cricketer Jobs is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central resource for all cricket related jobs. We scour the world of cricket recruitment for the latest job vacancies in coaching, groundstaff, admin, medical, media and much, much more. Our dedicated team updates the page regularly, ensuring you never miss a vacancy in the cricket world. To list a job for free contact Ed.Krarup@thecricketer.com Enhanced listing packages available to help you find the perfect candidate. Contact Ed.Krarup@thecricketer.com for more details

www.thecricketer.com/cricketerjobs

Cricketer Jobs: Opening the world of cricket one job at a time

The Cricketer have recently launched Cricketer Jobs, a one-stop shop for all cricket jobs globally, helping applicants find their dream job and employers to recruit their perfect candidate

JORDAN MANSFIELD/HARRY TRUMP/GETTY IMAGES

inding a job can be a thankless task. While there are plenty of job sites out there, finding your dream job in a specific industry, cricket for instance, can be a long and difficult process. A similar struggle also endures for those hiring. They are looking for the perfect candidate for their cricket-based role but the major job sites’ filters can never quite refine those fairly suited to the job, and those perfect for it. Cricketer Jobs changes all of this. The online service is led by Sam Lavery who has a decade’s experience in helping people break into, and then grow within, the game. “I started the service 10 years ago when I was looking for my own job opportunities,” Lavery tells The Cricketer. “There were a number of different places to visit to see what was going on. I started with county cricket boards, then there is the ECB website and UK Sport. Before I knew it I was looking at 25-30 websites each week. “I thought that there had to be a simpler way, so I started posting the jobs I found so others didn’t have to go through what I went through. “People found that useful so I continued doing it even after I found my own job.” Lavery has housed his service under several banners until settling in to its long-term home with The Cricketer. “We can now be the centralised one-stop shop for all cricket jobs globally. Whether you are looking to advertise a job, or find one for yourself, you the home of all jobs in cricket is Cricketer Jobs.” An important element of Cricketer Jobs is its breadth. Jobs can be advertised for national organisations or village clubs with everybody

catered for in-between. “I started advertising jobs in cricket coaching but as you have more conversations with people in the game you get to know the marketing managers and finance managers who are also looking for career progression. “Suddenly you’ve got this range of jobs. Someone asked me if I could advertise bar staff and I thought ‘why not?’. If somebody working in a bar loved cricket, where would they rather work, a local pub or a world-class cricket facility? “We are a broad service that is accessible to everyone.” Lavery dedicates his time to Cricketer Jobs alongside his role as assistant director of sport at Kingston Grammar School, as well as coaching at various levels at Surrey. But amid all the staff meetings and coaching sessions there is immense satisfaction in helping somebody find their dream job. “Every now and then, and it’s becoming more frequent now, I get a message from someone saying they saw the job on the site, applied for it, and they start next week.” Of course, the covid pandemic has thrown the job market into a tailspin, with many losing their jobs and too few openings to move into. “In a time like this it’s about trying to keep everything as visible as possible. So that people who are looking for jobs, or indeed looking to employ, have a place to congregate. “I know some really good people who have lost their jobs for various reasons, so supporting them and helping them get back to work is so important to the game” Cricketer Jobs is not just for those looking to find a new role, though. Employers frequently have trouble finding that perfect applicant

particularly with the larger job sites pushing job adverts to such a large pool of applicants. “There are jobs out there that may not be going to the best people. Sometimes is simply because the best people don’t know about it so we want the best candidates to get the best jobs.” Lavery’s expertise in the cricket job market is unrivalled. He can count many professional sides and international boards among his clients who he provides bespoke consultancy services for, including identifying candidates for shortlists and longlists, preparing candidates for interview and even supporting the employer during the interview process. But Lavery has no bias over who he dedicates more of his time and efforts towards. “The big jobs are exciting, but it is often the smaller ones that are the most impactful on the people that you are working for. “Working with a smaller club you can impact the entire club. If you provide them with a head coach, that has an enormous effect on everybody there.” Visit www.thecricketer.com/cricketerjobs to find out more

thecricketer.com | 19

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

ABINGDON SCHOOL Park Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1DE Established 1256 Number of pupils 1,000 Master in charge James Golding (director of cricket) Professional Rupert Evans Teams 18 – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th XIs, U16, U15ABCD, U14ABCD, U13AB, U12AB, staff XI Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school, but host local girls’ Kwik Cricket events Lockdown initiatives A database of home drills and technical videos to support students’ skill development. Pupils regularly submitted video footage for technical feedback 1-2-1. An interactive cricket challenge sheet was circulated on a weekly basis, and boys had the opportunity to compete against others. Q&A with more than 130 boys able to pose their questions to a 2005 Ashes winner. A real focus on the physical conditioning side Number of, and notable, fixtures Between 160 and 180 fixtures. Radley, Magdalen College School, MCC (who they beat in 2019), South Oxfordshire 20 | thecricketer.com

Amateurs, Cheltenham, Winchester, Berkhamsted, Stowe, Bradfield, Wellington and Warwick. The U17s enter the National Schools U17 Cup Facilities 5 indoor nets, 8 grass wicket nets, a 6-lane outdoor cricket centre (Robson Wickets), 9 pitches. Abingdon Vale CC offer two further pitches when necessary Club/county affiliation Oxfordshire and Sussex. Close links with Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Kent. In 2019 Oxfordshire 1st XI used the facilities for their pre-season and played on the main square (War Memorial). This was the the first time Abingdon School had hosted Oxfordshire. They hosted 12 Oxfordshire fixtures at U10 and U12 age groups over the summer of 2019, as well as working with the U10 Bulls Best prospect Freddie Smith – A dynamic left-handed batsman/ wicketkeeper. He has represented the 1st XI since the 3rd Year (Year 9) and is part of the Oxfordshire/Sussex EPP Cricketers of note Michael Hill, Ben Gannon, Nathaniel Watkins, Edward Ede, George Ede Brief history Cricket has always been played at Abingdon School and

remains one of the major summer sports. Originally occupying just the picturesque, but small pitch at the front of the school, the sport expanded enormously under the headship of Sir James Cobban, who instructed the purchase of War Memorial Field, opposite the school. The original Upper Field remains in full use by junior sides and the occasional staff fixture Cultural cricketers Members of Radiohead, Tom Hollander, Toby Jones, David Mitchell, Matthew Harding, Sir Kim Darroch, Sir Nicholas Kay, Francis Maude, Graham Scott

(Premier League referee) Finest moment on the field National T20 finalists in 2010 Recent progress The continued work with local primary schools Future plans They continue to extend outreach opportunities for local primary and secondary students, both in terms of coaching and facility provision. Working closely with Oxfordshire CCC and the county’s pre-season provision, using the allweather facilities at the Tilsley Park sports facility Tours Sri Lanka and Barbados with U15 and U17 squads

ASHFORD SCHOOL // BEDE’S

ASHFORD SCHOOL East Hill, Ashford, Kent TN24 8PB Established 1898 Number of pupils 480 Master in charge Ashley Cook Teams More than 30 – boys include: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14A, U13ABC, U12A. Girls include: U15AB, U14A, U13ABCDEF Girls’ cricket It has rapidly expanded at Ashford School; the Prep School has been delivering it for five years, helping the senior school take on strong girl cricketers who are already pushing county standards (U13 indoor regional champions) Lockdown initiatives Online resources ranging from how to perfect each shot effectively with the correct technique, to beginners’ bowling technique, to fielding challenges and drills. Platforms used: Firefly, Teams, Instagram, Twitter How will cricket bounce back? Ran boys programme up to half term including 1st XI squad and every boy from Year 7-10. Defeated MCC in October

BEDE’S Upper Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3QH Established 1895 Number of pupils 1,500 Master in charge Alan Wells (director of cricket) Professional Neil Lenham Teams 9 Girls’ cricket U15 and U18. U15s were last year Lady Taverners National winners, and also National T20 winners. Bede’s run a full programme for girls’ cricket headed up by former England Women’s star Sarah Taylor Lockdown initiatives They continued to run a full academy programme for all age groups and both genders with online lessons and masterclasses How will cricket bounce back? A full fixture list will be planned for 2021 for boys and girls. Cricket academies were ran for all age groups in September Number of, and notable, fixtures Across all age groups and depending on cup runs they play about 90 fixtures. The most notable fixtures

Number of, and notable, fixtures 139 had been arranged for 2020, including MCC Facilities 3 grass wickets, 6 indoor nets, 1 mobile net, 1 astroturf wicket, 3 Flicx wickets Club/county affiliation Aspire Cricket (a branch of Spartans) train and use the facilities, introduction to county set-up. Girls’ Kent County matches were scheduled to be played

are against Eton, Tonbridge, Charterhouse and MCC Facilities 7 outdoor artificial nets, 6 indoor nets and 4 squares Club/county affiliation Close affiliation with Sussex CCC Best prospects Archie Lenham and Dan Ibrahim. Both represented South of England in the 2019 Bunbury Festival. Archie is a leg-spinner and top-order batsman. Dan is a medium-fast bowler and top-order batsman. Both have played 1st XI cricket since Year 9 Cricketers of note Ollie Rayner (Sussex, Middlesex and Kent), Luke Wells (Sussex), Callum Jackson (Sussex and Kent), Fynn HudsonPrentice (Sussex and Derby), Shai Hope (Barbados and West Indies) Brief history Bede’s have become a nationally recognised school in the past 15 years winning national cups at both junior and senior levels. The girls’ U15 team

over the summer. Mersham CC, Folkestone CC. Ashford Town CC, Great Chart CC Best prospect Benji Niewoudt (16) – Kent U12-U15: 1,256 runs and 37 Wickets for the school; Evie Ghaemian (11) Kent Lady Taverners indoor champions; Maegan GarnessSaunders (12, Kent U13) Brief history Ashford School opened its doors to boys 15 years ago, since

were double national winners in 2019 What sets the school apart? Sussex age-group teams play regular fixtures at Bede’s. The unique Shai Hope

then they have emerged as one of the stronger cricketing schools in the area. The girls’ aspiration is to be the strongest in Kent What sets the school apart? There are age group county matches fixtured in each year. Cricket is offered all year round at Ashford School, morning sessions in the winter followed by pre-season and then the season Finest moment on the field Shaheer Abdul Malik’s 105 v MCC (July 2019) Future plans Pavilion is now finished and in use. They also plan on working with an overseas pro in the preseason Tours U12, U14 Epsom College T20 Tournament; Barbados senior tour July 2021

academy programme at Bede’s for all age groups during curriculum time. The ability for Year 10s to drop a GCSE to do cricket instead. The school has helped develop 14 firstclass cricketers Finest moment on the field U15 girls double national winners in 2019 Recent progress The girls’ cricket programme Tours Sri Lanka 2021 is planned thecricketer.com | 21

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

BEDFORD SCHOOL De Parys Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 2TU Established 1552 Number of pupils 700 Master in charge Gary Steer (firector of cricket, Derbyshire CCC) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U16ABC, U15 ABCD, U14 ABCD Number of, and notable, fixtures About 185 fixtures are played in total and the most notable are against MCC, Harrow, Eton, Oundle and Oakham Facilities 8 grass nets, 10 artificial nets, 6 indoor lanes Club/county affiliation

Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire Best prospects Three boys who are on first-class county academies. Gus Miller (Northants) is a genuine allrounder who is a hard-hitting batsman and a fast/medium bowler who can swing the ball both ways. He also represented the Midlands at the Bunbury Festival in 2017. Rohan Mehmi (also Northants) is a top-order batsman and mediumpace bowler. He is a stylish player. He represented the Midlands at the Bunbury Festival in 2019. Charlie Mumford (Hampshire) is a batsman/ keeper. He represented London & South at the Bunbury Festival in 2019 Notable cricketers Sir Alastair Cook (Essex & England), Alex Wakely, Toby Bailey, Charlie Thurston (Northants), James Kettleborough (Northants/ Glamorgan & Derbyshire), Will Smith (Nottinghamshire, Durham & Hants), Ian Peck (Cambridge Uni & Northants), Emilio Gay (Northants), William Weighell (Sussex), William Woof (Gloucestershire), Herbert Orr (Western Australia), Ralph Joyce, Francis Joyce (both Leics), William Sime CMG MBE QC (Notts), Brian Disbury, Percy Christopherson (Kent), Michael Allen (Northants & Derbyshire), Robin Boyd-Moss (Northants), Adrian Shankar (Worcestershire)

BEDFORD SCHOOL

Brief history Records go back to 1886 but it is in recent years that Bedford has become one of the leading cricket schools. They won the under-17 tournament in 2010 and 2014. The Alastair Cook Room in the refurbished pavilion is a daily reminder of his inspiration What sets the school apart? Steer was academy director at Warwickshire for many years and understands the system and requirements to make it in county cricket. He knows what it takes for a schoolboy to convert their form into the professional game and

can guide them through. The winter programme is well attended by boys of all ability levels. The highlights were arguably the Masterclass sessions with the former and current professional players as follows: wicketkeeping – Adam Rossington (Middlesex & Northants), pace bowling - Lloyd Tennant (Leicestershire & Essex), batting – James Kettleborough, spin bowling – Peter Willey (Northants, Leicestershire & England) Recent progress The school sports hall has a new floor, and there are plans to install artificial surfaces in the net area and new grass pitches have been added to the 1st and 2nd XI squares to help meet the demand of the cricket programme Tours In 2017, two U15 and an U18 teams toured Dubai. There were plans for U17 and U15 teams to tour Trinidad and Barbados this Easter, however due to the pandemic, the tour was cancelled

Director of cricket Gary Steer

www.bedfordschool.org.uk 22 | thecricketer.com

Admission Team: 01234 362216

Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust

We reward sporting talent. Bedford School has an enviable cricket tradition and offers a wealth of expert coaching in addition to specialist masterclasses from both past and current England players. All boys receive 1:2 coaching as standard as part of their games lessons, and scholars receive a personalised fitness programme, sports psychology support and theory sessions. Scholarships and bursaries worth up to 100% of fees are possible for talented boys aged 13+ and 16+.

www.bedfordschool.org.uk

Visit our website or email admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk to find out more.

Boarding and day for boys aged 7-18

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL Castle Campus, Castle Street, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2BB Established 1541 Number of pupils 1,500 Masters in charge George Campbell (head of cricket, Sussex CCC) supported by Jason Rance (Bucks Cricket Board head coach) Teams 19 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17A, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12 ABCD Girls’ cricket 1st XI, U15A, U14A, U13ABCD & U12ABCD Lockdown initiatives Weekly online sessions were set for each age group, including drills to do at home, cricket quizzes, catching competitions and live strategy lessons focusing on pupils working out how to respond in certain situations How will cricket bounce back? Fixtures were played against local schools in September. Berkhamsted also put on three fixtures for the 2020 1st XI so that they got to play their final games for the school. The majority of the 2020 side were in their final year so played their final games before heading to university. All age groups played cricket at least once a week, internally, throughout September Number of, and notable, fixtures 212 fixtures were planned last season including against MCC, Stowe, Bedford, Buckinghamshire U17, Merchant Taylors’ Northwood, Whitgift and St Edward’s Oxford

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Facilities 10 grass squares, 3 grass nets, 5 outdoor all-weather nets and 6 lane indoor nets Club/county affiliation Buckinghamshire CB Partnership School, Berkhamsted CC Best prospect Bethan Miles (17 years old) is in the England Academy training squad, Surrey Stars and Buckinghamshire senior women’s team. A left-arm spinner and righthanded middle-order batsman. She is a wonderful prospect and brilliant natural sportswomen. She is also completely ambidextrous which is particularly beneficial for fielding. Also plays tennis and Eton Fives, a game that encourages the use of both hands Cricketers of note Derek Morgan – captained Derbyshire in 1965 – was the first Derbyshire player to score 10,000 runs and take 1,000 wickets; Anna Nicholls (Yorkshire Diamonds, 2016–2017) Brief history Cricket has a long history at the school. The first published school magazine in 1880 showed the school played 10 games that season, including home and away against Berkhamsted Brewery. Former Derbyshire player Alf Pope, who was a member of the 1936 County Championship winning side, was the professional and groundsman at the school for twenty years in the 1960s and 1970s Cultural cricketers James Rodwell (head coach England rugby 7s), Will Fraser (Saracens & England Saxons, Premiership & European Champion) and Sir Robin KnoxJohnston (British sailor and first person to perform a single-

BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL

many winters in Tasmania playing and coaching and remains in close touch with Tim Paine Finest moment on the field 2019 was an excellent season with the U17 side reaching the last 16 of the National U17 Cup, while the U15 girls team made the quarter final of the National U15 Cup Recent progress The growth of girls’ cricket has been fantastic, with 11 teams regularly playing Saturday fixtures Future plans The recent link with handed non-stop circumnavigating Buckinghamshire Cricket Board of the globe) all played cricket at continues to evolve and is now firmly the school imbedded in the school’s What sets the school cricket programme. This apart? A new cricket allows students of all abilities pavilion has transformed to benefit from specialist the 1st XI ground with coaching and expertise wonderful views across Tours 3 teams (U17, U16 the playing fields from the and U15) spent 12 days in Sri balcony. Buckinghamshire Lanka at Easter 2019 playing play a number of fixtures a total of 15 matches. The at the school, including Head of next international tour will the Bucks Senior Women’s cricket George take place in 2022 Team. Campbell spent Campbell

Berkhamsted Schools Group • Scholarships available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ • berkhamsted.com • admissions@berkhamsted.com • 01442 358001 24 | thecricketer.com

Developing Remarkable People Since 1541

Discover more about Cricket at Berkhamsted Scholarships available for 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry

berkhamsted.com/cricket-at-berkhamsted/ Located in a Chiltern Hills market town only 32 mins by train from Euston

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL

BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, Birkenhead, Prenton CH43 2JD Established 1860 Number of pupils 450 Masters in charge Keith Fowles (director of sport), Pete Lindberg (MiC 1st XI), Nigel Walker (cricket coach/professional) Teams Senior - 6 on Saturday, U12A, U13A, U14A, U15A, 2nd XI and 1st XI with two B teams; midweek fixtures against local school U12B and U13B Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cricket No, but they do have two senior girls playing in the senior teams. They are both Cheshire players Lockdown initiatives They played an MCC match at the beginning of the term How will cricket bounce back? They will start with an improved Lent term net and club provision, helping students build into the summer. They will also be open to other ECB or county initiatives to help the problem Number of, and notable, fixtures Eight to nine Saturdays term-

dependent and entry of county and national tournaments in all ages Facilities 3 net lanes in the sports hall, 3 grass squares, one astro square and 5 outdoor nets Club/county affiliation Cheshire CCC, who use the sports hall for agegrade sessions. No official club links but Oxton CC is over the road from the school and Caldy CC and New Brighton CC are close Best prospect Louis Hursthouse (U13 wicketkeeper/batsman) Cricketers of note Simon

Outstanding education for boys and girls 13-18

Marshall (Lancs), Simon Renshaw (Hampshire), Jamie Carpenter (Sussex) What sets the school apart? Small enough to know and care for every student but big enough to be competitive on a challenging circuit; a small school with 33 to 48 boys in a year Finest moment on the field Winning the Barclays Bank U17 National final (in its final year, 1989); Losing to Millfield in the final of the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Taverners National U15

competition at Trent Bridge (late 1990s); and beating Millfield in the Calypso U13 National Cup at Headingley (early 2000s) Recent progress Increased participation and giving more opportunity to players of all abilities. Improving their strength and conditioning facilities, with staff able to help all students reach their personal health and fitness goals in future Tours The school were due to go to Grenada on the last summer tour

Surrey Cricket Development & Performance Centre

Co-educational day school in Reigate for ages 11 to 18. Open Mornings run throughout the year. Regular cricket tours. Sports Scholarships available at 11+ and 16+. Contact the Admissions Office for further information. Email admissions@dunottarschool.com or call on 01737 761945.

www.charterhouse.org.uk

High Trees Road, Reigate, RH2 7EL www.dunottarschool.com

BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE

Master in charge Dave Hughes

BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE 10 Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2PQ Established 1868 Number of pupils 697 Master in charge Dave Hughes (head of cricket, teacher of PE and games) Teams 36 - 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC; U14ABC Lockdown initiatives Pupils were inspired to practise cricket and keep on top of their skills and drills How will cricket bounce back? Some cricket in the autumn term, including a house competition; an elite winter programme is running, although initially it will be in their year group bubbles until regulations get relaxed Number of, and notable, fixtures 55, the annual 1st XI match against MCC is the most notable fixture; also Haileybury, Felsted, Bancroft’s, Forest

School, Ipswich, Culford, Brentwood, St Albans Facilities 3 main squares, 18 artificial outdoor nets, 2 mobile net cages, 2 indoor nets plus 6 additional shared match pitches Club/county affiliation Hertfordshire CCC use the main school square for one-day and twoday representative matches. Bishop’s Stortford CC (Herts Premier League) gives an opportunity for boys and girls to play high-quality local club cricket. Boys and girls play for Hertfordshire and Essex at various age-group levels Best prospect William CutlanSmyth (Year 12 in 2020/21), who at 16 years old continues to make a positive impact in the 1st XI and attends the Essex Academy, also playing in their fixtures. Cricketers of note AG (Graham) Doggart (Middlesex and MCC), CH Titchmarsh played for England in Tests against New Zealand (1922/23) and West Indies (1923) Brief history The Doggart Pavilion

was opened in 1933 – noted for its modern architectural style – presented by the Doggart family. The outfield for the 1st XI square is one of the best in the region, having previously been used for international hockey matches until the 1970s Cultural cricketers Sir Stephen Lander, director-general of MI5, was the last college pupil to play at Lord’s as a schoolboy. Andy Peebles, former Radio 1 DJ and Top of the Pops presenter in the 1980s, developed a lifelong love of cricket while at the college and is still a passionate advocate of college cricket What sets the school apart? Former Lord’s groundsman Mick Hunt lent his expertise to the

grounds and facilities. He took samples and said the first team main square was phenomenal and that they could have “county cricket played there tomorrow”; Luke Humphrey of Herts & Essex Cricket Centre (HECC) (and Old Stortfordian) regularly holds training camps in the holidays and coaching sessions throughout the year; Essex’s head scout of academy, John Childs, attends summer term matches and winter training; The college offers sports scholarships and talented players an elite cricket programme throughout the off-season. Three practice sessions per week are complemented by tailored strength and conditioning programmes for all individuals involved. In 2018 the College hosted the ICC U19 international matches for Associate nations including Denmark, Norway and Holland Finest moment on the field The college was the first UK school to tour Sri Lanka in 1985/86 and played in the inaugural Sir Garfield Sobers International Cricket Schools Festival in Barbados Recent progress The progress and speed of uptake of girls’ cricket at the college Tours Regular overseas 1st XI pre-season tours to Cape Town (last during Easter 2018). The plans to tour Dubai or Spain in 2020 were shelved due to the pandemic. They plan to return to Cape Town in October 2021 or Spring 2022

www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org

Senior School/Sixth Form Admissions to Mrs Christine Stanley on admissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Further information can be found in this section of website https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/187/admissions-and-open-mornings thecricketer.com | 27

Do you want your child to realise their true potential? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The school successfully meets its aim to be a place of learning with a broad and balanced curriculum that enables all pupils to fulfil their potential in everything they undertake.â&#x20AC;? ISI Inspection 2017. Register for a Virtual Open Morning (see our website for details). We look forward to welcoming you.

Building Confidence for Life. 01279 838604

admissions@BishopsStortfordCollege.org

BLUNDELL’S SCHOOL // BRADFIELD COLLEGE

BRADFIELD COLLEGE Bradfield, Reading, Berks RG7 6AU

BLUNDELL’S SCHOOL Blundell’s Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4DN Established 1604 Number of pupils 580 Masters in charge Liam Lewis (head of boys’ sport and director of cricket), Mark Davis Teams Boys U12AB, U13AB, U14AB, U15AB, 4th XI, 3rd Xl, 2nd XI, 1st XI Girls’ cricket Girls U18, U15, U13 U12 Lockdown initiatives The school ran an engagement and enrichment programme that had a range of physical challenges and activities across sport How will cricket bounce back? Abide by ECB guidelines and continue with small groups training; continuing with the winter programme Number of, and notable, fixtures 10 block fixtures and numerous cup and midweek games, including MCC, King’s Taunton, Sherborne Facilities Indoor sports hall (two nets), outdoor all-weather facility (four nets), 12 grass nets and 6 cricket squares. Fitness suite for training during winter months Club/county affiliation Somerset CCC, Devon County Cricket Board; Heathcoat CC Best prospect Joseph du’Gay has been in the 1st XI for the last three years. He averaged 56 with the bat in 2019 while he was only in Year 11 Cricketers of note Vic Marks (Somerset & England), Jeremy Lloyds (Somst, Gloucs, Orange Free State) Hugh Morris (Glamorgan & England), Dominic Bess (Somerset & England) Brief history Blundell’s was founded in 1604 but the earliest record of a Blundell’s cricket match took place in

September 1844 against the Tiverton Club. Since then the school has produced many cricketers (including four Old Blundellians being part of the team that won the Olympic Gold Medal for cricket in 1900 ; the last time the sport was included in the Olympics) who have gone onto play at club, county and national levels and witnessed some notable games and events on the cricket field Cultural cricketers Christopher Ondaatje (author and philanthropist), Michael Mates (politician), Tristan Evans (drummer with The Vamps). Visiting players have included Mike Gatting who played for the Lord’s Taverners v Old Blundellians at the school during the quarter centenary celebrations. Garry Sobers came as an ambassador for his international cricket tournament in 2008 and Graham Gooch held a cricket clinic at Blundell’s in 1989 What sets the school apart? The school plays a prominent role in supporting representative cricket, hosting matches for boys and girls at all age levels from under-11 through to the full county club and women’s teams Finest moment on the field A recent Devon County match v Wales featured five Old Blundellians (who have all captained the school, the youngest having left last year) and this would have been six but Liam Lewis wasn’t available due to school commitments Recent progress The growth of girls’ cricket Future plans Hosting a regional primary schools cricket festival which will hopefully continue to grow the game and inspire youngsters to join their local clubs Tours February 2020 to Mumbai and Goa

Established 1850 Number of pupils 825 Master in charge Mike Hill Professional Julian Wood (Hampshire) Teams 13 boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17, U16AB, U15ABC, U14 ABCD. 4 girls’ teams: 1st XI, U15A, senior and junior development XIs Girls’ cricket As a full sports option – at Year 9 the girls are selected to play cricket or tennis so they focus on the one sport Lockdown initiatives Wood produced a 10-week series of coaching videos as part of the college’s wider co-curricular offer, including athletic development. They gave a particular focus on sports psychology during such a difficult period. Cricketers have been sending in personal videos for analysis and senior squads chatted on a weekly basis. Highlights were old boys Ryan Higgins and Harry Came discussing their route to professional contracts and Nick Denning of the PCA talking about managing hardship/difficulties through a playing career How will cricket bounce back? Cricket will, as usual, continue through the winter months Number of, and notable, fixtures The full range of T20, 50-over, and one and two-day declaration cricket Facilities 5 grass squares, 3 artificial pitches, 3 grass net blocks and 2 astroturf net blocks, 5 indoor nets, 4 BOLA machines, including Merlyn Club/county affiliation Bradfield has established strong links within Berkshire and the surrounding firstclass counties

Best prospects Sheridon Gumbs of Surrey, Zach Lion-Cachet of Oxfordshire and Sussex Cricketers of note Graham Roope is the only old boy to have played Test cricket. Ryan Higgins (Middlesex and Gloucs), Came (Hampshire) and Gus Atkinson (Surrey) have joined a long list of OBs to have made it onto the professional circuit. The school is also proud to have contributed half of the Berkshire National Counties 1st XI side in some recent fixtures. Mark Nicholas captained Hampshire for a decade and is now a noted presenter and commentator Brief history The cricket club’s driving aims are to foster a lifelong love of the game for all boys and girls who play while also providing the opportunity for the strongest cricketers to work towards a career in the game. Pit is the spiritual home of cricket at Bradfield. It was created from an old chalk quarry in 1927; Ted Dexter ranked only Lord’s and his old stomping ground at Radley higher. A 15-year-old Sachin Tendulkar cleared the River Pang, and young Indian batting sensation Prithvi Shaw, who spent a summer at the College in 2013, is forging his own career What sets the school apart? Wood works with the world’s leading batsmen and women through his Power Hitting programme Finest moment on the field Victory at the HMC T20 finals day at Wormsley Recent progress The growth of the girls’ game, plus Bradfield’s focus on pupil wellbeing and an understanding of the links between exercise and mental health Tours A mixed U14/U15 squad to Dubai every other year and the 1st XI will do 2021 pre-season in Spain

thecricketer.com | 29

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS BRENTWOOD SCHOOL Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8EE Established 1557 Number of pupils 1,640 Head of cricket Oliver Prior Professional Jaik Mickleburgh (Essex) Teams Boys – 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABC Girls’ cricket U12, U13, U15, indoor teams at U13 and U15 level. They offer indoor cricket girls-only practices and an academy during the winter while also entering the Lady Taverners competition. In the summer they enter U13 and U15 teams in the Essex Cup as well as host a girls’ cricket festival and play local games and enter the Mid-Essex League. Girls are able to choose cricket as their games afternoon activity and have Essex captain Kelly Castle in to coach Lockdown initiatives Masterclass videos to watch and drills to practice. Co-curricular Zoom meetings How will cricket bounce back? Over the winter a highly successful winter academy programme has over

100 students attending. Next season will enter a new league format with Felsted, New Hall, Framlingham, The Leys and Ipswich as well as entering Essex Cups in all age groups. Since coming back to school they have offered U13, U14 and U15 cricket both lunchtime and after-school Number of, and notable, fixtures 150 fixtures a year across boys and girls teams. Framlingham, Ipswich, Felsted, New Hall and The Leys. As well as the end-of- season festival where they play against Oundle, Abingdon and St John’s Leatherhead. The school also plays MCC on the same day as speech day Facilities Indoor hall with 4 nets as well as using a local indoor cricket centre that gives access to an additional 3 nets, outdoor facility with 6 nets as well as two roll on nets. 4 senior pitches spanning over 3 sites with 2 junior pitches and 1 grass wicket pitch new for this year. Roll-on covers and sightscreens for 3 senior pitches as well as sheets for other senior pitch. In partnership with Brentwood CC boys have access to an additional 2 outdoor nets and also an extra senior pitch Club/county affiliation Essex,

BRENTWOOD SCHOOL

Professional Jaik Mickleburgh

Head of cricket Oliver Prior

Brentwood CC Best prospect Robin Das has captained the 1st XI for 3 seasons as well as consistently being the highest run-scorer in the school. He has gone through the Essex CCC academy programme and played for the 2nd XI Cricketers of note Stanley Scott, Charles Kortright, Colin Griffiths, Graham Horrex, David Acfield, Richard Baker, Max Osborne, Ian Pont, Kishen Velani, Thomas Moore Brief history Brentwood has a strong cricketing history, with many expupils providing good competition for the current 1st XI when they play their yearly fixture Cultural cricketers Jack Straw, Frank Lampard

What sets the school apart? Brentwood offers all top players in each year group an opportunity for 1-on-1 coaching during games afternoons all year round plus winter academy. Pros like Adam Wheater (Essex), Paul Walter (Essex), Mark Pettini (Essex and Leicestershire) have come into coach Finest moment on the field U19 Essex Cup finals day in 2019 was hosted at Brentwood. In the semifinal Brentwood won thanks to an excellent 80 from Das. Brentwood went on to win the final Recent progress Hoping to build a new indoor centre. More girls’ chances and a new league for boys Tours UAE and South Africa in 2021

As our cricket professional, former Essex batsman Jaik Mickleburgh knows, it’s about trust in your team, hours of practice when nobody’s watching and that hard-earned feeling of satisfaction.

A proud tradition of cricketing excellence 11+, 13+ and 16+ scholarships available

#ShapingLives

For Centuries One of the UK’s leading independent schools in Brentwood, Essex for boys and girls aged 3-18 www.brentwoodschool.co.uk 01277 243 314

www.cliftoncollege.com

BRIGHTON ALDRIDGE COMMUNITY ACADEMY

BRIGHTON ALDRIDGE COMMUNITY ACADEMY Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9PW Established 2010 Number of pupils 950 Director of cricket Alexia Walker (Sussex & England Women) Professional Georgia Adams (Sussex and Southern Vipers), John Spencer, volunteer coach (Sussex). Sussex Cricket staff: James Kirtley, Ian Salisbury, Jason Swift and head of talent pathway Richard Halsall Teams 3 for boys up to Year 10; 2 for girls; 2 in sixth form Girls’ cricket The Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre based at the school is the home of Sussex Women. If good enough girls can play with the boys: 3 have played for the 1st XI. Graduate Tara Norris is a member of the Sussex Women’s squad; she has played in the Kia Super League for Southern Vipers and Loughborough Lightning. In 2020 she was named one of 24 regional retained players – the first ever cohort of professional players outside of the England team. Tara joins the assistant coach, Georgia Adams, in

this achievement. Both the MCC Foundation Hub and the Aldridge Girls Project Hub, which are based at the Academy, are open to all girls in the local area Lockdown initiatives There were a number of different strategies to support students throughout the pandemic lockdown, including twice weekly online strength and conditioning sessions; tactical sessions; case studies of Will Beer and Jofra Archer; mental health and suicide prevention in cricket; skills and drills including top tips from Will Sheffield and Ben Brown How will cricket bounce back? The official partnership with Sussex gives the academy great optimism. BACA leavers played MCC in September Number of, and notable, fixtures 12 summer fixtures (overseas tours every two years). In 2018 MCC played their first fixture against BACA. This has become the most important annual fixture on the calendar with involvement from the rest of the school and many guests from Sussex Cricket and the local community invited Facilities The Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre – opened by Charlotte Edwards in 2016. £1.8m privately

funded centre – three-lane hall with full run-ups, two BOLA machines and a BOLA Merlyn; full-service strength & conditioning room; social space; physio room; and changing facilities for players and officials. Full grass square laid in 2013 with 12 grass wickets and one artificial wicket. Now managed on a full-time basis by Sussex Cricket ground staff. State-ofthe-art sightscreens. Sussex men and women use the facilities Club/county affiliation Sussex CCC, St Peters CC Best prospect Steve Harman (Sussex-age group): fast bowler with batting skills to become a genuine allrounder. Has played for Sussex 2nd XI. 12 players are now on the junior pathway across years 7–10 including 2 girls in year 7 Cricketers of note Keith Greenfield (predecessor school – Falmer High 1979-84, Sussex CCC 1987-99, performance director of Sussex Cricket), Will Sheffield (Sussex), Tara Norris (Sussex Women;

Director of cricket Alexia Walker England Academy), Liam O’Brien (England Physical Disability) Brief history The vision for cricket was driven by Sir Rod Aldridge and was delivered in close partnership with Sussex Cricket. The initial work was around installing a cricket square to the highest standard as well as developing a programme which allows the students to train, and play cricket regularly What sets the school apart? The partnership with Sussex Cricket. With the opening of the £1.8m Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre, Brighton Aldridge Community Academy became one of the few state schools to invest significantly in cricket. In 2017/18 it also became one of the few state schools to host an MCC Foundation Hub providing free coaching and matchplay to local state school cricketers up to the age of 15 years. BACA will also become a satellite venue for the newly created women’s regional team, Southern Vipers Recent progress The development of youth cricket for state school students on the back of the success of the Aldridge Cricket Academy Tours Previous trips to Cape Town, Dubai and Galle

Admissions contact: Alexia Walker alexiawalker@baca-uk.co.uk • www.baca-uk.org.uk/cricket thecricketer.com | 31

Brighton Aldridge Community Academy

Leading The Way In Elite State School Cricket

BACA is the state school partner of Sussex Cricket, offering unique, tailored academic study and cricket development programmes for male and female cricketers from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

World class £2m indoor cricket centre High quality gym for strength and conditioning programmes Coaching, workshops and 1:1 mentoring by Sussex 1st X1 coaches and players Home of Sussex Women & Girls Cricket Overseas tours including South Africa, UAE and Sri Lanka Equal opportunities for talented girls and boys of all experience levels Graduates currently representing county 1st X1and England Physical Disability squads Excellent progression into university, apprenticeships or employment

"The state school that every county needs for a brighter future". Mike Atherton the Times 6/6/20

For more information please visit www.baca-uk.org.uk/cricket or email Director of Cricket, Alexia Walker alexiawalker@baca-uk.co.uk

BRIGHTON COLLEGE // BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

BRIGHTON COLLEGE Eastern Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 0AL Established 1845 Number of pupils 1,100 Master in charge Mark Davis (Sussex player and coach) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABCDE, U14ABCDE Girls’ cricket 1st XI and U15. The best girls play in the boys’ teams. Brighton College enter teams into the Lady Taverners tournament during the winter, and in the summer run U13,

U15 and 1st XI girls’ sides. Girls also play in the boys’ teams Lockdown initiatives The school created a total online programme including the four aspects of the game: mental, physical, technical and tactical. High-profile live interviews with international cricketers Number of, and notable, fixtures 120 a year. Notable fixtures v MCC, MCC Women, BOWS Cricket Week and the Old Boys fixture at Arundel Castle Facilities Plans include the redevelopment of the home ground with a relaid square and a bank of grass nets. There are 2 grounds, 2 grass squares, 1 astro wicket. 9 astro nets, 3 grass nets Club/county affiliation Sussex Best prospects Charlie Woodage

(U15 opening batsman) is in the Sussex pathway. Maisie Taylor (U14) is involved with the Sussex programme. Maisie is a consistent seam bowler Cricketers of note Sammy Woods (Somerset, England & Australia), Matt Prior (Sussex & England), Matt Machan (Sussex & Scotland), Carl Hopkinson (Sussex), Neil Lenham (Sussex), Joe Gatting (Sussex & Hampshire), Michael Thornely (Sussex & Leicestershire), Malcolm Waller (Zimbabwe), Bazid Khan (Pakistan), Freya Davies, Holly Colvin, Sarah Taylor, Laura Marsh (all England Women), Georgia Adams (Sussex & Southern Vipers), Clare Connor (Sussex & England, and the longstanding ECB managing director of women’s cricket) Brief history Brighton College is the most successful girls’ cricket school in the country. The cricket programme is the most comprehensive for females, and Brighton has produced more England women’s cricketers than any other school. The boys’ programme has also produced a number of professional and international cricketers What sets the school apart? Brighton College use the Sussex CCC indoor centre for winter training Future plans The new school of science and sports building is complete and includes an indoor cricket facility. The school is currently relaying the square on the home ground with a hybrid pitch as well as a bank of hybrid nets. The facility will be quite stunning on completion and a fantastic place to play cricket Tours Since 2014 a 1st XI tour to Dubai, 2 U15 tours to Sri Lanka, girls’ 1st XI tour to Sri Lanka

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7DU Established 1553 Number of pupils 935 Master in charge Dave Fallows (director of cricket) Professionals Kelly Evenson (Staffs) and Phil Tongue Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14 ABC Girls’ cricket U15, U14 Lockdown initiatives Skills videos for pupils to work on at home and also coaching links sent. Strength and conditioning team sent out conditioning work How will cricket bounce back? A full winter programme will also operate with a full season planned for summer 2021 Number of, and notable, fixtures 77 fixtures a summer, including Malvern, Shrewsbury and Sedbergh Facilities 4 grass, 5 artificial, 12 indoor nets and 4 squares Club/county affiliation Worcestershire and Warwickshire CCCs, Barnt Green CC, Bromsgrove CC Best prospect: Alex Hinkley (Worcs Academy) Cricketers of note Ben Cox (Worcs), Matt Lamb (Warks), Will Fraine (Yorks), Tom Banton (Somerset & England) Brief history Bromsgrove School has a strong cricketing history, which sees many Tom Banton

old boys returning to reminisce. They regularly reach the latter stages of national competitions. The school retains strong links with the Lyttelton family of Worcestershire whose family seat is at Hagley Hall Cultural cricketers Ralph Lesingham Spreckley, awarded Military Cross (WWI); Charles Whitley, awarded Military Cross (WWI); John Taylor, former Conservative Party MP and MEP; Soweto Kinch, jazz musician and host BBC Radio 3 programme What sets the school apart? There is a long history of cricket and sport played at Bromsgrove with strong links to both Worcestershire and Warwickshire Finest moment on the field Winning the U17 National Cup final 2019 Recent progress National Champions 2019. Development of girls’ cricket through the different age groups Tours Sadly India tour 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic thecricketer.com | 33

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

BURFORD SCHOOL

BURFORD SCHOOL Cheltenham Road, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4PL Established 1571 Number of pupils 1,420 Master in charge Peter Green (director of sport) Teams Under 12, U13, U14, U15, U18 Girls’ cricket U13 and U15. Girls regularly take part in boys fixtures as well as in their own fixtures against local schools and competitions Lockdown initiatives Cricket practice was promoted through social media and online lessons. They ran a seven-week inter-house competition for Years 7-10 with each house entering two teams How will cricket bounce back? Cricket will forever be an integral part of Burford School with an iconic pavilion overlooking the pitch at the front of the school and cricket nets Number of, and notable, fixtures The annual fixture against MCC is the highlight. In a normal year they would expect in excess of 40 fixtures Facilities 3 outdoor nets, 2 indoor, a grass wicket and iconic thatched

pavilion. The school also makes use of local cricket club facilities to facilitate extra fixtures Best prospect James Drury is an excellent prospect. He excelled last year as an U12 Brief history Cricket is an integral part of the school with high status. The first recorded match was in 1893 and cricket has been played every year since. The school has a thatched pavilion that was erected in 1936 and refurbished in 2016. The house cricket festival has been running since 1950. A year-long display is kept up in the main school corridor highlighting key performance statistics with statistics dating back to 1983. A separate file highlights the top batting and bowling

averages from the previous season. The winners are awarded a trophy at the start of the academic year. The whole school look forward to the annual first XI fixture against MCC. In 1993 the school hosted Yarra Valley High School from Melbourne to celebrate 100 years at the school Cultural cricketers Joe Barrett (MCC Young Cricketers and Gloucestershire), Gilbert Jessop (Gloucestershire & England). He was a trainee teacher at the school in 1894. He scored the fastest-ever hundred, in terms of time, for England in Test Matches: 104 in 77 minutes against Australia at The Oval in 1902 What sets the school apart? They are one of the few state schools that

still have a full cricket square and grass wicket. All students play cricket in the summer term and wear full cricket whites. The school also hosts an annual ‘Three counties event’ for U13 teams. Ex-West Indies captain and Kent coach Jimmy Adams played in the 2012 MCC fixture Recent progress Investing in pitch improvements and developing the fixture card. Further work and development of the cricket square with the ground staff. Planning for the refurbishment of the outdoor cricket nets and investment in new equipment to further develop cricket. Continual development of cricket in the community with local clubs. Improving provision for girls’ cricket

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CATERHAM SCHOOL

CATERHAM SCHOOL Harestone Valley Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6YA Established 1811 Number of pupils 950 Master in charge Jonathan Batty (Surrey & Gloucestershire CCC, also assistant director of sport) Teams 24 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABCD. Girls – U14, U13ABC, U12ABC Girls’ cricket Offered as an option in games lessons and supplemented by lunchtime practice sessions. Fixtures were arranged for the 2020 season Lockdown initiatives Remote coaching sessions every afternoon throughout lockdown via Google Meet and the pupils’ iPads – a complete range of skill-

development sessions How will cricket bounce back? Cricket was played through the first half of the autumn term Number of, and notable, fixtures 145, with the showpiece fixture against MCC Facilities 6 squares, 5 outdoor nets, 2

roll-on net cages, 4 indoor nets in the sports hall Club/county affiliation Caterham CC share second ground which has 3 squares and a new £2.5m pavilion Best prospect Nathan Barnwell is a right-arm fast bowler in Surrey’s academy

Cricketers of note Alistair Brown (England, Surrey & Notts), David Sales (England A and Northants), James Benning (Surrey & Leicestershire) Cultural cricketers Angus Deayton (actor/comedian), Chuck Iwuji (actor), Sir John Butterfill (politician) What sets the school apart? Beautiful grounds, particularly Homefield which is set in front of the main school buildings and allows the 1st XI to draw large crowds for home fixtures. A rich cricketing history and success in producing first-class and international cricketers Finest moment on the field School record 427 for 5 in 50 overs v Christ’s Hospital School in 2015 Recent progress Introduction of Girls’ cricket in both the prep school and senior school Tours October 2018 1st XI tour to South Africa. The next senior tour is scheduled for October 2021 again to South Africa. Annual U13 tour to Suffolk and North Essex, where they play against St Joseph’s Ipswich, New Hall, and Colchester Master in charge Grammar Jonathan Batty School

01883 343028 • enquries@caterhamschool.co.uk • www.caterhamschool.co.uk Admissions contact details: Mrs Alison Jones, Registrar. Email: admissions@caterhamschool.co.uk

thecricketer.com | 35

Multi award-winning school on campus and online HMC Independent day, weekly and full boarding school for boys & girls age 3 to 18 years.

Great results, large, leafy grounds, good facilities, polite, charming and wellinformed pupils. It’s on the up and pulling ahead of the pack now. GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

Academically , Caterham is up there with the big guns...all achieved without any undue stress. If Caterham isn’t on your list already, it most certainly should be.’ TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE

01883 335058 |

| caterhamschool.co.uk

CHARTERHOUSE // CHELTENHAM COLLEGE

CHARTERHOUSE

each week. The Charterhousebranded content and his video instruction was then coupled with Charterhouse Road, Godalming, videos from ECB masterclasses and Surrey GU7 2DL Sky Sports masterclasses with some of the best players in the world Established 1611 How will cricket bounce back? The Number of pupils 850 winter nets programme is running Director of cricket Martin Bicknell in preparation for (Surrey & England) the cricket season Teams 3 seniors, 2 U16, in summer 2021 3 U15, 4 U14 giving every child an Girls’ cricket A senior opportunity to play team will be run this Number of, and year. In 2021/22 the notable, fixtures 21 school goes co-ed and 1st XI fixtures including teams will start at Year 9 Eton and Harrow Lockdown initiatives Facilities 7 grass The school created Director of cricket pitches, 2 astro. 15 astro Cricket@Home Martin Bicknell net wickets. Indoor documents on a facility 4 lanes in a weekly basis and sports centre uploaded these on to Best prospects Oliver the school intranet Sheen (fast bowler with system for pupils to links to Surrey). Luke access. It included Griffiths (15) a Surrey video instruction and allrounder the school guidance from Bicknell have very high hopes and focused on one for. Capable of bowling bowling, one batting Director of sport very quickly and and fielding technique Chris Sandbach

with the bat he is able to decimate an attack Cricketers of note Peter May, James Hamblin, Gregor MacMillan and James Bovill Brief history Charterhouse is known for its hard and true pitch. It has produced many famous players, most notably former England captain Peter May. The pitch is next to the school and chapel, with woods on two other sides. The school hosted a John Player League match between Surrey and Warwickshire in 1972 Cultural cricketers Jeremy Hunt,

Lord Baden Powell, Robert Graves, Peter O’Sullevan, Brian Glanville What sets the school apart? Cricket has been played at Charterhouse since 1839 Finest moment on the field HMC T20 finalists 2018 Recent progress Upgrading all facilities to county standard, nets, 1st XI square. Prominent prep school programme, tournaments and masterclasses. Going co-ed with a full girls’ programme Tours The school went to Cape Town in December 2019

(Hampshire), Mike Cawdron and Dom Hewson (Gloucestershire) Brief history WG Grace took 12 for 73 in the 1872 Gloucestershire vs Surrey game and then in 1877 took 17 for 89 against Notts, having scored the first-ever triple hundred, 318 not out, the previous season. Wally Hammond set a world record that still stands, taking 10 catches in an innings by a fielder and then scored a ton in each innings against Surrey in 1928 Cultural cricketers Simon Danelli (Ulster & Scotland Rugby) and Nick Abendanon (Bath, Clermont & England) both played for the XI

What sets the school apart? Gloucestershire CCC say: “We have been playing in the stunning grounds of Cheltenham College for more than 140 years, making this the world’s longest-running cricket festival on an outfield. The ground’s idyllic setting has provided a perfect backdrop for the festival throughout its history, a great attraction for cricket fans, new supporters and big cricketing stars” Finest moment on the field Winning the ARCH Trophy in the UAE in 2019. The 1st XI were unbeaten against school opposition during the 2012 season, winning 12 games in succession Recent progress The introduction of girls’ cricket as a sporting option in the summer term. The school has been experimenting with different playing formats for some of the junior sides. Two-innings games of 10-12 overs per side have enabled more players to play a bigger part. The school will continue to build links with Charlton Kings CC and Cheltenham CC Tours UAE during Easter 2019. The U18 squad played in the ARCH Trophy against other schools, winning the 40-over tournament

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE Bath Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7LD Established 1841 Number of pupils 704: 318 girls, 386 boys Master in charge Matt Coley Professional Mark Briers (ex-Durham) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U16, U15ABC, U14ABC. Girls: U15 & U14 Girls’ cricket Cricket is a sports option for girls in the summer term. They run an U15 and U14 side who have eight fixtures over the term Lockdown initiatives Online coaching videos and cricket-based challenges were put together for the pupils to do at home How will cricket bounce back? The winter programme in prep for 2021 Number of, and notable, fixtures More than 100 fixtures. The school plays in the John Harvey Cup against Radley, Bradfield, Marlborough, St Edward’s Oxford and Winchester. MCC visit annually and the college play a two-day fixture v Haileybury Facilities 5 cricket squares plus the dedicated square for the Cheltenham

Festival. Double sports hall with 8 indoor nets. 4 artificial nets and 4 grass nets. Use of the Cheltenham Prep School hall with 4 indoor nets Club/county affiliation Gloucestershire CCC. The school hosts a number of county age-group games. A partnership with Charlton Kings CC who use the college’s facilities for training and matches. The college was due to host the girls’ IAPS Cricket Festival in 2020 Best prospect Will Gilderson (Gloucestershire EPP) Cricketers of note Josh Dell (Worcestershire), Oliver Soames

thecricketer.com | 37

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

CLAYESMORE SCHOOL

Master in charge Dan Conway

CLAYESMORE SCHOOL Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8LL Established 1896 Number of pupils 450 Master in charge Dan Conway (head of boys’ sport, Oxford MCCU & Herefordshire) Professional Julian Shackleton (Gloucestershire CCC) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC

Girls’ cricket They have one team, entering the T20 Cup and Dorset county competitions. The girls train twice a week from October and those that want can play for the teams during the summer term Lockdown initiatives All players were set challenges and skills to complete. Ranging from fitness programmes to repetition exercises and keepy-up challenges; learning to score online. Hampshire’s Lewis McManus recorded a talk to pupils to highlight what the professionals were doing during lockdown and highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to lockdown training How will cricket bounce back? Winter programme began after October half term in year group bubbles of 1-2-1s and small group sessions

Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 90. MCC is the most notable fixture as it opens up the cricket festival week which is the last week of term Facilities 4 pitches, 11 grass nets, 3 artificial nets and 4 indoor nets in the sports centre Club/county affiliation Dorset and Hampshire CCCs; links with Bournemouth CC and Shroton CC Best prospect Will Tripcony (toporder bat and leg-spinner) and Josh Parsons (opening batsman and swing bowler). Both appeared as 12th men for Dorset in the National Counties Cricketers of note JWA Stephenson (Essex & Worcs), George Reynolds Brown (Essex) Lewis McManus (Hampshire & England U19) Brief history Cricket has been played at Clayesmore since its founding in 1896. There are many photographs in the archives of former teams and the alumni society has, for the past 60 years run its own cricket week, enabling former students of all ages to reunite to take on former adversaries. For the last 20 years, the school has employed a cricket professional Cultural cricketers Anthony Allen (Gloucester RFC, Leicester Tigers and England centre), Americas Cup winner Shannon Falcone, artist Tony Hart What sets the school apart? Cricket is open to all, right from the youngest members of the prep school to the sixth form, the sport is

taught on an inclusive basis for both boys and girls. The link to the local village team has enabled the school to create a strong connection with staff members leading their coaching programme. Individual development programmes running from October to July. Recent coaches Paul Warren and Tom Flowers are New Zealand Cricket team analyst and ECB Learning Disability national coach Finest moment on the field Beating MCC in front of a full staff room over the past few seasons in what were exciting finishes and played with a great spirit. The established programme for the girls and winning the county cup Recent progress A new pavilion in the planning stage. A cricket professional to coach the teams and oversee the development of the game at all ages. Girls’ cricket is established and played in the prep school right up until Year 13. Numbers increasing all the time for the winter programme with record numbers. The school would have hosted the T20 festival again for the third time. Hosting The Cricketer’s Good Gear Guide testing day in early 2019, with Somerset allrounder Peter Trego, “a great experience had by all”. A skills masterclass with local prep schools delivered by coaches and students was postponed until next year due to the pandemic Tours Planning a possible cricket tour Lewis for 2021 McManus

www.clayesmore.com • 01747 813111 • admissions@clayesmore.com Senior Admissions: Rhona Rutherford rhona@clayesmore.com

38 | thecricketer.com

‘Over a century of cricketing success’

Edward R,Year 11 selected for Dorset U18 2020/21

Join the cricketing success story, contact Admissions on 01747 813 111 admissions@clayesmore.com

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

CLIFTON COLLEGE // CRANLEIGH SCHOOL

CLIFTON COLLEGE 32 College Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3JH Established 1862 Number of pupils 750 Master in charge John Bobby (director of cricket and head of academic PE) Professional Jim Williams Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, two girls’ teams Girls’ cricket Girls’ A and B XIs predominantly catering for girls in Years 9, 10 and 11 Lockdown initiatives The school continued to run its elite cricket programme with fitness conditioning sessions on Zoom How will cricket bounce back? The 1st XI played 10 matches in the autumn including against Gloucestershire and Glamorgan academy sides Number of, and notable, fixtures Normally the 1st XI would play 20 fixtures. Notable fixtures are against Rugby School (two-day), Cheltenham, Millfield and King’s Taunton Facilities Outdoor 10-lane cricket school (2 bowling machine lanes), 2 newly build nets on the 1st XI ground (The Close). New purpose-built girls’ cricket ground; 5 additional squares Club/county affiliation Strong partnership with Gloucestershire CCC: Clifton has 7 players in the Gloucestershire Academy. Close links with Glamorgan and Somerset Best prospects Will Naish, Ollie Meadows, Ryan Kilmister and Hamdi Saleem (all Gloucs Academy) Cricketers of note James Kirtley (Sussex), Jim Williams (Glamorgan),

Master in charge John Bobby Matt Windows (Gloucestershire), Prem Sisodiya (Glamorgan). Last Year’s 1st XI captain Dom Goodman has signed a two-year contract with Gloucestershire Cultural cricketers John Cleese played for the 1st XI What sets the school apart? There are four ex-first class cricketers on the coaching staff (Paul Romaines, Reggie Williams, James Averis and Jim Williams). The cricket facilities are exceptional, particularly The Close. The College runs an excellent winter programme. “There is a proud tradition of cricket at Clifton and at the moment cricket sits ‘on the crest of a wave’ in terms of player quality and depth of talent,” says Bobby Finest moment on the field Recent wins over King’s Taunton in the National T20 Recent progress Continuing to raise the profile and quality of the cricket provision at the College. Exploring new initiatives for keeping pupils interested and engaged in cricket. One recent successful initiative has been having junior cricket played in coloured clothing, which was certainly popular Tours Sri Lanka with 1st XI and U16 XI squads in February 2021

CRANLEIGH SCHOOL Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ Established 1865 Number of pupils 650 Master in charge Alex Forsdike Director of cricket Stuart Welch Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC Girls’ cricket All Year 9 and 10 girls play cricket and Cranleigh run three teams – U18, U15, U14. The 1st XI play MCC each year Lockdown initiatives The school had online programmes for all pupils in school, individual programmes for elite players and one-on-ones (in line with ECB policies) How will cricket bounce back? Ensuring that nets continue throughout the winter of 2020/21, with plans to tour in 2021 or 2022. There are plans for a 6-bay net area in the coming year Number of, and notable, fixtures 1st XI play up to 15 fixtures and most A & B teams play around nine matches. MCC, Wellington College, Tonbridge, Whitgift, Charterhouse Facilities Dedicated 2-lane indoor school to increase the capacity for coaching at all times of year and in all weather. A further 3-indoor net bay in sports hall used for team winter training. 5 cricket squares and 13 outdoor artificial nets. New 4-bay net area

Club/county affiliation Surrey, Cranleigh CC, Glebelands School Best prospects George Ealham and Tom Lawes are in the Surrey Academy programme. Both are excellent all-round prospects Cricketers of note Stuart Meaker (Sussex, Surrey & ex-England) & Ollie Pope (Surrey & England), Michael Burgess (Warwickshire). Chloe Allison was captain of Cambridge University women’s cricket for 2015 Brief history Harry Calder was Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1916 – the only person to win the award having never played first-class cricket. He played for the 1st XI for five years and captained for three years Cultural cricketers Anthony Ainley (Dr Who’s The Master), EW Swanton (BBC, Telegraph and longtime editorial director of The Cricketer) Finest moment on the field In summer 2014 the school won both The Cricketer Cup (first in Old Cranleighan history) and the 2014 National Under-15 Cup (formerly the Lord’s Taverners Trophy – the first school in Surrey to win) Recent progress The introduction of girls’ cricket for all of Year 9 in the summer and would have been Year 10 pupils, to include some Saturday as well as week matches Tours Every two years the school takes a team of Year 12, 11 and 10 pupils. Recent destinations: 2019 – Sri Lanka; 2017 – South Africa, 2015 – India

DOLLAR ACADEMY // DULWICH COLLEGE

DOLLAR ACADEMY Dollar, Scotland FK14 7DU Established 1818 Number of pupils 1275 Master in charge Eddie Pollock (Scotland) Professional Peter Ross Teams 12 teams, including a mixture of hardball and softball teams for both boys and girls from U11–18 Girls’ cricket Three girls teams at Under 12, 15 and 18, as well as offering girls’ cricket during PE curriculum Lockdown initiatives Cricket coaching videos outlining batting, fielding and bowling practices How will cricket bounce back? An indoor coaching programme through the winter run by Peter Ross. Cricket will continue to be a core part of the PE curriculum Number of, and notable, fixtures Typically there are 13 fixtures in the season plus the T20 Cup. MCC, Merchiston Castle School, Glenalmond and Fettes Facilities Dollar is set in a stunning 70-acre campus featuring 3 grass pitches, 1 astro turf pitch and several

DULWICH COLLEGE Dulwich Common, Dulwich, London SE21 7LD Established 1619 Number of pupils 1,600 Master in charge Richard Coughtrie (Gloucestershire) Professionals Adam Riley (Kent), James Clark Teams 45 from U8s to U18s Lockdown initiatives A number of innovative training videos were produced by Riley and Clark which included exercises boys could use to

outdoor nets (both grass and artificial). There is also a large indoor facility with 5 indoor nets Club/county affiliation Links with Stirling CCC, Kinross CC and Clackmannanshire CC. Cricket Scotland Women and U19 have regularly trained in the Dollar facilities Best prospect Jamie Cairns - a leading player in the Dollar 1st XI who bats at the top of the order and bowls left-arm spin. He was part of the Scotland squad who took part in the recent U19 World Cup, as well as being part of the Hampshire Academy and playing Scottish Premier League cricket for Grange CC Cricketers of note Bryn Lockie (Scotland), Ross Mitchinson (Scotland), Kari Carswell (ex-senior women’s captain) Brief history Cricket is one of the principal sports at Dollar Academy. They offer coaching and the opportunity for regular competitive play for all their pupils, from Prep 4 to Form VI. This is a well-resourced activity; the school has outstanding facilities and first-class coaching, which includes frequent visits from internationals. Cricket is played

predominately in the summer term although there are also pre-season net practices for senior school boys in the autumn and spring terms and indoor practice in spring Cultural cricketers John Barclay, exScotland rugby captain, played two seasons in the 1st XI (2002–2004) What sets the school apart? Cricket at Dollar is played in one of the most picturesque settings in Scotland. It is a major summer sport with a full fixture card for all teams throughout the summer term ranging from the 1st XI down to Primary 6. Junior and senior girls’ cricket teams

also have designated practice nights and a number of matches in the summer term. The school facilities are used regularly by Cricket Scotland Finest moment on the field Dollar had an incredible season in 2018 with both the U18 and U15 teams becoming Scottish Schools T20 champions in respective age groups Recent progress The 1st XI retained the Scottish Schools T20 Cup after the final with Fettes after the final was rained off and the trophy shared Tours A planned tour to Spain during February 2021 as part of a pre-season tour is on hold at present

help improve their skill level. Q&A webinars with Old Alleynian Chris Jordan, Eoin Morgan and Zak Crawley How will cricket bounce back? 1st XI hosted two fixtures in August. A midlands tour planned for lower school cricketers in Easter holidays. In 2020 the school planned to conduct a coaching workshop for PE staff across the Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership as well as a tournament for local schools Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 20 1st XI fixtures and 500 fixtures each year, including MCC, Free Foresters, Incogniti, Tonbridge

Facilities 8 indoor nets in the sports hall, 14 outdoor all-weather nets, 5 allweather match wickets and 8 squares Club/county affiliation Surrey, London Schools CC and Dulwich CC Best prospects Roan Kennedy U11, Surrey and Spencer CC; Edward Brydon U12, Surrey and Spencer CC; Lucas Brown U13, Kent and Blackheath CC; Robbie Keaton, Surrey and Dulwich CC Cricketers of note 79 Old Alleynians have played first-class cricket. Nine have been capped for their country. Roger Knight (Surrey) was MCC chief executive, OA and assistant master. A number of Barbadians thrived on sports scholarships, including Anthony Alleyne (Combined Campuses and Colleges), Ruel Brathwaite (Durham & Hampshire), and Chris Jordan (Surrey, Sussex & England) Brief history Dulwich College has been playing since 1873, against Christ’s Hospital, Epsom and St Paul’s. England, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the Netherlands and Surrey have all used the Dulwich 1st XI square for training and practice. There is a common room team, The Dusters, who play weekly fixtures on the 1st XI square. There is

a rumour that ‘cow corner’ originated from Dulwich College because cows grazed at deep midwicket Cultural cricketers PG Wodehouse played in the 1st XI in 1899 and 1900. He wrote many cricketing accounts in the college magazine, The Alleynian What sets the school apart? The 1st XI square ranks as one of the most scenic cricket grounds in London Finest moment on the field The 2010 1st XI played 22 matches, winning every single one. In the first three years of the HMC schools’ National T20, Dulwich reached the final on each occasion. In 2019 the U12A and U15A team won the London Schools’ Knockout Recent progress Riley has invigorated the training programmes. As well as innovative training sessions, throughout the winter boys have been able to engage with one to one and small groups sessions Plans for the future The school is proud of the links with the Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership to engage with schools to help deliver cricket as well as providing a training camp and tournament in 2021 Tours 1st XI to Sri Lanka in 2022 thecricketer.com | 41

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS DUNOTTAR SCHOOL High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL Established 1926 Number of pupils 400 Director of cricket Jack Myers Teams 7 for boys: 1st XI, U15, U14, U13AB, U12AB Girls’ cricket Runs alongside the boys’ programme with the same number of teams representing the school in a typical Saturday block fixture. The girls train twice a week, within games afternoons and at afterschool practice alongside the boys in the fabulous on-site 4-lane facility Lockdown initiatives The director of cricket is also co-director at JTCA cricket. They set up a schools’ cricket

DURHAM SCHOOL Quarryheads Lane, Durham DH1 4SZ Established 1414 Number of pupils 500 Master in charge Michael Fishwick; Michael Hirsch has coached for 35 years at the school Professionals Gordon Muchall (Durham) head of boys’ games at Bow School (prep) and coaches at senior school Teams 7 - 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15, U14AB, U13, U12 Girls’ cricket U15 and U13. Talented girls play in the boys’ teams How will cricket bounce back? Matches were played in the autumn Number of, and notable, fixtures Woodhouse Grove, Sedbergh, St Peter’s York, Ampleforth, RGS Newcastle, Barnard Castle, MCC, Durham Pilgrims, Newcastle School for Boys. Summer Festival with Merchant Taylors’ Crosby, The Perse and Ipswich Facilities Indoor sports hall with 4 lanes. Main pitch on the playground and a smaller pitch on the bottom. 42 | thecricketer.com

DUNOTTAR SCHOOL // DURHAM SCHOOL

scheme of work, which includes weekly games afternoon lesson plans and cricket-related videos that link to the tasks set out within the lesson plans. These were actively followed by all year groups, who filled out an electronic document, with video analysis. There were also weekly challenges for the pupils to compete against the Dunottar School Twitter feed How will cricket bounce back? In 2021 the Dunottar Cricket Academy will start, to develop the school’s top end cricketers: 15 boys and 15 girls. The school is going to Desert Springs in Spain as pre-season training with 20 pupils next April to ensure they have the best possible pre-season on grass wickets and excellent facilities ahead of the 2021 season. The school is also in discussion with Pitch Vision and Lumidos for their video analysis services Number of, and notable, fixtures The school has grown immensely over the past six years. In 2014 it had about eight fixtures (boys only) across the season and in 2020 it was scheduled to have 120 in a nineweek term, including cup fixtures,

the various age groups which could extend to with boys only playing 130. Notable fixtures fixtures – to where include Epsom College, it is now with over Emanuel School, 120 fixtures across 14 Claremont Fan Court, boys and girls’ teams: Ewell Castle, St John’s meaning 154 pupils Leatherhead. They getting regular weekly were due to play Reigate Director of cricket competitive fixtures Grammar School Sixes Jack Myers What sets the school tournament in 2020 apart? A relatively Facilities 4-lane facility small school in terms of numbers of installed in February 2018, which is pupils on roll, it punched above its also used by Surrey CCC; 3 x tennis weight; 90 per cent of pupils in Year 7 courts used for softball scenario skills and Year 8 representing the school on and a bottom pitch used for fielding a weekly basis for cricket; the school carousels is also proud of its Saturday girls’ Club/county affiliation Strong links programme with Salfords, Dorking, Leigh and Recent progress Ensuring Merstham CCs Best prospect Advaith Bali - a Surrey competitive cricket is available for girls and boys from Years 7–13 U13 allrounder on the verge of EPP Finest moment on the field selection. He scored his maiden Runners-up in Surrey County Indoor century last year for the county and Cup (U15) in 2019 and getting to has been clocked at 65mph the last 16 of the Surrey County Cup Brief history Dunottar did not play outdoor (U13) in 2019. fixtures against other schools until Future plans To introduce baggy 2014 when the school turned from an caps. Install an artificial outdoor onall-girls’ school to a co-educational site net on the bottom pitch school. The school’s growth in terms Tours Desert Springs April 2019, of cricket since then has been huge returning there in April 2021 starting off with four teams across

Bow, the junior school, has a lovely little pitch of its own Club/county affiliation Seven boys from U12 to U19 representing Durham CCC; Durham City CC Best prospect Jonny Bushnell (Durham Academy) Cricketers of note Michael Roseberry (Middlesex & Durham), Andrew Roseberry (Leics, Glamorgan), Phil Weston (Worcs, Gloucs, Derbyshire), Robin Weston (Durham, Derbyshire, Middlesex), Gordon Muchall (Durham), Paul Muchall (Gloucestershire), Fraser Watts (Scotland) Brief history The school has had a cricket team from at least 1847, but regular matches with other schools did not start until 1866 with the annual game against St Peter’s, York. Other annual matches followed: Sedbergh in 1908; Ampleforth in 1915; Giggleswick in 1933; Barnard Castle in 1937 and St Bees in 1938. The school has provided many top-quality players, at all age levels, to local and county clubs. TF Dodd (1846–1854): “Cricket was much the same as now, except that bowling above the level of the shoulder was not allowed. We had not the

tremendous scores you now have.” (Taken from Floreat Dunelmia: The 6oo Anniversary book of Durham School) Cultural cricketers Mike Weston (British Lions 1962–1966) What sets the school apart? Durham School is one of the oldest schools in England with a cricket history as early as 1847 Finest moment on the field Every time a young cricketer walks off the

pitch after performing well with a smile on their face Recent progress Producing good young cricketers to play at all levels of the game and age groups including Durham CCC; the school is halfway into fundraising for a new pavilion Tours Barbados at Easter 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19, but hoping to start touring again when appropriate

THE CRICKETER SCHOOLS

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For more information, contact Jim Hindson: email jim.hindson@thecricketer.com or call 0203 198 1354

thecricketer.com | 43

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

EASTBOURNE COLLEGE Old Wish Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4JX Established 1867 Number of pupils 630 Master in charge Rob Ferley (director of cricket, Kent and Nottinghamshire) Professionals James Tredwell (Kent & England), Andy Hodd (Sussex, Surrey and Yorkshire) Teams 12 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15 ABC, U14ABC. Girls 1st XI and U15 Girls’ cricket Two teams, and girls can be part of the cricket programme all year round which is on offer to any pupil who is interested in playing Number of, and notable, fixtures The college plays 116 fixtures this year. The 1st XI and A teams usually play between 20–30 fixtures Facilities Project 150 has delivered as part of the £32m investment in a world-class 5-lane indoor facility with

PitchVision ball-tracking system, Merlyn and 10 bowling machines; 8-lane state-of-the-art all-weather practice facility. 5 grounds Lockdown initiatives Pupils were kept busy with the Eastbourne College P3 App. Developed by the school, a world first in training decision making in cricket in a fun and engaging way How will cricket bounce back? The winter programme continues for all ages, providing one-to-one, small group sessions and specialist skills sessions Club/county affiliation The college has a strong association with Sussex CCC with many boys playing county age-group cricket and having been through the academy system. Boarding students also play for their home counties Best prospect Tawanda Muyeye, a 1st XI cricketer, broke 150 years of school records in May 2019 for recording his second double-century, a first for a college pupil. Even more remarkably he scored it off just 135 balls, with 10 fours and 17 sixes; the most sixes ever hit by a player in one innings. To top it all he made the fastest-ever 150 and double-century. He smashed school records on his way to picking up the Wisden Schools

EASTBOURNE COLLEGE

Master in charge Rob Ferley Cricketer of the Year. Two doublecenturies by the end of Lower Sixth, he was looking forward to improving his return before the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020 Cricketers of note Ed Giddins (Sussex, Warwickshire & England), Matt Hobden and Harry Finch (Sussex) Brief history There is a strong tradition of cricket at Eastbourne. The fixture list is highly competitive and includes the best schools in the south-east as well as a number of club sides including MCC and Sussex Martlets. The school also enters the National T20 Cup and the Langdale and Blackshaw T20 competitions. The college enjoys close links with Eastbourne CC and has a strong relationship with Sussex CCC with several players recently gaining

www.eastbourne-college.co.uk • 01323 452323 Louisa Cluskey: admissions@eastbourne-college.co.uk

44 | thecricketer.com

county representation in age-group side and first-teams What sets the school apart? The college has an all-year-round provision with players benefitting from one-to-one sessions, specialist groups sessions and weekly winter nets for all ages. Led by former England T20 captain James Tredwell, ex-Kent and Notts professional Rob Ferley and ex-Sussex, Surrey and Yorkshire professional Andrew Hodd. The school host the annual Matt Hobden Cup match between MCC Kent and MCC Sussex. The college facilities are second to none enabling a successful bid to host the 2020 Bunbury Festival in the first year it went to a tender process Finest moment on the field Winning the inaugural Arch Trophy in Dubai Recent progress In the last five years the college has developed a programme that offers first-class coaching opportunities in a worldclass environment to any person who has a passion for the game Future plans The college will be continuing to extend its work with local clubs and schools enabling young cricketers in the area to benefit from professional coaching in a world-class environment Tours Sri Lanka in October 2019

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine your passion for cricket with a gold-standard education Get in touch to find out how our coaching team can help you Rob Ferley – Director of Cricket (Kent and Notts) Tara Norris – Cricket Pro (Southern Vipers) James Tredwell – Cricket Pro (Kent and England) Aaron Watson – Seam Bowling Specialist (National Counties and Sussex Pathway Lead)

Ash Wright – Batting Specialist (Leics and Sussex Pathway Lead)

Andy Hodd – Wicket Keeping Specialist (Sussex, Surrey and Yorks)

TAWANDA MUYEYE WISDEN SCHOOLS CRICKETER OF THE YEAR 2020

Jack Mynott – Lead Development Specialist (Loughborough and National Counties) Dr Jim Wallis – Coaching and Performance Consultant (Principle Lecturer University of Brighton)

WORLD CLASS

COACHING • EDUCATION • FACILITIES www.eastbourne-college.co.uk admissions@eastbourne-college.co.uk 01323 452323 Follow us on

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS ELIZABETH COLLEGE, GUERNSEY

La Grange, Guernsey GY1 2PY Established 1563 Number of pupils 564 Master in charge Thomas Paul Eisenhuth Professional Ben Ferbrache Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, development squad (playing in the men’s weekend second division); Year 9AB, Year 8AB; Year 7ABC; weekend Big Bash tournament Girls’ cricket Planned to come in from 2021 Lockdown initiatives Series of weekly skills using YouTube videos; played a full 1st XI season in the men’s league during the summer holidays. The boys lost the final of the men’s bowl. Junior cricket was also played over the summer with internal fixtures as no other school on island plays cricket How will cricket bounce back? A real focus is planned on Years 7 and 8 with a push to have more schools visit Guernsey for weekends Number of, and notable, fixtures 18 - Victoria College Jersey and

ELLESMERE COLLEGE Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 9AB Established 1879 Number of pupils 550 Master in charge Gareth Owen (director of cricket) Professional Rod Jones Teams 19: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U15AB, U14AB, U13, U12, U11, U10, U9;Girls: Seniors, U15, U14, U13, U12, U11, U9 Girls’ cricket The school has its Cricket for Girls initiative – “delivery 46 | thecricketer.com

ELIZABETH COLLEGE, GUERNSEY // ELLESMERE COLLEGE

Melbourne Grammar Facilities 2 grounds both with grass wickets; 2 practice grass wickets; 2 artificial nets; 3 lanes in the sports hall Club/county affiliation Guernsey Cricket Board – the boys have access to the best coaching on the island and the clubs Best prospect Nathan Le Tissier to work with Leicestershire Academy (580 runs at 53 which included three Brief history The college aims to hundreds and one fifty). Nathan’s produce international cricketers final hundred of 2019 came in a T20 and “present opportunities for the final in which the college posted 192. broadening of horizons and the Nathan was due to travel out to the development of future leaders in Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy all walks of life. and outstanding this winter with another promising young men” cricketer Matthew Philp Notable cricketers One of the Cricketers of note Players in the mainstays of the Elizabeth College Guernsey international set-up include XI was CC Corfe, the second of the Luke Nussbaumer, Jamie Nussbaumer, principal’s five sons, all of whom were at the college. Charles won a Matt Renouf, Tom Kirk, scholarship to Cambridge Tom Nightingale, Will and had a formidable Peatfield, CJ Peatfield, sporting record at the Zak Damarell. The new university. He emigrated performance coach Olly to New Zealand, where Tapp is an former student. he became headmaster of Another ex-student Will Christchurch College and Fazakerley spent time in was one of the figureheads the professional game, in the development of with Matt Stokes and Tom Head coach New Zealand cricket. He Nightingale all being invited Ben Ferbrache

of a consistent coaching programme for girls at the school”. High-quality coach Evelyn Jones (England Women’s Academy, Lancashire, Warwickshire). The school enters Lady Taverners U13 and U15 competitions and National U15 and senior competitions. Reached national finals of Lady Taverners in 2013 as regional champions. Ellesmere host county fixtures and festivals Lockdown initiatives Recorded sessions by the cricket professionals offering support and advice, fitness

achieved almost legendary status in the country. The captain of the college cricket XI in 1869/70 was GH Bailey, who emigrated to Tasmania where he remains a cricketing hero. He was chosen to join the Australian national team on its first visit to England in 1878. The team beat an MCC side which included the legendary WG Grace What sets the school apart? PG Wodehouse played for the college team Finest moment on the field The 2020 season included winning the Guernsey Cricket Bowl men’s competition, beating MCC and Melbourne Grammar Recent progress The numbers within the game is seen as a huge positive with the development of the Bash and Blast College competitions. This feeds into the Guernsey Cricket Board club structure with more than 50 members in each. Hopefully the redevelopment of the net area at College Field making it a 3-lane facility. The college is also reverting back to a full grass square enabling the boys to play cricket on grass from Year 5 junior school and onwards Tours Sri Lanka 2022

(Glamorgan CCC); Vansh Bajaj advice and guidance and a trick shot (Cambridge MCCU) challenge How will cricket bounce back? The Brief history Ellesmere College winter programme includes individual was opened in 1884 and dedicated to St Oswald. Today the Woodard coaching, lunchtimes, free periods, Foundation educates more than open invitation coaching after school 30,000 pupils across academy, sessions. In-house cricket awards independent and stateschools scheme ‘Raise the Bat’ What sets the school apart? Number of, and notable, fixtures Ellesmere College is touted as the Usually more than 100 matches. national home of indoor cricket. MCC, Merchant Taylors’ Crosby, The school annually has between Shrewsbury, Birkenhead, Shropshire 20 and 30 players (boys and girls) Gents, Wrekin and notable school representing Wales, Shropshire, sides in competitions and festivals Cheshire, Staffordshire, NE Wales Facilities 3 grass square and 1 and Eryri artificial square. 12 grass nets, 6 Finest moment on the field outdoor artificial nets, 2 indoor halls Midlands champions and semi(one 4 lanes, one 2 lanes). 7 bowling finalists of the National U14 ESCA/ machines. 20 Kwik Cricket sets. 2 senior pitches with facilities next door ECB 2015 National Competition. U15 Lady Taverners National Club/county affiliation Indoor finals 2013 Shropshire, Staffordshire, Recent progress The North East Wales, development of the Ellesmere CC whole school house/ Best prospect small group indoor Ben Wright (U15) selected competitions for the EPP Cheshire Tour One day Cricket Programme. masterclasses to Oliver Moore (Staffs U15) professional clubs and Master in charge Cricketers of note visiting specialist coaches Gareth Owen Dewi Penrhyn-Jones

EMANUEL SCHOOL // EPSOM COLLEGE

EMANUEL SCHOOL

fixtures The 1st XI have between 15–20 fixtures a season, including MCC. All other boys’ teams will play Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HS between 10–14 dependent on cup runs. Girls’ teams play between 8–10 fixtures Established 1594 a season with additional tournaments Number of pupils 1,025 in 2021 on top for U11, 13, 15 and U17s Master in charge Chris Booth (director of cricket) Facilities The main school site has Professional Mark Stear a senior and a junior square. The Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, Blagdons site has one senior square; 3 U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABCD outdoor astro turf nets, a portable net Girls’ cricket Offered as a core sport for middle practices and 4 indoor nets for girls in summer term. 1st XI, 2nd Club/county affiliation London XI, U15AB , U14 ABC, U13 ABCD, U12 Schools, Surrey, Spencer CC ABCD and U11A. Opportunity for girls Best prospects Felix Cole is involved to play with the boys’ sides in the Surrey U14 boys’ pathway. Meg Lockdown initiatives A full remote Radford (U15) and Tabi Hollywood games provision. Weekly interactive (U14) combine pathways cricket by sessions for all pupils featuring featuring regularly in boys’ teams. a variety of skill development There is a strong core of girls in the opportunities alongside U13 year group featuring activities and challenges. Aoife Tibbs, Flora Rogers Online meetings to look and Daisy Perry at individual goal setting Cricketers of note Stuart How will cricket bounce Surridge (Surrey), Ian back? Super 8 with Year Payne (Surrey & Gloucs), 8 and 9 was played in a Izzy Cannon (England quickfire, boundary-filled Girls), Nancy Hughes event. Junior touring (Middlesex Women) planned for 2021 and 2022 Master in charge Brief history The school’s first recorded Number of, and notable, Chris Booth

EPSOM COLLEGE College Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4JQ Established 1853 Number of pupils 900 Master in charge Damian Shirazi (Hampshire) Teams 26 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABC. Girls 1st XI, U15A, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC Girls’ cricket 10 sides and rising under the watchful eye of Surrey Stars, London Spirit and England Academy player Aylish Cranstone Lockdown initiatives Online cricket lessons including skill based, technical, tactical, and psychology-based content How will cricket bounce back? Cricket in the autumn, using coloured clothing and white balls on Saturdays, reducing the times for breaks

Number of, and notable, fixtures Most sides play between 10 and 14 and the 1st XI play about 20. MCC, Hurstpierpoint, Brighton and St Paul’s Facilities 6 on-site squares at the college alongside a 4-lane and 6-lane outdoor artificial net system. Recently refurbished indoor hall which hosts a state-of-the-art 5-lane netting and PitchVision system Club/county affiliation Surrey CCC. 18 pupils having represented Surrey or Middlesex. A close partnership with IN-TOUCH cricket academy pupils play for Banstead, Ashtead, Epsom, Esher, East Molesey, Wimbledon, and Teddington CCs Best prospect Brandon James (Zimbabwe U19 and Matabeleland Tuskers allrounder) Cricketers of note Natalie Sciver (Surrey & England, left), Alice DavidsonRichards (Kent & England) Brief history Cricket has played an integral role at the college from its inception. Having originally played on the Epsom Downs, cricket has been the major

captain Mr J Wheater (master) was appointed in 1891. The school maintains excellent relationships with local schools such as Tiffin, Latymer and Alleyn’s. The introduction of cricket as a core sport for girls has been a resounding success with the U11s current Surrey champions and the U13s runners-up Cultural cricketers Tom Smith (Scotland/British Lions), Dr Iqbal Malik (heart surgeon) What sets the school apart? The main school site is a beautiful setting with walled grounds minutes from Clapham Junction. The school field is immaculately kept given the use it sees through the rugby season Finest moment on the field Multiple Surrey and London Cup

titles over the years Recent progress The continued development of a co-ed cricket programme with multiple teams across all age groups. Continued opportunities for development for all abilities. The school is developing a new 4-lane outdoor all-weather facility on the school site in the summer of 2020 coupled with major investment in drainage Plans Redevelopment of offsite sports facilities which will provide additional cricket pitches and training facilities. Growing the number of sides at U11 level to cater for growing numbers Tours After a successful senior tour to Sri Lanka (Dec-Jan 19) the 2021/22 winter will see a short-haul junior tour for students aged 11-14

summer sport. With numerous alumni going onto play first-class cricket there has always been a strong and prestigious fixture card. In recent times the girls of Epsom have joined in this fine tradition with Sciver and Davidson-Richards going on to international honours Cultural cricketers Jonathan Maitland (English playwright and presenter), Tony Fernandes (QPR FC and Air Asia chairman), Nick Candy (property developer) What sets the school apart? Outstanding facilities and pitches set among the backdrop of the Epsom

Downs. The school livestreams most home matches Finest moment on the field Having two OEs play in an ODI in 2018 Recent progress Installation of PitchVision has brought much interest from pupils and the Epsom community; a 20 per cent increase of pupils participating in cricket Plans The refurbishment of the outdoor practice facilities near the chapel. Also hoping to launch a schoolwide house-based fantasy cricket league in 2021 Tours The SPORTA international schools tournament in Dubai each year thecricketer.com | 47

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Are you a talented young cricketer looking to combine exceptional training with an outstanding education? The HNC Cricket Academy has a renowned reputation for the quality of our Cricketers. As a College we achieve outstanding academic results, giving you the opportunity to excel in both your studies and your sport. We offer students a unique and innovative experience that supports you to achieve at the highest level and achieve your full potential in both Cricket and your studies.

Meet the inspired King’s Worcester is a leading co-educational independent family of schools for children age 2-18 King’s Worcester offers an awe-inspiring cricketing set up. With more than 46 acres of sports fields overlooking Worcester Cathedral, strong links to Worcestershire County Cricket Club, 20+ senior school pupils on the Worcestershire County Cricket Academy programme and specialist senior cricket coaches, there is no better place to pursue your passion. Discover more at www.ksw.org.uk

As a member of our Cricket Academy, you will receive a unique timetable combining both your outstanding training and coaching with an outstanding experience. To find out more contact our Cricket Coach Peter Lombard p.lombard@huddnewcoll.ac.uk

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ETON COLLEGE // FELSTED SCHOOL

ETON COLLEGE Windsor, Berskhire SL4 6DW Established 1444 Number of pupils 1,300 Masters in charge Tim Roberts (Lancashire & Northants) and Richard Montgomerie (Northants & Sussex) Teams 24 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, 6th XI, 7th XI, U16ABCD, U15ABCDEF, U14ABCDEFG Girls’ cricket A boys-only school but have played fixtures against girls’ schools Lockdown initiatives All cricketers had access to an online resource which involved daily drills, practices and many other coaching resources. Pupils sent video footage and interacted on a one-to-one basis. Montgomerie ran a number of Zoom lessons regarding cricket and team building for boys to choose How will cricket bounce back? 240 boys played cricket in the autumn. A tapeball 100-ball house competition was also held with 550 boys

FELSTED SCHOOL Braintree Road, Felsted, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3JL Established 1564 Number of pupils 550 Master in charge Jason Gallian (director of cricket) Professionals Nick Lockhart Director of girls’ cricket Carla Rudd Teams 9 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC for boys Girls’ cricket Senior 1st XI, 2nd XI, Junior AB for girls Lockdown initiatives An all-round educational website for all pupils to access with coaching drills on it. Essex head coach Anthony McGrath held a webinar for the 1st XI, ‘Challenging students physically as well as mentally’ How will cricket bounce back? Plans proceeding for the piloting of a league in the east which we will begin again in 2021 Number of, and notable, fixtures 19 for boys, 13 for girls plus cups. MCC, Gents of Essex, Independent Schools League in the East, National T20 and international festival at end of term Facilities 4 grass squares, 10-lane

Number of, and notable, fixtures About 220 fixtures a summer. Plus more than 150 internal house fixtures. All fixtures are treated equally as important as the next Facilities 11 grounds with turf wickets with an extra 8 grounds with astro wickets. 16 astro nets. Cage practice facilities on 4 grass squares and 3 nets for winter practice Club/county affiliation Berkshire CCC. Datchet CC and other clubs and state schools in the area Best prospects The school “has a number of cricketers from 13–18 who show a love for the game, a high level of ability and a passion to improve. It would be unfair to select any one of them as being a better prospect than any other” Cricketers of note More than 750 first-class players, most recently Alex Loudon and James Bruce. Ed Farley plays for Jersey. Various recent university first-class players (Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Leeds). A number of Old Etonians have played county cricket and for England including Matthew Fleming, Lord Harris, George Mann

outdoor NTP nets system, 2 NTP pitches, 5-lane indoor facility Club/county affiliation A school partner with Essex CCC. Lord’s Taverners use the school’s facilities Best prospects Harry Gallian (U15 South team v West Indies 2019, Bunbury South East Team 2019 held at Felsted, Essex age groups, Saffron Walden men’s 1st XI and played for Felsted 1st XI in year 9); Emma Jones (Bishop’s Stortford Women, Essex age-group teams and now represents Essex Women and in Surrey Stars’ development squad); Joe Burslem broke school record of 1,215 runs for 2019 previously held by Tim Phillips Cricketers of note JWHT Douglas (England & Essex), Derek Pringle (England & Essex), John Stephenson (England, Essex & Hampshire), Nick Knight (England, Essex & Warwickshire),

and Gubby Allen Brief history First written record of a game of cricket at the college in 1706. In 1751 Old Etonians played against The Rest of England. Eton played Harrow for the first time in 1805 Cultural cricketers Henry Blofeld and Ivo Bligh What sets the school apart? Competitive inter-school sport was said to start with cricket matches between Eton, Winchester and Westminster. The school runs an inclusive programme for all boys

who choose cricket Finest moment on the field “Any team or individual that succeeds in improving and fulfilling their potential whilst enjoying the great game of cricket” Plans Engaging in outreach projects with state schools and clubs Opening A new sports facility will allow for higher winter participation Tours The school has toured Dubai with its U15s and Sri Lanka with the seniors every two years in recent times

Tim Phillips (Essex), Elliot Wilson (Worcestershire), Jordan Cox (Kent & England Lions) and William Buttleman (Essex). Poppy Timson, Grace Poole and Emma Jones (Essex Ladies) Brief history First cricket field was established in 1805 Cultural cricketers Douglas was also a gold medallist in Boxing at the 1908 London Olympics What sets the school apart? Felsted’s main ground ‘The Front’ is

the only school ground overlooked by a beer garden called the Chequers Finest moment on the field 2004 and 2005 – National T20 Champions; 2017 – Girls’ U15 National Indoor and Outdoor Champions; 2019 – Girls’ 1st XI National Champions, beating Millfield and Shrewsbury in the finals Recent progress The continued development of girls’ cricket through the prep and senior school Tours Boys’ Australia tour December 2021; girls’ Sri Lanka tour Feb 2021

thecricketer.com | 49

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

FETTES COLLEGE // FOREST SCHOOL

FOREST SCHOOL Snaresbrook, London E17 3PY

FETTES COLLEGE Carrington Road, Edinburgh, Scotland EH4 1QX Established 1870 Number of pupils 500 Master in charge Bruce Russell Professional Peter Steindl (Scotland) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15AB, U14AB Girls’ cricket A games option through the year. Fixtures for U15 and senior XIs were in place last summer Lockdown initiatives Online coaching videos, training/fitness schedules, cricket-specific homework How will cricket bounce back? Cricket was played in the autumn Number of, and notable, fixtures About 70 a year. All the top Scottish schools plus MCC Facilities 4 squares, new 4-lane outdoor nets, plus a 3-bay facility, 4 indoor nets and nets at each boarding house boys Club/county affiliation Key partnership with Cricket Scotland. The national team train at Fettes in winter months as their main facility. They use indoor nets plus some outdoor spaces as part of a partnership agreement signed off each year. This gives the school various benefits (tickets to games, access to coaching for some players) Best prospect Harry Armstrong, 14, batsman and leg-spinner is in the Scotland age groups Cricketers of note Richard 50 | thecricketer.com

Bowman (Lancashire), Ronald Hoare (Northamptonshire & Lancashire) Brief history Fettes cricket has historically lived in the shadow of rugby union, but has nonetheless produced some fine teams over the years. Malcolm Jardine, an Oxford Blue (and father of Douglas) and KG MacLeod, described by Wisden as Scotland’s greatest all-round athlete, were the school’s finest cricketers. A golden period came during the 1950s. Recent teams have flourished, led by Neil Millar and Scott Maclennan, both to become Oxford Blues, bolstered by the influence of the Edwards boys, Henry, William, both to represent Scotland at U19 World Cups, and now younger brother Robert Cultural cricketers Tony Blair played cricket while a pupil. Robert White, notable left-arm spinner and cricket lover, who went on to manage several bands, including Simple Minds What sets the school apart? Beautiful 1st XI ground and historic pavilion. Recent 1st XI record, 4 times holders of national T20 cup in last 6 years Finest moment on the field One of these recent finals where Fettes beat a key rival at their patch in a onesided final (2017). Initiating the girls’ programme Plans A match run by a former pupil helped a local charity aimed at underprivileged boys and girls, raising more than £4,000 Tours Sri Lanka hopefully, Easter 2021, if not, 2022

Established 1834 Number of pupils 1450 Master in charge Jack Perham Professional James Foster (Essex & England) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABC Girls’ cricket For 5 years: two teams per age group and approaching a first senior team year in 2021. U13 and U15 girls are county champions. 8 girls representing county age groups Lockdown initiatives Remote cricket sessions across the ages and stages of development. With each age group having a squad session every week, along with a whole school optional session offered after school. Along with weekly challenges and theory tasks to enhance cricketing knowledge (field settings, run-rate) How will cricket bounce back? Played in autumn. Playing against local schools and creating triangular cup competitions to drive further incentive and engagement. This will also run for the girls Number of, and notable, fixtures About 140 across the summer term. MCC, Haileybury, St Albans and numerous touring sides from India and South Africa Facilities 6 indoor nets, 3 outdoor grass nets, 3 outdoor artificial nets and mobile nets for wicket practice. 4 grounds situated across two sites within close proximity Club/county affiliation Essex and Middlesex. Wanstead & Snaresbrook, Woodford, Loughton, South Loughton and Fives & Heronians CCs Best prospect Peter Miller (Year 10,

batsman and seamer, athletic fielder, with Essex) Cricketers of note James Foster, Nasser Hussain and Adam Wheater Brief history The school’s archives date cricket at Forest back to the 1860s. Hussain became the first Old Forester to play for Essex and England. Former Essex allrounder Stuart Turner looked after the cricket at Forest from 1987, until his retirement in 2010. Forest School now runs more teams than at any other time in its history Cultural cricketers Paapa Essiedu, who has played Hamlet at the Royal Shakespeare Company, turned out for the school’s B teams What sets the school apart? Agegroup county cricket has been played at the school for a number of years, along with local academies that play against international touring sides Finest moment on the field Supporting the first girls’ T10 competition in East London in 2019. Along with winning three Essex Cup titles in the same day (U12 and U13 boys, U15 girls) Progress The successful inclusion of teams across all of the girls’ age groups and their success within the county cups. Along with reaching four out of five Essex Cup finals in the boys’ competition Plans Continuing to provide and support the growth of boys’ and girls’ cricket across East London, while catering for the rise in popularity with entries to winter indoor leagues and local fixtures for all to engage with Tours India 2020 and local Kent tours were disrupted, but plans developing for next summer, along with the successful exchange program with St Stithians College from South Africa

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE // GRESHAM’S SCHOOL

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE College Road, Framlingham, Suffolk IP13 9EY Established 1864 Number of pupils 690 Master in charge Chris Gange Professional Johann Myburgh (Somerset, Durham & Hampshire) Teams 40 (23 boys’ teams, 17 girls’) Boys: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, U17 Cup XI, Albert XI, Junior 1st XI, U15AB, U14AC, 5 x U13, 3 x U11 and 4 x U9 Girls’ cricket Across all age groups: 1st XI, 2nd XI, junior ABCD, 4 x U13, 3 x

GRESHAM’S SCHOOL Cromer Rd, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EA Established 1555 Number of pupils 505 Master in charge Dominic Atkinson Professional Chris Brown (Norfolk) Teams Boys – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC. Girls – U9–U15: 4 each at U9, U11 and U13 level, U14 and U15 looking at 1st XI in 2021 Girls’ cricket U9–U15 Lockdown initiatives Drills, skills and masterclasses. The 1st XI had weekly discussions online covering skills, quizzes and looking at important topics such as mental health in the game alongside the National Mental Health Awareness week How will cricket bounce back? Cricket is a passion at the school and will soon be back in the mainstream.More than 30 pupils involved in the Norfolk county age-group system Number of, and notable, fixtures 25 fixtures per year for the 1st XI and weekend blocks for others. Local rivals

U11, 4 x U9; winter programme that is girls-specific. The school enter all the cups at county and national level Lockdown initiatives Three remote sessions each week on skills/ techniques/concepts. Each Saturday the school ‘played’ the inter-school matches it was calendared to play in the block fixture. A system was designed with students playing a match by themselves – batting, bowling and fielding for both sides. Access to the Suffolk Cricket Remote Learning Programme and BelievePerform software. Masterclasses. Strength & conditioning courses. Online include Royal Hospital School, Norwich, Framlingham and Ipswich. MCC is the most important fixture of the year. There is also a 2-day game at the end of term against Woodhouse Grove from Yorkshire. The school is hosting a 4-team festival in 2021 Facilities 8 squares across prep (4) and senior (4); 12 grass nets plus 6 artificial at senior Club/county affiliation Norfolk & Nottinghamshire CCCs Best prospects Ben Wilcox (U15s). He played for the 1st XI in Year 8, has scored more than 1,000 runs for the 1st XI including a hundred v Oundle; he is captain of Norfolk U15 and has played for Notts. A top-order elegant batsman who bowls medium pace; Ben Panter (U15) – a fast opening bowler with the Notts academy; Sakhumuzi Ndlela, allrounder represented Zimbabwe in the U19 World Cup in South Africa Cricketers of note Andrew Corran (Notts) & Nick Taylor (Yorks, Surrey and Somst) Cultural cricketers Ben and Tom Youngs, Sir James Dyson (left), John Bradburne

coaching with feedback How will cricket bounce back? Autumn cricket was played. The school was due to play in the Essex Cricket Independent School League last summer with The Leys, Felsted, Ipswich, New Hall and Brentwood School, deferred until 2021. The school hope to join a pre-season cricket festival in April, plus end-of-term festivals (1st XI and U15) Number of, and notable, fixtures 280 from U9–U13; 130 from U14–1st XI. List includes MCC, Gents of Suffolk, Cambridge University, Turf Sports Academy (India), St Charles College (South Africa), Prince Alfred College (Australia), Northants and Suffolk age groups, Dulwich, Eastbourne and Seaford colleges and Taunton School Facilities 7 indoor nets (2 x sports halls – this includes a new 2-net installation last autumn), 8 artificial nets, 12 grass nets. 10 pitches (plus various mini grounds, including Flicx wicket – which has been used for B and C team fixtures. New BOLA bowling machine. New sightscreens on all satellite grounds Club/county affiliation Formal

educational partnership with Northants CCC; official links with Suffolk CCC; partnership with the Andy Northcote Cricket Academy; Easton CC Ladies; links with MCC universities, Essex, Somerset and Worcestershire CCCs. MCC Foundation Hub Programme for local sports clubs and state schools (U11-U15) for both boys and girls Best prospects Freddie Heldreich (Northants Academy & Suffolk CCC), 18, left missing his final season as 1st XI captain. He has taken part in England nets (left-arm unorthodox); Freddie Royall, Jayden Borges (both Norfolk), Holly Dring-Richardson (Essex), Sophie Singer (Suffolk) Cricketers of note David Larter (Northants & England), Ashley Cowan (Essex), Rob Newton (Northants), Herbert Wilson (Sussex), Norman Borrett (Essex) Cultural cricketers Ed Sheeran, Charlie Simpson (Busted), Laura Wright, Simon Law, Henry Jackman Future plans For girls to play in the festivals Tours Pre-season trip to Eastbourne for pre-season festival. Easter 2019 to UAE with two boys’ teams

Brief history Cricket is the major sport in summer and for a school of under 800 pupils (senior and prep) it puts out nearly 40 teams. Excellent facilities with new pavilion built 2014 Finest moment on the field On the 2019 tour to Sri Lanka Gresham’s scored 203 for 0 in reply to the MCC Friendship of Goodness Academy score of 200. A 10-wicket performance and a feat that has not occurred since the academy have started playing cricket by a British

touring side. That same team had a near-perfect season in 2019 winning 14 of 15 matches against schools. Declan Oldreive and Hudson de Lucchi both scored more than 700 runs placing them in the top 10 for highest run-scorers in schools cricket nationwide. Oldreive also took 36 wickets. At the 2004 Sir Garry Sobers Schools Festival Will Stebbings won batsman of the tournament and in 2006 Felix Flower won it – he holds the record for the highest number of runs in the tournament, an incredible achievement considering Brian Lara and Sir Alastair Cook played in it What sets the school apart? Brown is a Level 4 ECB and ECB spin consultant who provides highest quality leadership and coaching Future plans Looking to host more Norfolk county fixtures. With Brown as cricket pro the ambition is to be “the best cricketing school in East England”. The school has been selected to host the Norfolk Emerging Players Programme in 2020/21 Tours Sri Lanka in Easter 2019. The school was meant to be at the Haileybury pre-season festival in April thecricketer.com | 51

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS HAILEYBURY Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7NU Established 1862 Number of pupils 880 Director of cricket Rupes Kitzinger Teams 28 - Boys (16) 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14 ABC, U13 ABCDEF. Girls (12) 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13 ABC, U12 ABC Girls’ cricket ‘Growing rapidly’. 12 teams regularly playing with success in county and regional indoor competitions. Kitzinger used to coach on England Women’s development programme and links made already with the new regional structure Lockdown initiatives A huge connected school programme was created from scratch with weekly activities, live interviews (including a session with Dom Sibley), online coaching, specific girls’ cricket section and video analysis. Also a library of resources, podcasts and cricketrelated activities were created How will cricket bounce back? Playing to the October half-term will now be a regular season extension Number of, and notable, fixtures

HARROW SCHOOL 5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill, Harrow HA1 3HP Established 1872 Number of pupils 830 Master in charge Johny Marsden Director of cricket Mark Ramprakash Teams 18 – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th XIs, U16ABC, U15ABCDE, U14ABCDEF Lockdown initiatives 2 online sessions a week. Each session included skills drills, S&C exercises

HAILEYBURY // HARROW SCHOOL

210-plus a year Neal who is now at including 1st XI double Leeds/Bradford MCCU v MCC on speech day Brief history The (boys, girls’ XIs) and annual match with an annual 2-day match Cheltenham was held with Cheltenham at Lord’s until 1968. dating back to 1893 Haileybury Cricket is a Facilities Picturesque book written by David and quality grounds Rimmer that maps including 1st XI Director of cricket cricket from 1863 with ‘Pavilion’. Its square Rupes Kitzinger team lists and photos. and outfield have been The historic pavilion is relaid. Now 7 squares with another 3 a listed building designed by Reginald to be added. PV1 and Merlyn Bloomfield. Pros include Graham Club/county affiliation Host Kwik Barlow, Peter Ellis, Jeremy Lloyds, Cricket finals as well as U10 boys Geoff Howarth and Nic Pothas and U11 girls’ festivals. Club links Notable cricketers Clement Attlee with St Margaretsbury, Hoddesdon, was a pupil before WWII. As PM he Broxbourne and Bayford CC famously sent a hand-written letter Best prospects Vths trio of Ben (held in the Haileybury archives) Wells, Ben Spencer and Harry to the previously rebellious Jim Seagrave (Middlesex Academy) Callaghan (the new Minister for and U15 Samir Jordan who is a leftTransport): “Remember! You are arm quick. 2021 1st XI captain Bill playing with the 1st XI now, not Meacock is a dashing left-handed the 2nd”. 2020 leaver Jack Timms keeper batsman who spent a term in represented MCC Schools at Lord’s in the winter in Cape Town as part of a 2019 scoring a half-century cricketing exchange What sets the school apart? Sir Don Bradman visited Haileybury and Cricketers of note 91 first-class to bequeathed his Baggy Green, which date including Sam Billings (Kent & lay in the Pavilion Long Room for many England) and 2018 captain Andrew

years, and Haileybury has now loaned it to the Australian Cricket Museum Finest moment on the field Chasing down 308 in 2016 to beat Stamford thanks to Freddie Walker (127*) and Ollie Heazel (104*). 2019 saw Michael Levitt and Jack Timms share two 200-plus partnerships Recent progress The extra grounds for matches due to the number of girls’ teams and improved quality of grounds has been astonishing under new head groundsman Andy Richards. A 1st XI boys/girls combined played against Middlesex Women Future plans An indoor centre and a desire to host first-class matches Tours Senior squad February tour in UAE winning 5/6 and playing at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. U14 boys to Jersey annually and lower-school to South Africa in the pipeline

level, including Eton at Lord’s. About 160 for all age-groups and abilities Facilities 2-lane purpose-built indoor school, 8 artificial and 4 grass outdoor nets; 9 grounds that are exclusively used for cricket all served by excellent pavilions. Access to PitchVision, Quickscore scoreboards and many other useful gadgets that improve provision for the boys Club/county affiliation The school partners with the local community in sharing facilities and has a blend of independent and state-school fixtures on the fixture card. A strong partnership with Middlesex and Surrey. Harrow hosts various feeder school festivals and taster days throughout the summer term Best prospect Veer Patel (U15) represents Surrey at county level, an impressive player of spin Cricketers of note Gary Ballance, Nick Compton (England), Robbie White (Middx), Sam Northeast (Hampshire), Glen Querl and Anshuman Rath (Hong Kong). Also Robin Marlar (Sussex), ARB Neame (Kent), Tony Pigott (Sussex & Surrey), Matthew Fosh (Essex), RM Tindall (Northants)

Brief history From 1850 to 1939 the Eton match at Lord’s was part of the ‘London Season’. The first recorded match in 1805 gained publicity from the presence in the Harrow team of Lord Byron. He was no cricketer. Harrow has extended its fixture list and it now has 18 teams that play every week Notable cricketers Byron, Sir Terence Rattigan (playwright), racehorse trainer William Haggas What sets the school apart? Harrow boys get to play in the oldest school fixture at Lord’s. All nine grounds are only used for cricket and this leaves the facilities in outstanding condition. Mark Ramprakash committed to Harrow School ahead of other enticing offers Finest moment on the field Any victory at Lord’s since the fixture’s conception in 1805 (including victory in 2019) is a fine moment. The 1st XI’s win over Middlesex Academy in 2019 Recent progress Increased fixture card for U14/U15 E&F sides Future plans Continuing to expand work with the local community. A new purpose-built 6-lane indoor cricket school is also in the planning stage Tours Cape Town in December 2019

and cricket reading and viewing. A weekly Harrow School Cricket Podcast on the school intranet, including interviews with old boys (e.g Sam Northeast) and has been accompanied by boys and teachers sharing trivia and anecdotes How will cricket bounce back? Online provisions kept the boys interested through lockdown, then 5 1st XI fixtures in September Number of, and notable, fixtures More than 20: schools, universities, nomadic sides & touring sides at 1st XI

HUDDERSFIELD NEW COLLEGE // HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE

HUDDERSFIELD NEW COLLEGE New Hey Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD3 4GL Established 1958 Number of pupils 2,450 Master in charge Peter Lombard Professional Dave Weston Teams 2: 1st XI, 2nd XI U16-U18 Girls’ cricket No but plans in place Lockdown initiatives Students were sent fitness plans to keep active in lockdown. There were cricket quizzes, plus tips on drills at home How will cricket bounce back? Planned tour to Spain in February/ Club/county affiliation Stainland March. Games lined up against CC folded so school keeps it running XL Club, Trent College, Worksop Best prospect Benjamin Birkhead, College. Inter-house T20 games. who made his 1st XI debut for Students looking to take Yorkshire CCC in 2019 Level 1 coaching and Cricketers of note groundsman courses Birkhead, Hollie Armitage Number of, and (Yorkshire CCC, England notable, fixtures 17 Women), Harrison fixtures over the summer Quarmby, Archie Greaves and Jack Hargreaves Facilities Sports barn with (both Yorkshire 2 net lanes and sports hall Academy), Gurman with 4 nets. Local club Master in charge Randhawa (Yorkshire 2nd Stainland as home pitch Peter Lombard

HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9JS Established 1849 Number of pupils 850 Master in charge James Anyon (Sussex), Matthew Reynolds (head of girls’ cricket) Coaches Mark Nash, Ash Wright, Chiara Green and Page Schofield Teams 11 boys (1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI,

4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABCD) Girls’ cricket 6 (1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB) Lockdown initiatives A full online cricket programme for all age groups and the option to send in home videos How will cricket bounce back? Fixtures in the autumn and indoor fixtures through the winter Number of, and notable, fixtures About 20 a year for 1st XI (150 a year for boys/girls’ cricket). Both the boys and girls play MCC

XI, England U19), Charlie Roebuck, Callum Geldart (both Yorkshire 2nd XI) Brief history Huddersfield New College’s Cricket Academy has a national reputation for its outstanding performances, with the team seeing successes in fixtures against a number of local and national teams, including a win against MCC by five wickets What sets the school apart? Youngsters choose Huddersfield New College to have cricket in their education timetables. They train

three times a week with summer fixtures. Plus all cricketers attain their Level 1 when they leave college so can be cricket coaches in the future Finest moment on the field U17 National Cup Final 2011, AOC T20 Winners 2012 Recent progress Birkhead playing for Yorkshire CCC 1sts on 2-year deal. Ben Balmforth played for MCC Schools at Lord’s. Artificial pitch at Stainland CC (used by local primary schools) Tours Week in Spain in March for a pre-season tour

Facilities 5 grass pitches, 4 grass nets, 15 artificial nets, 6 lane indoor sports hall Club/county affiliation A strong and productive relationship with Sussex CCC Best prospect Bertie Foreman, offspin bowler, left-hand bat Cricketers of note George Garton (Sussex CCC & England Lions), Tom Haines (Sussex CCC), Justin Bates (Sussex CCC), Martin Speight (Durham and Sussex CCC) Brief history Although the school was founded in 1849 it is clear that cricket was played not only when the school was at Shoreham but also at the Mansion House. There are no written records until the appearance

of the Hurst Johnian in 1858, however. The 1858 season is therefore the first season for which scores and names survive. In recent years the school has had success winning the Woodard Schools Festival What sets the school apart? The school believes it has one of the longest squares in the world Finest moment on the field Winning the National Schools T20 in 2015 Recent progress Girls cricket progressing well, with more than 150 girls playing. MCC fixtures from 2019. New bank of 12 artificial nets completed in June 2020 Tours Cape Town 2018, and planned to India 2021

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

KIMBOLTON SCHOOL // KING’S COLLEGE SCHOOL, WIMBLEDON

KING’S COLLEGE SCHOOL, WIMBLEDON Southside, Wimbledon Common, Wimbledon, London SW19 4TT

KIMBOLTON SCHOOL Kimbolton, Huntingdon PE28 0EA Established 1600 Number of pupils 720 Master in charge Matt Gilbert Professional Alex Tudor (Surrey, Essex & England) Teams 10 boys teams - U12AB, U13AB, U14AB, U15AB, 2nd XI, 1st XI Girls’ cricket As an additional opportunity to support tennis. An U13 and U15 XI play a small number of matches with the U15 XI involved in a county schools league. Training/nets is available for girls in winter Lockdown initiatives Skills and drills for independent practice in cricket, accessible to all age groups How will cricket bounce back? Winter training programme in readiness for a full fixture programme in the summer of 2021 Number of, and notable, fixtures About 10 a year for the junior sides increasing to 16 for the 1st XI. Roughly 130 fixtures across all age groups. Kimbolton regularly hosts MCC, XL Club and school including Oundle School and Loughborough Grammar School. The 1st XI also features in an annual festival with Monmouth School, Victoria College Jersey and New Hall School: a highly competitive and enjoyable season finale hosted on a rotational basis Facilities 4 indoor nets, 8 outdoor artificial nets, 2 covered grass squares with pavilions, 3 artificial strips, 3 bowling machines including a Merlyn Club/county affiliation Good relationships with Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire CCCs and Kimbolton CC Best prospect Oliver Greenhow (17) is involved with the Northants EPP programme and fulfils all duties on the pitch. Oliver achieved a Wisden entry for both batting 54 | thecricketer.com

and bowling in summer 2019 as a fifth-former. He will be captaining the 1st XI in the summer of 2021 Cricketers of note Tom Huggins (Northants), John Bowers (Cambs MCCU), Joshua Smith (Leeds Bradford MCCU) Brief history Kimbolton has a long and proud tradition of cricket. In the early part of the 20th century regular matches were played against University of Cambridge colleges. The appointment of Jack Hobbs (not yet knighted) in the 1930s as the school’s professional had a profound impact. He scored his final century in the Staff v Pupils cricket match in the late 1940s. More recently Charlotte Edwards spent one summer as the school’s professional – the first female professional to a boys’ 1st XI? Notable cricketers Hobbs is most famous but he was joined in the staff team of the 1930s by Tom Parker (Arsenal & England) and Harold Abrahams (school athletics coach, inspired Chariots of Fire) What sets the school apart? With a backdrop of Kimbolton Castle and beautiful countryside, the 1st XI square boasts one of the most attractive venues in the country Finest moment on the field Joshua Smith, 18, made a record 11 centuries for the school. A record 10 pupil entries to individual Wisden statistics during the summer of 2017. A last-ball one-wicket victory v MCC in 2011 still features regularly as a talking point among Old Kimboltonians and staff Recent progress The school now has 10 regular representative XIs. Girls’ cricket is moving in the right direction, with regular winter activity a recent popular addition Plans To improve facilities and quality of playing surfaces. Recent visitors Michael Holding, Sir Garry Sobers, Graham Gooch, Alec Stewart and Sir Alastair Cook Tours Kimbolton hope to be travelling to Jersey next July

Established 1829 Number of pupils 1,000 Master in charge Tom Gwynne Professionals Gary Butcher (Surrey & Glamorgan) Teams 20 - U12 AE, U13 AD, U14 AD, U15 AC, 1st–4th XI Girls’ cricket No girls until 6th form. Offered as a games option and there are plans to expand this into a competitive team in the coming years Lockdown initiatives Pupils across all year groups were given the opportunity to sign up to a cricket group where various things were posted each day such as practice, analysis tasks, cricket literature and podcasts and quizzes How will cricket bounce back? Autumn matches plus comprehensive winter programme Number of, and notable, fixtures 21 fixtures were scheduled in 2020. Each senior school age group has a minimum of 10 fixtures excluding cup competitions. MCC, Hampton, Australian touring sides Facilities On-site - 1st XI ground, 2 additional grass squares, 10 indoor nets - 6 of which are in drop down in the brand new sports centre, 3 outdoor nets; off-site - 2 mobile cages for middle practices, 2 grass squares, 8 artificial cricket nets, 2 artificial cricket grounds, 2 mobile cages for middle practices Club/county affiliation Surrey CCC & Wimbledon CC Best prospect Aaryan Pillai (1st XI since U15, Surrey CAG, Sunbury CC 1st XI Surrey Prem 2019). Plans to spend his gap year playing club cricket in Australia or India (Covid-19 dependent), then Loughborough University Cricketers of note (All Cambridge MCCU) RQ Cake (1993-1996), Samir Sheikh (1999-2000) RM Crichard (2015- 2018) Brief history Cricket at King’s has always been an integral part of the boys’ schooling life. With more than 220 boys participating in cricket in the senior school alone, the school is one of the only sides in the area to put out a 5th XI and D teams during the summer term. The cricket

benefits from excellent facilities and a fantastic coaching structure with a number of county and district agegroup players coming through the ranks each year. Many of the leavers go on to represent their university 1st XI sides, and due to the school’s academic reputation, it is perhaps not surprising the number of pupils who have played in the Varsity match at Lord’s over the years. The senior school regularly tour Sri Lanka and the junior school tour South Africa Notable cricketers Marcus Mumford from Mumford & Sons, tech entrepreneur Nick D’Aloisio What sets the school apart? More than 600 boys represented both the senior and junior school teams during the 2019 season Finest moment on the field RQ Cake century v Australia for Combined Universities 1993. U15 County Cup runners up 2019 U16 Hampton T20 winners 2020 Recent progress The new sports hall and the cricket facility within has allowed for a substantial and successful winter programme. More boys have participated in weekly agegroup sessions while there has also been an extensive programme for the elite pupils across the whole school Plans The merger between the Year 7 & 8 cohorts in the junior and senior school Tours Senior to Sri Lanka 2018; junior to South Africa Feb 2020. Plans for Sri Lanka 2021

KING’S COLLEGE, TAUNTON // LANCASTER ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

LANCASTER ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL East Road, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3EF

KING’S COLLEGE, TAUNTON South Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3LA Established 1880 Number of pupils 460 Master in charge Rob Woodman Professional Alex Barrow Teams 1st Xl, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI U15 ABC, U14 AB Girls’ cricket 1st XI, U15 How will cricket bounce back? An intensive winter and spring programme in the cricket centre will enable the college to move forward. The summer of 2021 will again serve as a final term of outside cricket including fresh formats, 50-over games, possible 2-day games, cups and festivals Number of, and notable, fixtures More than 100 fixtures in 2019: MCC men and women, The Army, Royal Marines, Cardiff and Cardiff Met Universities, Somerset and Gloucestershire CCCs academies Facilities Indoor sport performance centre with three indoor lanes. Separate sports hall for indoor cricket. Grass nets on the squares. 6 outside artificial nets. 6 pitches. Club/county affiliation Partnership with MCC Foundation, Somerset CCC, Taunton St Andrews, Millichamp & Hall, Somerset County Sports, ESCA Festival Best prospect Will Smeed (Upper-sixth), right-handed top-order batsman, off-spinner, Somerset CCC U18s, Academy and 2nd

XI, England U19, scored maiden century for Somerset 2nd XI at 16 against a strong Sussex. In 2019 he was sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained on England U19s duty. He made a remarkable comeback for Somerset U17s, scoring 243 (260b) against Gloucestershire in his first game back. Followed up with 185 against Warwickshire Cricketers of note Jos Buttler (below), Tom Banton, Neil Brand, Charlie Morris, Tom Webley, Craig Meschede, Alex Barrow, James Regan, Eddie Byrom, Nathan Gilchrist Brief history Cricket at King’s has always been at the forefront of the school’s culture and traditions. The school is one of the first MCC Foundation Hubs, an initiative which will allow local young cricketers to access the brilliant coaching and facilities that King’s can provide What sets the school apart? England A trained on the 1st XI pitch. New Zealand trained in the new sports performance cricket centre. The famous and successful West Cricket Festival organised by Malcolm Broad is at King’s College, normally consisting of nearly 200 games in 6 weeks ranging from county to international schools and academy cricket teams from U10-U14s. Countries include England, South Africa, Dubai, USA, West Indies, Ireland Recent progress Popularity of girls’ cricket. Summer numbers for 2020 were potentially going to mean fielding 3 teams Plans More grass wickets. Rotating/moving a square to provide bigger pitch for the U15s Tours Dubai & Sri Lanka, senior and junior squads. Next major overseas tour is planned for 2022

Established 1472 Number of pupils 1,100 Master in charge Guy AJ Mason Professional Billy Swarbrick Teams 16 - U12 ABC, U13 ABC, U14 AB, U15 AB. Girls XI 1sts, 2nds, 3rds. Staff XI and Old Lancastrians XI Girls’ cricket Since girls joined the sixth form in September 2019. There will be a girls’ XI next summer. There will be a pathway for elite girls to represent the school at 1st XI as well Lockdown initiatives Through Twitter the school posted weekly challenges, coaching clips and demonstrations, homemade video clips and funny sketches produced and videoed by the students How will cricket bounce back? Played MCC in September and internal matches Number of, and notable, fixtures All teams play midweek and Saturday and do well in the Lancashire Schools Cups at all age groups. The B teams play about eight fixtures a season and A teams at least 12: Bolton, Manchester Grammar, Sedbergh and annual fixture v MCC and Old Lancastrians. The 1st XI play more than 20 fixtures a season Facilities The school has two grounds both steeped in history. The Memorial Field and the Douthwaite Field (home to the 1st XI) both have glorious views across the bay to the Lake District, the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. 4 indoor lanes, 3 outdoor lanes, 2 portable cages to go on grass wickets and 4 cricket squares – expertly looked after by part-time

groundsman John Butler Club/county affiliation The school is proud to run an INSPIRUS link with local primary schools. It also hosts a cricket camp in half-term for local primary school children and a local team, the Gregson XI, uses the ground on Sundays. In 2019 36 boys were involved in the representative pathway and the school boasts strong links with the both the district sides and the Lancashire county side. Morecambe, Lancaster and Torrisholme CCs; recently donated kit to the youngsters at Torrisholme CC Best prospect Tom Anderton - 1st XI captain, Lancashire U18, a right-hand opening batsman, who also bowls off-spin, RGS Festival Player of the Tournament in 2018; Yuvraj Chhabra (Lancashire U16s, RH opening batsman, occasional off-spin) Cricketers of note More than 10 first-class cricketers produced by LRGS since the First World War; they feature in a book due out in early 2021 Brief history Brian Ashton (England rugby), Cecil Parkinson What sets the school apart? A state boarding school in a rural part of the North-West which has got 36 boys onto its elite cricket pathway Finest moment on the field Winning the National U15 final at Trent Bridge in 1999 v Charterhouse; Losing finalists the National U13 final at Headingley in 1997; Finalists in the Sir Garfield Sobers U19 Tournament in 2010; Winning the RGS 1st XI Festival Trophy for the first time in 2018; Retaining the RGS 1st XI Festival Trophy at RGS Worcester in 2019 Tours UAE, February 2020. The boys beat Zayed Academy, Haileybury, Reigate Grammar and Dubai College. Two were floodlit, pink ball and in the National Stadium in Abu Dhabi

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

LANCING COLLEGE

LANCING COLLEGE College, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW Established 1848 Number of pupils 600 Master in charge Raj Maru (director of cricket) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, Junior girls U14/15, Senior girls U16/18 Girls’ cricket Coaching and playing programme for girls all year round Lockdown initiatives The sport department ran an online YouTube channel with workouts and challenges How will cricket bounce back? Fixtures in September then in winter indoor house matches and a full coaching programme Number of, and notable, fixtures 1st XI: 14–16; 2nd XI: 6–8; 15a: 14–16; 15b: 8–10 fixtures; 14a 14–16; 14b: 8–10; Junior girls: 8–10; Senior girls: 8–10 Facilities 2 indoor nets, now looking to add another 2; plus 1 in the middle Club/county affiliation Sussex CCC & Board; local clubs in and around Lancing Best prospects Jacob Coup (Sussex

Director of cricket Raj Maru U16), Oscar Sheffield (Sussex U15), George Hannington-Hodge (Sussex U14); Alice Capsey (Surrey and England Development squad) Cricketers of note Jonathan Robinson (Surrey), Mason Crane (Hampshire and England), Alice Capsey (Surrey & England development squads), Brief history Cricket at Lancing dates back to 1857, when the earliest team was captained by G Woodard, the son of Lancing’s founder Nathaniel Woodard. Cricket has since become one of the most popular and successful sports at the college Cultural cricketers Sir Tim Rice Finest moment on the field Lancing Rovers (team of Lancing alumni) winning The Cricketer Trophy 2019; Ryan Maskell scoring a triple-century in that game, a world record in a 50-over match What sets the school apart? Offer two cricket scholarships every year for both Year 9 and 12 entry. The award is given to the most outstanding cricketing applicant (male or female) Recent progress Introduction of girls’ cricket Plans Developing girls’ cricket; development of prep school academy; adding more teams 3rd XI, 15 & 14 C teams. Girls to have a team at each year group 14, 15, 16 and 1st XI. Adding U12 & U13 prep school teams to block fixtures Tours South Africa (February 2021)

www.lancingcollege.co.uk • admissions@lancing.org.uk • 01273 465 805 56 | thecricketer.com

Lancing College Senior School & Sixth Form

Be inspired Be brilliant Be you Cricket and Sports Scholarships available

Registered Charity No. 1076483

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE // MALVERN COLLEGE

LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE Long Sutton, Hook, Hampshire RG29 1TA Established 1928 Number of pupils 650 Master in charge Edward Ikin Teams 21 - boys 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCD. Girls – 1st XI, U16A, U15AB, U14A, U13ABC Girls’ cricket Eight teams give pupils the chance to compete in hardball and soft-ball fixtures as well as training at least twice a week. In 2019 139 girls were involved in fixtures, with two U13s representing the girls’ 1st XI against MCC. The school enters the Lady Taverners indoor competition and have been Hampshire champions eight times; the U15s reached this year’s (cancelled) regional finals at the Ageas Bowl. The girls are strongly represented in county and district squads with two members of the sixth form in the Young Vipers Academy Lockdown initiatives A cricket roadmap was created. Pupils completed either bronze, silver or gold levels during the summer term.

MALVERN COLLEGE College Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3DF Established 1865 Number of pupils 650 Master in charge Mark Hardinges Professional Noel Brett Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC Girls’ cricket There are 3 teams (senior, U15, U14) Lockdown initiatives The staff at Malvern provided pupils with online links and did small group practices when permitted How will cricket bounce back? The school plan to arrange fixtures for 2021 – including a three-day fixture Number of, and notable, fixtures 1st XI has 20 including: Shrewsbury, Harrow, Repton, Wellington, Bradfield, Millfield, Kings Taunton, MCC Tom KohlerCadmore

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In order to reach the levels, pupils completed online cricket courses, virtual umpiring tests, completed weekly challenges and sent in video footage for analysis and feedback How will cricket bounce back? Matches in the autumn. Plans for pre-season to continue as it normally would in the first week back in January Number of, and notable, fixtures In 2019 197 fixtures (boys and girls) with most notable fixtures against MCC (both male and female teams) Facilities 8 astroturf nets, 10 grass nets, 5 grass pitches, 2 artificial pitches with a 4-lane indoor net facility Club/county affiliation Many of the students play for Odiham & Greywell, Farnham and Hook CCs. Hampshire CB use the pitches Best prospects Sam Ruffell

(Frensham CC, Surrey CCC, Rajasthan Royals Academy UK); Gemma Lane (Hants U11–U17, South Regional Young Vipers Academy since 2018) Cricketers of note Michael Bates (Somst and Hants CCCs), Hugo & Alex Hammond (England Disability) Brief history Cricket is now available to all boys and girls at the school, and is the main summer sport. The college has been included in The Cricketer’s Schools Guide for the past four years and the U13 and U15 girls have won the county Lady Taverners indoor championship six times between them. The school represented Hampshire at the regional finals finishing runner-up in 2018 Cultural cricketers Jonny Wilkinson played for the 1st XI for 3 years What sets the school apart? The

renowned school grounds are used regularly by county and district teams with the excellently prepared playing surfaces, courtesy of groundsman Alistair Cotton and his team, often producing nail-biting fixtures Finest moment on the field Robbie Heywood ended his school career with a remarkable sequence in 2012. In his final eight days he scored 108 not out v RGS Guildford, 101 (retired) v Bedales, 153 v Reed’s and 120 in a T20 v The Sternians (LWC old boys). His partnership with James Wilson v Reed’s was 285, a college record Recent progress Girls’ programme continues to pave the way in the region Plans A new sports hub along with updates to pavilions Tours Boys’ 1st XI to South Africa February 2020. Boys and girls in 2023

Facilities 3 x grounds, 6 x artificial nets, 16 grass nets, indoor cricket facility Club/county affiliation Worcestershire CCC Best prospect Josh Dickenson, a leg-spinning allrounder who has represented Worcestershire 2nd XI. Cricketers of note Tom KohlerCadmore (Worcs & Yorks), David Nash (Middx), Ben Twohig (Worcs), Jack Haynes, Alex Milton (Worcs), Mark Hardinges (Gloucs & Essex), Roger Tolchard (England & Leics), RE ‘Tip’ Foster, Ricardo Ellcock (Worcs & Middlesex) Brief history The Senior Turf at Malvern is spectacular. Matches were played within 18 months of the school’s foundation in 1865. Players included the seven Foster brothers, who dominated Malvern cricket from 1889. They all played for Worcestershire, but RE ‘Tip’ Foster was the most outstanding, and is still remembered

for his innings of 287 for England at Sydney on the 1903/04 tour to Australia, his Test debut What sets the school apart? No sixes are awarded at Malvern. Old Malvernians won The Cricketer Cup in 1975, 1986, 1990, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2016 Finest moment on the field 1st XI won the national T20 competition in 2019. They also went unbeaten against school opposition during

the 2012 season, winning 12 games in succession Recent progress They have improved girls’ cricket and produced another first-class cricketer Future plans Malvern hope to have a new net system up and running for 2021 Tours U15s are hoping to tour Desert Springs in 2021, while the seniors hope to tour South Africa in 2022

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE // MERCHANT TAYLORS’ SCHOOL, NORTHWOOD

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE Bath Road, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1PA Established 1843 Number of pupils 1,007 Master in charge Mike Bush Professional Mark Alleyne Teams 5 U18, 3 U16, 4 U15, 5 U14, 3 girls teams & U17 cup team Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket has been running for five seasons, and nearly 50 play. There are three XIs. A vibrant fixture schedule includes Shrewsbury, Rugby, Bradfield, Cheltenham & St Edward’s. Charlotte Edwards coaches part-time Lockdown initiatives 212 pupils signed up to the 10-week online programme. The captains, Ben Spink (boys) & Rosie Pembroke (girls), organised the ‘Run 100 to Raise 100’ which saw £5,522.16 raised for NHS Together, Ruth Strauss Foundation and Cricket Without Boundaries Number of, and notable, fixtures

In 2019 137 fixtures were played Facilities Sports Hall (5 nets), 14 artificial nets, 9 grounds, 2 cages, 3 bowling machines Club/county affiliation Links with Marlborough, Burbage, Avebury & Potterne CCs locally, host matches for Wiltshire age groups & Gloucs/ Wilts EPP, boys & girls involved in Gloucs, Middx, Somst, Hants, Oxon & Wiltshire youth set-ups Best prospects Ben Higton (SLA), Sean Montgomery (RA medium) & Will Pembroke (LH open bat) in Wiltshire-Gloucs Emerging Player Programme Cricketers of note AG Steel (played in first home Test in 1880, and name on Ashes urn), RH Spooner (played for England 1905–12 and also England at rugby), Jake Seamer (Somst), Mike Griffith (ex-Sussex capt & president of MCC), Richard Savage (Warks), Robbie Williams (Middx & Leics) Cultural cricketers Siegfried Sassoon, Jack Whitehall, Christopher Martin-Jenkins Brief history By 1849,

six years after the college started, a cricket club was formed. Dr Cotton, who arrived from Rugby School as Master (headmaster) in 1852, gave encouragement and by 1855, when the first match between Marlborough and Rugby took place at Lord’s, the main square had been completed. Until 1972 the game continued at Lord’s and since then the schools have played a two-day annual match What sets the school apart? In July 2019 the college hosted the 3-day Women’s Ashes warm-up between Australia & England Academy Finest moment on the field In

August 2017 the XI defeated Rugby by 25 runs in an exciting match at Lord’s to celebrate the 450th (Rugby) and 175th (Marlborough) anniversaries of both schools Recent progress First joint boys/girls tour to South Africa last February Future plans Main ground landscaped to improve viewing experience and a new 8-lane fully-enclosed net facility is being installed with the aim of making it a covered training hub. This will enable specialist outdoor coaching from late winter until late autumn Tours Desert Springs, and senior boys in 2021–22 to Asia or Australasia

Cricket Club Best prospect Aaryan Sawant – batting allrounder who has played for Middlesex Academy Cricketers of note Ravi Patel (Middlesex) What sets the school apart? In the past three seasons Merchant Taylors’ School have hosted the Australia, England, India, South Africa and Sri Lanka squads at the school.

Merchant Taylors’ are the Home of Middlesex Youth Cricket Finest moment on the field 2018 and 2019 National T20 finalists Recent progress The winter programme at Merchant Taylors’ is going from strength to strength. The pupils are taking their game seriously all year round and staff have been particularly pleased with their progress in the gym with strength and conditioning coach Andrew Bruce being a real catalyst for positive change Future plans Plans have been made for a brand-new 5-lane indoor cricket centre Tours A senior cricket tour to South Africa has been planned for 2021, while an U15 tour to Dubai has been planned

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ SCHOOL, NORTHWOOD Sandy Lodge, Northwood, Hertfordshire HA6 2HT Established 1561 Number of pupils 950 Master in charge Ian McGowan Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABCD, U13ABC, U12ABC Lockdown initiatives The school offered online content – masterclasses,

drills, quizzes and more How will cricket bounce back? Merchant Taylors’ School are hoping to hold an indoor league over the winter months Number of, and notable, fixtures The school have block fixtures every Saturday on a competitive circuit in North-West London. They also enter Middlesex Cup competitions at U12, U13, U14 and U15 age groups. The records say they having been playing St Paul’s for many years, including playing them at The Oval (as they did against Charterhouse) in the 1840s and it is thought that since 1946 they haven’t missed a school game against each other Facilities 12 grass squares Club/county affiliation Middlesex Youth Cricket, Old Merchant Taylors’

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS MILLFIELD SCHOOL Established 1935 Number of pupils 1,300 Director of cricket Mark Garaway Coaches Dan Helesfay (assistant coach), Jack Moore, Dave Roberts, Kieran Peters (performance coaches) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd, Marauders XI (social XI), Meyers XI (U18), Atkinson’s XI (U17), U15 ABC, U14 ABC. Girls: senior XI, Development XI, U15 Girls’ cricket Three summer squads plus house tapeball cricket and winter training for all girls. There are 80-plus girls playing the game over the course of the year. Girls also feature in the boys’ squads as well. The school won the U15 National Cup in 2018. Millfield School play in the U15 and U18 Girls National Cups. The girls 1st XI tour

the 2nd XI Championship in 2019. Kamran has a vast array of variation in his bowling and has worked so well on his physicality, fielding and batting since joining the programme Cricketers of note Ian Ward (Surrey, Sussex, England), Paul Terry (Hampshire & England), Kieron Powell (West Indies), Tom Maynard (Glamorgan & Surrey), Simon Jones (England), Craig Kieswetter (Somerset & England), Ben Hollioake (Surrey & England), Adam Wheater (Essex), Daniel Bell-Drummond (Kent & England Lions), Tom Moores (Notts), George Hankins (Gloucestershire), George Bartlett, James Hildreth, Max Waller, Fin Trenouth, Sam Young, Kasey Aldridge, Lewis Goldsworthy (all Somerset) and Tom Lace (Middlesex) Brief history In 2016 Millfield became the first school to hold three national titles at the same time (U15 T20, U17,

every second year, to India, South Africa and Barbados recently Lockdown initiatives There was a remote learning set-up in place offering 150 drills. One-on-one sessions via Microsoft Teams as well as tactical sessions Number of, and notable, fixtures Millfield have 125 fixtures a year on average. They play Worcestershire, Somerset, Glamorgan, Hampshire & Surrey Academies, MCC, Cardiff University, Wales U17 Girls, Somerset U17 Girls as well as matches on the local schools’ circuit Facilities Indoor centre (5-lane nets, 3 Pitchvision lanes, 4G fielding area), 12 grass nets, 4 artificial nets, 6 grounds Club/county affiliation Millfield has associations with 27 counties, states and national governing bodies Best prospect Kamran Khanna is a rapidly developing leg-spinner who has already helped Hampshire to win

U18 T20). They then repeated the feat in 2018 with wins in the U15 Girls, U17 Boys and U18 Boys National Cup finals. Three of the school’s cricketers played prominent roles in the England squad during the 2020 U19 World Cup and there have been Associate cricketers in the programme. Two current female cricketers have broken into the full Somerset women’s County Championship XI. In 2019, Millfield hosted England Women v Australia A in a three-day fixture leading into the 2019 Ashes and England Women’s Academy in two T20 games v Australia A. In 2018, Millfield hosted the 32nd ECB David English Bunbury Festival What sets the school apart? Investment in pitches in last eight years Finest moment on the field The triple crowns of 2016 and 2018 Recent progress Indoor centre Tours Planned to Barbados Dec 2020

Street, Somerset BA16 0YD

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MILLFIELD SCHOOL // MONMOUTH SCHOOL FOR BOYS

MONMOUTH SCHOOL FOR BOYS Almshouse Street, Monmouth, Wales NP25 3XP Established 1614 Number of pupils 650 Master in charge Andrew Jones Professional Steve James Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC Lockdown initiatives Initiatives were put into place in partnership with Cricket Wales and Glamorgan Cricket. These included drills as well as strength and conditioning tutorials Number of, and notable, fixtures There are usually 130 fixtures across all age groups. These include games in the West Country and the Midlands Facilities 5 grass squares, 1 artificial pitch, 5 grass and 6 artificial nets Club/county affiliation Monmouth School for Boys have close links with all the local clubs, with many of their boys playing during term time for the likes of Monmouth, Abergavenny, Llanarth, Chepstow, Wormelow, Brockhampton and Newport. The school also has strong ties with Glamorgan CCC with Steve James offering coaching sessions each week Best prospect Harry Friend (below) is a talented opening batsman. He scored 67 not out against a strong Glamorgan attack last summer in an inter-squad game. His top score of 140 not out against Bristol Grammar School in 2019 came chasing down 353. He is in the full Glamorgan academy, having compiled 10 centuries and 29 half-centuries Cricketers of note Steve James (England, Glamorgan);

Reuben Spiring (Worcestershire); Jeremy Lawlor, Andrew Jones, Huw Waters, Kyle Tudge, Keith Jarrett (all Glamorgan); Tony Jorden (Essex); Alec Davies (Scotland, Surrey) Cultural cricketers Eddie Butler (Former Wales rugby union captain, broadcaster) Brief history Although the school was founded in 1614, the first mention of cricket was in The Monmothian magazine in 1882. The pitches, just across the River Wye from the main school buildings, are picturesque, overlooked by the Kymin hill above and with stunning views stretching down the Wye Valley Finest moment on the field When the U17 side, including Steve James, won the Barclays Bank Schools’ Cricket Cup in 1983. They beat, among others, Millfield, Dean Close and Colston’s before defeating Wymondham College in the final in London and captain Gareth A Davies, boxing correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, was presented with the trophy by MCC president Sir Anthony Tuke Recent progress The continued development of girls’ cricket at sister school, Monmouth School for Girls Future plans The school have five players in Glamorgan’s academy this winter. The school plan to continue to work closely with Cricket Wales in playing fixtures against their junior teams as well as hosting matches for them. They have a strong link with Monmouth CC, supplying coaches and boys to their ever-growing junior programme Tours The middle school hope to tour the Caribbean in 2021

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE // NEW HALL SCHOOL

NEW HALL SCHOOL The Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3HS

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE

Easter and a Cricket Week, where they usually play university opposition (in 2020 Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, St Michael’s Road, Preston, Cardiff, Loughborough). The college is Lancashire PR3 0RY proud of the Wednesday fixtures and notable ones are against Sedbergh, Established 1894 (as the Lancashire Shrewsbury, Merchant Taylors’ Crosby, County Institute of Agriculture) Manchester Grammar and Denstone Number of pupils 50-60 (enrolled on a BTEC in Sports and Performance Facilities The course is at Lancashire Excellence, Cricket Studies, alongside CCC, so students are able to access a training, strength and conditioning the same facilities as the professional and fixture programme run through squad. In the summer they use the Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford) facilities at Ashton on Mersey CC Co-ordinator Daniel Atkinson Club/county affiliation Lancashire, Professional Brett Pelser (North Ashton on Mersey CC and the West & Lions in South Africa) Cheshire CB. Also Cumberland CCC, Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U17 who provide opposition each summer Girls’ cricket A number of girls have in the form of a senior county 2nd XI gone on to play county cricket for Best prospect Jack Morley finished Lancashire and Cheshire in 2020 and is now with Lancashire Lockdown initiatives Myerscough Cricketers of note Ashley Shaw moved all learning and resources (Kent), George Harding (Durham), online. The college had weekly catch- Owais Shah (Scotland A), Jack ups via video call with all students, Morley (Lancashire), Uzzair Shah and set physical, competitive (Scotland U19s) challenges and the head of strength Brief history Myerscough College and conditioning wrote personalised celebrated its 125th year in 2020. The physical activity programmes for centre based at Lancashire CCC was students. They also developed a established about 10 years ago ‘virtual fixture list’ livestreaming What sets the school apart? virtual computer-generated matches Myerscough believe it is unique in against schools they were due to play being government-funded and free How will cricket bounce back? to access for students, providing Myerscough ran a block of fixtures education and cricket provision at in September for new and returning no cost to the student. It is based at a students. The new first year students Test venue, an inspiring place to learn played in a multi-format series similar Finest moment on the field to the Women’s Ashes (two T20s, a Myerscough reached the national 40-over and a two-day game). The quarter-finals of the schools’ U17 cup second years had matches v MCC, Recent progress Focusing on the recent leavers and an pastoral, emotional alumni fixture and wellbeing of the Number of, and notable, students fixtures Myerscough Future plans To continue had their most exciting to develop and grow the and extensive fixture course. Strengthening the list planned for this year 1st XI programme with with the introduction of a more two-day fixtures Programme Tours Potchefstroom in 4th XI. There were 45–50 co-ordinator South Africa for annual fixtures, starting with an pre-season tours overseas tour every year at Daniel Atkinson 62 | thecricketer.com

Established 1642 Number of pupils 1,240 Head of cricket Paul Davidge Pro Nasser Hussain (Essex & England) Teams Boys - 1st, 2nd and 3rd XIs, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC. Girls - U15A, U13ABCD Girls’ cricket A winter academy and Lady Taverners indoor competition at U15 and U13. In the summer matches at U15 and U13 level Lockdown initiatives Via online learning portal Firefly pupils were set weekly tasks and challenges. All pupils were given masterclasses to watch (e.g South Africa’s Jonty Rhodes on fielding). Players from the Winter Training Programme sent in video footage of performances How will cricket bounce back? New Hall are already in contact with multiple schools to arrange fixtures for 2021. They are looking at small festivals and triangular T20 days Number of, and notable, fixtures More than 150 a year with notable 1st XI fixtures against MCC, Eton, Felsted, Brentwood, Forest, Eltham, The Leys, Ipswich, Framlingham Facilities 6 squares (5 turf, 1 astro), which includes the picturesque Six Acres with its white picket fence and pavilion. 3 of the 5 grounds also have sightscreens and covers. 6 astro nets across 2 sites and an indoor sports hall with 2 lanes Club/county affiliation Essex. Both boys and girls use the facilities at Chelmsford and in return New Hall provide the use of their own facility to allow matches and training

Best prospect Ronnie McKenna (Year 12) wicketkeeper/top-order batsman has played for 1st XI since Year 9. He is with Essex Academy Cricketers of note Ben Allison (Essex) Brief history The school was established in 1642, but boys have only been enrolling for 12 years. In the past three years the school has been dominant in county cups (winning 10 from 2016 to date). The U13s have made the national final and quarterfinals, the U15 T20 side made it through to the regional finals, and the U17s made it through to their regional final for the first time in 2019 What sets the school apart? As a relatively small school (60 boys per year group) New Hall compete and have success against much bigger and more established schools on a regular basis. The ethos of mixing participation with performance gives all students an opportunity to experience success of the cricket field at whatever level they are suited to Finest moment on the field Having won the regional section of the U17 National Cup New Hall lost to Eton by three runs in the quarter-finals. Last season the 1st XI also won the Castle Festival for the first time Recent progress Since the last tour to Sri Lanka in 2017, where New Hall lost every game, a similar group toured Cape Town three years later and won four of its five matches Future plans For each of the grounds to have their own independent changing facilities, screens and covers Tours 2016 (U15s Sri Lanka), 2018 and 2019 (U13 & U12 to Kent/Surrey), 2020 (1st XI to Cape Town). U15 to La Manga was planned in April 2020 but cancelled

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME SCHOOL

NEWCASTLE-UNDERLYME SCHOOL Mount Pleasant, Newcastle-underLyme, Staffordshire ST5 1DB Established 1874. In 1981 renamed Newcastle-under-Lyme School Number of pupils 429 senior plus 120 sixth-form Director of cricket Ben Gibbons Professional Jason Brown (Northants, Notts) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17 (cups), U15, U14, U13AB, U12AB Girls’ cricket U15 and U13AB. Girls also play in the boys’ teams. In 2018/19 the school entered the Lady Taverners Indoor at U13 and U15 level and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint eighta-side outdoor tournaments for only the second year. Jason Brown started to coach some of the girls alongside PE teacher Emma Thornbury in the summer term. Inclusion within the winter training. Saturday fixtures for the first time in 2020. The school employed a female cricket coach from the Staffordshire CB for the summer term (Rosemary Cockle) Lockdown initiatives A NULS Cricket @ Home Programme to provide pupils with drills. Yorkshire Tea/Chance to Shine National Cricket Week (with Charlotte Edwards). Webinars with Mark Boyns on mental health and fitness and Jason Brown on spin bowling How will cricket bounce back? Autumn training for the U12/13s (mixed gender) with inter-year group fixtures taking place on Saturday mornings for the first half-term. Number of, and notable, fixtures In 2020, boys were due to play more than 100 fixtures (including house matches, Staffordshire Cup Competitions and Solihull 6-a-side tournaments). Notable fixtures included MCC, Denstone, Cheadle Hulme, King Edward’s Birmingham, King’s Macclesfield, Shrewsbury and Wrekin. The 1st XI were due to play at least 17

which included participation in the HMC U19 T20, U17 National Cricket Cup and the Old Castilians match and MCC since 1988. In addition they were due to compete in an end-of-season festival hosted by King’s Chester. Girls play 10–15 between the two teams in a variety of formats Facilities Indoor Sports Hall – 2-lane nets, BOLA. 3 cricket squares (2 artificial strips on the junior squares), 5 outdoor artificial nets, 1 set of mobile covers, use of The Cricket Cave specialist facility Club/county affiliation Staffs CCC. Meir Heath CC and Wedgewood CC Best prospects Grace Potts (Year 13) has attended England Women’s Academy training and played for an England Academy XI versus an ICC Touring XI. Tom Boundy (Year 8) is a Staffs player invited to the Warwickshire fast-bowling skill. Arjun Annamalai (Year 7) is an U12 Staffordshire County and Worcestershire Academy player. Raphi Sheldon (Staffs U17) Cricketers of note John Ward (Derbyshire), David Hancock, Michael Ikin, Denton Brock (all Staffs) Cultural cricketers Nigel Johnson (BBC Radio Stoke commentator), Roger Johnson (BBC Breakfast presenter), Dan Robson (Wasps), Peter Vickers (Wales U18) Brief history The first recorded fixtures within The Fire-Fly were against Silverdale CC and Whitmore CC in 1880. The Orme Girls’ School, formed in 1876, played a significant

Director of cricket Ben Gibbons

amount of cricket between 19081925. The standalone pavilion situated on Stubbs Field was presented to the school in 1955 by the Old Newcastlian Club in memory of Old Castilians who fell in the War. The school recorded a number of undefeated seasons in the 50s/60s thanks to impressive performances from David Hancock, Stan Evans and Michael Ikin, who all represented Staffordshire and also John Ward, who enjoyed a first-class career with Derbyshire. Mr Peter Cash (Master in charge 1985-2009) introduced the annual MCC fixture in 1988 What sets the school apart? Newcastleunder-Lyme School is the leading independent school in Staffordshire and is a Times Top 50/Top 100 Co-Educational Independent School for GCSE and A Levels respectively. The school regularly

reach the latter stages of the county competitions and produce a number of male and female cricketers who play for local clubs Finest moment on the field 1st XI reached the Regional Final of the HMC National U19 T20 in 2017 Recent progress The school invested in around £2,000 of cricket including new strength and conditioning equipment and brand new coloured T20 kit for the 1st XI Future plans The building of a second sports hall has been approved. The school hope to purchase a 2G Flicx pitch. Developing a mental health plan. New covers. New honours boards in the pavilion Tours 2020 U13 Isle of Man cricket tour called off. A stay at Wymondham College in 2021. Desert Springs is hosting a 1st XI T20 tournament in July 2021 Jason Brown

www.nuls.org.uk • Admissions contact: The Registrar, Mrs Chris Quigley, 01782 664620 thecricketer.com | 63

Changing the game since 1602 Scholarships Available Call Now nuls.org.uk | 01782 631197

OAKHAM SCHOOL // OUNDLE SCHOOL

OAKHAM SCHOOL Chapel Close, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DT Established 1584 Number of pupils 1,040 Director of cricket Neil Johnson (Zimbabwe) Master in charge Patrick Latham (Cambridge University & Somerset) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABCD, U13ABCD, U12AB, U11AB Girls’ cricket One senior and one U15 team. Cricket for girls in Lower School (Years 6, 7 and 8). Regular

OUNDLE SCHOOL Church Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire PE8 4EE Established 1556 Number of pupils 860 boarders and 250 day pupils Head of cricket David Foster (Bedfordshire & Northumberland) Boys’ professional Malcolm Roberts (Bucks) Girls’ professional Patricia Hankins Teams 28 in all – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th XIs, U16ABC, U15ABCD, U14ABCD, U13ABCD Girls’ cricket 1st XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB. Oundle run a full girls’ programme with nine teams including weekly winter training. The girls’ 1st XI coach is John Crawley with Patricia Hankins of Northants Lockdown initiatives A full programme including video tutorials, tactical assignments, quizzes, challenges and live Q&As with Gary Ballance ECB chief executive Tom Harrison

fixtures against Oundle, Stamford Lockdown initiatives The strength and conditioning coach sent training programmes to cricketers. Pupils were directed to a number of links to past international and national highlights How will cricket bounce back? Hoping to put on a T20 festival for various age groups; pre-season tours Number of, and notable, fixtures The 1st XI play 22 fixtures. All other teams play roughly 10 fixtures. The school has a very competitive fixture list ending with the BOWS (Brighton, Oakham, Wellington and Sedbergh) Festival

Facilities The school has two grounds. Doncaster Close, the main ground, has 4 squares, 13 grass nets, 7 artificial nets and a coaching net with bowling machine. The BAF Smith Pavilion, new for 2014, provides firstclass facilities for teams and guests. Wilson Fields has a purpose-built pavilion, 2 quality squares and grass nets, and hosts county 2nd XI games Club/county affiliation Oakham have pupils playing for Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire Cricketers of note APF Chapman (England), JAS Taylor (Scotland), SKW Kelly, GH Maybury (both Bermuda), Lucy Pearson (England), Stuart Broad (Leics, Notts & England), Matthew Boyce (Leics), Josh Cobb (Leics & Northants), Ian Saxelby (Notts), Alex Wyatt (Leics), Tom Fell (Worcs), Lyndon James (Notts), Nick Kimber (Surrey) Cultural cricketers Lewis Moody, Tom Croft, Alex Goode (all England rugby), Miles Jupp (presenter) and Matthew Macfadyen (actor) Brief history Oakham has an enviable reputation and in the last decade six former pupils have joined

the pro ranks including Stuart Broad. Coaches have included Frank Hayes and David Steele followed by Phil DeFreitas, John Crawley and Neil Johnson What sets the school apart? Oakham School has hosted Leicestershire (first-class and limited-overs matches) for a number of years on Doncaster Close (the main oval). The second oval has hosted a number of Leicestershire 2nd XI matches Finest moment on the field Being able to produce one of the best school cricket fields and watching county matches played on hot summer days Recent progress The continued growth and development of girls cricket. The hosting of the BOWS festival at the end of the 2019 summer Future plans To further enhance the relationship with Leicestershire CCC by hosting more matches and practice days. Develop the artificial practice area into an all enclosed facility Tours 1st XI tour of the subcontinent planned in 2021. U14/15 pre-season tour of Norfolk and Essex

and Liam Plunkett How will cricket bounce back? Full programme in September continuing with full winter programme Number of, and notable, fixtures 200 across all teams with the 1st XI playing around 20 per year. The 1st XI play in a festival including Abingdon, St John’s Leatherhead and Brentwood. Oundle also play MCC Facilities 8 squares with the ability to play 7 hardball matches at once. 10 grass nets, 10 astro, 2 cages and 2 side nets. 3 bowling machines and 1 Merlyn. Indoor sports hall with 4 nets. New centre opening September 2020 Club/county affiliation Close links for Northants CCC, hosting age-group fixtures and winter and pre-season sessions. Oundle were due to host Northants 2nd XI this season. Oundle Town CC Best prospect Will Park and Olly Ford, both Northants U15s batsmen Cricketers of note John Morley Lee (Cambridge University & Surrey), Reggie Ingle (Somst), Frank Greenwood (Yorks), Tom Harrison (Northants, Derbyshire and ECB chief executive), Will Jefferson

(Essex, Notts & Leics), Greg Smith (Leics & Notts) Cultural cricketers Sir Michael Pickard, Shahryar Khan, Richard Dawkins, Arthur Marshall Brief history Cricket has been played at Oundle since at least 1830 with a match against Uppingham in 1855 being the earliest where the full score survives. Mike Mills after whom the pavilion is named, came to the school as a pupil in 1935 What sets the school apart? Along with the 25 academic members of staff that help to run teams, Oundle use 10 specialist cricket coaches

Finest moment on the field The 2004 side won 15 matches with no defeats and lifted the Silk Trophy for the only time in the school’s history Recent progress Oundle now have more than 350 pupils playing cricket in the summer and this number is increasing due to the girls’ programme Future plans Oundle are to launch an inaugural cup competition with four internal franchise teams Tours The senior tour to Barbados due for Easter 2020 was cancelled. U15s will be touring every other year with the senior year groups going on a major tour every third year thecricketer.com | 65

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

QUEEN MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL, WALSALL // RADLEY COLLEGE

QUEEN MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL, WALSALL

David Brown, was at the forefront of the schools’ success in the Walsall Knockout competition in the late 1950s and early 1960s What sets the school apart? Pupils get the opportunity to partake in an elite all-year-round cricket programme including one-to-ones and small group sessions before the start of the school day. The school also runs a large primary school outreach programme where Year 5s come to Queen Mary’s and have the chance to enjoy and experience cricket, some for the first time Finest moment on the field U15 Schools Regional T20 winners

(Staffordshire 2015 and 2019). The RR Taylor Bowling Award is presented to the leading wicket taker in the 1st XI, named after a bowler who recorded 10 for 17 against Tettenhall College in 1915. Three 1st XI batting records are held by Ian M Wilcox (1990) – most runs in a season (836), most centuries (three) and highest score (191) Recent progress The past 12 months have seen great progress with the Year 7s and 8s. There has been the introduction of coloured clothing for the 1st XI for short-format cricket, which has been a focus over the winter months. Hammond encouraged the 1st XI squad to be seen as role models for the younger players as part of their personal development in the hope that the younger players will aspire to play for the 1st XI Future plans A purpose-built enclosed three-lane outdoor net facility due to be built in 2020 as well as tours to Isle of Man and Jersey in 2021 Tours South Africa (1993), Canada (1998), Sri Lanka (2012), Isle of Man (2018 and 2019). Another Isle of Man Tour will be taking place in 2021. Also plans to tour Jersey

Merlyn. There are 16 astroturf nets and 10 grass squares Club/county affiliation Radley launched the AWA last winter. Players from local clubs attended sessions on Saturday mornings Cricketers of note Ted Dexter (Sussex & England), Andrew Strauss (Middx & England), Ben Hutton, Nick Gubbins, Jamie Dalrymple (all Middx), Robin Martin-Jenkins (Sussex) Cultural cricketers The satirist Peter Cook played, and former Gloucester rugby stalwart Nick Wood is a mainstay of the staff team Brief history A recent OR dinner at Lord’s highlighted the traditional strength as Ted Dexter and Andrew Strauss shared the stage for a Q&A session with Nick Gubbins, who

was about to jet off to Australia with England Lions What sets the school apart? The school’s 1st XI enjoyed six unbeaten years in the early 1990s and then a similar golden age with Gubbins, Wilf Marriott and Alex Hearne in the side. The Bunbury Festival was hosted at the school in 2017 Finest moment on the field Taking six wickets in six balls at the end of the innings v Marlborough three years ago Recent progress The academy allows youngsters to come to have coaching and use great facilities Future plans To continue to develop and extend the club academy programme Tours Planning a visit to Rwanda in the new future

Sutton Road, Walsall WS1 2PG Established 1554 Number of pupils 1,140 Master in charge Alex Hammond (England Physical Disability) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17 XI (Cup), U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12ABC Girls’ cricket Although a boys’ school through Years 7-11, 2019 saw the introduction of a sixth-form girls King Edward VI Stratford house competition Best prospect Ronan Bagry (Staffs Lockdown initiatives Challenges U17), opening bowler and middle ranging from technical skills to creating cricket-based games. Player- order bat who trained with Royal Challengers Bangalore before the IPL led goals will be incorporated into a Cricketers of note David Brown specific winter programme (Warwickshire & England) How will cricket bounce back? Cultural cricketers After successful Malvind Benning fundraising throughout (Mansfield Town FC) 2019 Queen Mary’s are Brief history The first installing a purpose-built recorded cricket match enclosed three-lane was in 1874 between outdoor net facility Queen Mary’s and Walsall Number of, and CC in Old Chuckery. notable, fixtures Queen Mary’s most 120–130 per year including Master in charge illustrious cricketer, Denstone, Solihull and Alex Hammond

RADLEY COLLEGE Kennington Road, Radley, Oxfordshire OX14 2HR Established 1847 Number of pupils 675 Master in charge Simon Dalrymple (Oxford University) Professional Andy Wagner (Beds) Teams 18 Lockdown initiatives Video coaching, a weekly ‘captain’s corner’ discussing tactics or with guest speakers and Wagner offered oneto-one sessions with elite cricketers How will cricket bounce back? Radley had around 300 boys playing cricket as part of the return to school. This included all of the new boys, with beginners enjoying sessions with the

66 | thecricketer.com

cricket pro. As part of the new boys’ programme there has been a house competition. In other year groups Radley designed franchise teams and there is a training squad of 24 boys likely to play senior cricket. They had four fixtures, including a game against MCC, before the autumn half-term. In the second half of term Radley carried on with a normal off-season programme. Radley hope to build on the first year of the Andy Wagner Academy with Jeremy Lloyds helping Number of, and notable, fixtures The 1st XI play between 15-20 a year including friendlies and short-format competitions. Saturday fixtures are divided between the Cowdrey Cup and the John Harvey Cup Facilities 5-lane indoor facility equipped with bowling machine and

REED’S SCHOOL // REIGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

REED’S SCHOOL Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES Established 1813 Number of pupils 730 Master in charge Malcolm Dunn Professional Keith Medlycott (Surrey & England) Teams 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th XIs, U15ABC, U14ABCD, U13ABCD Girls’ cricket Three senior teams (Reed’s only have girls in sixth form) Lockdown initiatives A remote programme for the whole summer term with skills videos for beginners and more experienced cricketers How will cricket bounce back? Fixtures until the first weekend in October, playing in year-group pods. Voluntary training sessions for all years throughout school week, again in yeargroup pods, using the outdoor facilities. Reed’s have already confirmed block fixtures for next season Number of, and notable, fixtures 210 in all, with MCC most prestigious Facilities 2 senior and 2 junior squares on site. A satellite ground with 2 senior squares. Indoor facility

REIGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS Established 1675 Number of pupils 1,064 Head of cricket James Leck Director of sport Sam Woodward Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABCD Girls’ cricket U15A and U13A would have competed in the Surrey County Cup in 2020. The U15A are reigning champions from 2019. U15A and U13A girls were runners-up in the Surrey Schools Indoor during the winter. U15A would have competed in the National Cup. Five Surrey age-group or academy students, of which four also play in the boys teams at school. In 2020 there was a

played at Cobham since the school arrived from Watford just after the war. The game grew in the 1960s under headmasters Bob Drayson and Rodney Exton. Exton’s experience as a county cricketer at Hampshire when still a schoolboy developed the game. Newly retired head David Jarrett, a Blue at Oxford and Cambridge, encouraged the sport. Reed’s regularly tour the Caribbean What sets the school apart? Surrey Women play their home matches at Reed’s. The school has seen many international cricketers and World Cup winners grace Bigside, the main field, in these matches. Finest moment on the field Quarter-finalist of HMC National T20 2015, 50/40 League 1st XI winners 2014, 2015 & 2017 Recent progress Jarrett Indoor Centre, refurbishing artificial nets Future plans Developing more wickets on the main square, refurbish second senior square, expanding the programme of inclusion at lower skill levels Tours Barbados in July 2019 and Dubai in October 2019. Planning to tour Barbados in July 2022

with 5 lanes and PitchVision analysis in all lanes. Merlyn and Trueman BOLA machines plus 4 BOLA professional machines. 6 lanes of artificial nets (refurbished), 8 lanes of grass nets, 2 full length roll-out Flicx tracks Club/county affiliation Surrey CCC age-group cricket is played at the school. Rajasthan Royals Academy is linked to and based at the school – the only IPL academy in the UK. The Royals also provide coaches for the school’s games programme when

needed. Close links to Esher CC and Stoke D’Abernon CC Best prospect Kailan Patel played for 1st XI when in 4th Form, is in the Middlesex age groups and academy and the Rajasthan Royals Academy Cricketers of note Phil Salt (Sussex), Dan Douthwaite (Glamorgan) Cultural cricketers Tim Henman, Tom Hardy, Simon Keenlyside, Alex Corbisiero, Chris Hollins, Jeremy Ovenden & Jeremy Sharples (opera singers), Michael Ball Brief history Cricket has been

block of hardball fixtures in place for every Saturday and will increase to 5 teams (including a 1st XI & U14A). In 2021 Reigate Grammar girls compete in a league with four other schools – St George’s Weybridge, Epsom, Kingston Grammar and Surbiton High. A number of softball fixtures Lockdown initiatives Coaching drills focused on skills development How will cricket bounce back? Autumn fixtures and now an expanded winter programme Number of, and notable, fixtures 190 a year. MCC, Dulwich, Epsom, St John’s Leatherhead, St George’s Weybridge, RGS Guildford, Christ’s Hospital, CLFS, Eltham College, Sutton Valence, Caterham and KCS Wimbledon (Whitgift and Trinity as full blocks). HMC T20, National U15 Cup (girls), Surrey County Cups, RGS 6s. Prep connections with Shrewsbury

Cricketers of note Will House, Cranmore, Beer (Sussex), Andy Lanesborough, Northcote Babington (Sussex & Lodge, Chinthurst Gloucestershire), Nick Facilities Extensive Falkner (Surrey) development of playing Cultural cricketers Bill fields – all 3 grass Frindall, David Walliams, squares have undergone Laurie Reed regeneration. The artificial Head of Cricket James Leck net facility is going to be Brief history Reigate GS developed, updated and was established in 1675 improved with a philanthropic focus and the Club/county affiliation Significant school continues that heritage offering partnership with Reigate Priory a large number of bursary places CC, while contributing towards Finest moment on the field In 2019 the ongoing project of investment the U15A girls reached quarter-finals at Hartswood CC. Surrey CCC of the National Cup and won County scheduled to host Surrey Schools’ CA Cup. Beat MCC in 2014 and 2017 matches and age-group matches Recent progress Development of Best prospect Millie Hetherington girls’ cricket is a Surrey U17A cricketer on the Tours Feb 2020 1st XI boys’ to Dubai Performance Pathway Programme. (2017, planned for 2023); yearly tour She was 2020 captain of U15A girls to Jersey U13 & U12 boys (U13 girls will and would have played for U15A boys join in 2021); April 2021 senior girls’ tour

thecricketer.com | 67

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

REPTON SCHOOL // ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, GUILDFORD

REPTON SCHOOL Willington Road, Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6FH Established 1557 Number of pupils 640 Director of cricket Chris Read (Nottinghamshire & England) Professional Andy Afford (Notts) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC Girls’ cricket U15 and U18. Repton have teams at U15s and U18s and enter both indoor and outdoor national competitions. They run a girls’ club which can accommodate players of all abilities and the most talented girls will enter the performance programme and are available for selection for the boys’ XIs Lockdown initiatives An online library of technical drills. Squad sessions for all teams which comprised of a weekly skill development session and live discussion covering topics such as tactical awareness/strategy and mental preparation How will cricket bounce back? Year-group house competitions

ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, GUILDFORD

High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3BB Established 1509 Number of pupils 958 Director of sport Giles Cover Master in charge Richard Black Professional Michael Barnes (Warwickshire & Hampshire) Teams 15 from U12-U18 Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school Lockdown initiatives Pupils had weekly sessions uploaded via Microsoft Teams. Additional coaching material and challenges were shared via social media. Technical feedback was available from sports staff by boys sending in videos How will cricket bounce back? Training continues to take place across all three terms. Autumn matches against Hampton, Tiffin, Reigate Grammar, St George’s Weybridge, Haileybury and MCC Number of, and notable, 68 | thecricketer.com

and training in autumn then winter programme with indoor tournaments Number of, and notable, fixtures More than 100 fixtures with the 1st XI involved in 22 in 2019. MCC and games against a range of county age-group squads from Derbyshire and Notts, in addition to strong school circuit make up a challenging fixture list. Oldest fixtures include Uppingham, Malvern and Shrewsbury Facilities 4 squares, grass nets provided on the 1st and 2nd squares, 10-bay artificial nets, 7 indoor nets across 2 sports halls Club/county affiliation Repton work closely with Derbyshire CCC and have strong relationships with neighbouring county cricket clubs. Support the National Asian Cricket fixtures 132 fixtures – annual block against Cranleigh is always fiercely contested Facilities 2 grass wickets prepared for cage net practice, 12 outdoor artificial nets, 5 indoor cricket nets. Access across various sites to 6 grounds (3 at the schools own sports facility) all of an exceptional standard Club/county affiliation Links with various clubs both amateur and professional, formal links with Surrey CCC and Guildford CC (who train at RGS facilities). The school was an MCC Foundation Hub in 2020 Best prospect Tom Humphreys, a genuine allrounder currently in the Fourth Form (Year 10). He is a key member of Surrey’s Elite Performance Group and Emerging Players Programme and he often plays and captains Surrey beyond his age group. He has been invited and attended Surrey’s Elite Performance Group tours to Sri Lanka, India and Spain in recent years and was due to

Council and the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation Cricketers of note 12 international players and 154 first-class cricketers from 1880s onwards. One of the most famous is CB Fry. From the modern era, Ross Whiteley (Worcestershire & England Lions) and Nitish Kumar (Canada) have both recently been involved in global T20 franchise tournaments. Other recent Old Reptonians include Chris Adams, Tom Poynton and Paul Borrington. 2017 captain Joe Sookias became the 154th first-class player when he made his debut for Durham MCCU in 2018 Cultural cricketers Roald Dahl Brief history Repton was founded in 1557 on the seat of an Augustine priory. The Square, where the 1st XI

play, is surrounded by ruins of the original Priory and in the shadows of St Wystan’s spire What sets the school apart? Offering modern cricket in a school with considerable heritage Finest moment on the field Schools T20 Winners 2008, record-breaking 15 wins in a season in 2013, U15s National Schools One-Day Cup semi-finalists 2015 Recent progress Girls’ cricket has grown and the U15s became county champions in the Lady Taverners indoor at the first attempt Future plans Redevelopment of outdoor practice facilities. Introduction of the Repton High Performance Programme Tours India December 2021

tour South Africa in 2020. Having had a full season of first team cricket last year (in only Year 9) and averaging 38 with the bat and 25 with the ball (19 at 1st XI level), he was well placed to dominate at the highest level of schoolboy cricket this season, despite his formative years. Humphreys combines excellent technical ability across all three disciplines with reflective and intelligent thinking and an undying work-rate in his training – RGS are extremely excited about what the future holds for him Cricketers of note Bob Willis (Surrey, Warwickshire & England) Cultural cricketers Terry Jones (actor and comedian, below left); Simon Bird (actor and comedian); Bob Willis (international cricketer and Sky Sports broadcaster); Martin

Tyler (football commentator) Jack Clifford (international rugby player) Brief history The school opened in 1509 and received its royal charter in 1552. Boys were playing cricket at this time and it was later documented that this was the earliest definite reference to the sport anywhere. Cricket has been played regularly at the school since and remains the major sport in the Trinity term. The vast majority of boys continue to choose to play throughout their time at the RGS. Bob Willis was educated at the school and there are a number of current pupils who are on county books at Surrey, Hampshire, Middlesex and Berkshire. Many cricketers with firstclass experience have coached at the school including Monte Lynch Finest moment on the field In 2019 the U15 side were crowned champions in the NatWest Surrey County Cup Recent progress The development of both the MCC Foundation Hub at the school and the establishing of a year-round training academy for more than 40 boys in the school Tours 2015; 2017 and 2019 to Sri Lanka (senior age groups)

RUGBY SCHOOL

RUGBY SCHOOL Lawrence Sheriff Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 5EH Established 1567 Number of pupils 817 Director of cricket Michael Powell (Warks) Master in charge Alex Thomson (Warks) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U17, U15ABC, U14ABC Girls’ cricket 1st XI, U15AB Lockdown initiatives Rugby ran live coaching sessions online for U14 and U15s. Senior cricketers sent in video footage. All cricketers were part of an online Strava Challenge. Online masterclass Q&As with Chris Nash, Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Ashley Giles, Danielle Wyatt and Sir Alastair Cook How will cricket bounce back? One-to-ones all winter. The fixture list will challenge all age-groups with national competitions for U15, 17 and 18s entered for boys and girls Number of, and notable, fixtures The school plays between 75 and 85 fixtures across the school in the summer term. The 1st XI play 16–18

including cup fixtures, the senior girls around 12 fixtures Facilities 8 indoor lanes (2 sports centres), 8–12 grass nets, 8 astroturf nets, 8 pitches (two on The Close) Club/county affiliation Local clubs use indoor facilities over winter. Links with Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, hosting junior fixtures, 2nd XI fixtures (three and four-day). Rugby has also hosted List A fixtures. School now hosts coaching courses through Warwickshire and a development centre in November Best prospect A stylish left-hander and left-arm spinner, Jacob Bethell trained at the Sir Garfield Sobers Academy in native Barbados. Bethell starred in Rugby’s most prestigious

EXCEL IN THE CLASSROOM FLOURISH IN THE FIELD 11+ and 13+ Sports Scholarships now available for 2021 entry Visit www.sedberghschool.org to find out more

fixture against Marlborough last year, scoring 100 and taking a five-for. He has signed for Warwickshire CCC Cricketers of note ER Wilson (England), RA Boddington (Lancs), JL Bryan (Cambs & Kent), MD Lyon (Cambs & Somst), BH Lyon (Oxon & Gloucs), MM Walford (Oxon and Somst), MA Eagar (Oxon & Gloucs), RR Montgomerie (Northants & Sussex), Lautaro Musiani (Argentina). Most famous is Sir Pelham Warner, founding editor of The Cricketer Cultural cricketers Herbert Hayton Castens, Giles Clarke, William Yardley, Rupert Brooke Brief history Cricket has been played on the Close from the early 19th century and there are detailed

scorebooks dating back to 1831. In the early years, fixtures were played against MCC, Oxbridge colleges and wandering sides I Zingari and Free Foresters. Internal matches were played, with many lasting several days. The highlight of the season from the 1830s to the 1850s was ‘The Tall v the Short’. Rugby v Marlborough has been played since 1855 at various grounds including The Oval, but Lord’s became its home for nearly 100 years until 1972. This two-day game continues today and is hosted in alternate years by the schools. A one-day game to celebrate Rugby’s 450th anniversary was played on the main square at Lord’s in 2017 What sets the school apart? The XI wear duck egg coloured shirts Finest moment on the field The report from the 1979 Marlborough match reads: “Rugby were left with 177 to make in 80 minutes; captain David Cutter reached this target with a mighty six off the penultimate ball” Recent progress Girls’ programme run by Izzy Collis (Sussex) Future plans Upgraded indoor net facilities and 8 astro nets Tours India 2012, Sri Lanka 2015, Barbados 2018, South Africa 2021

Sedbergh Prep and Senior Schools provide an enriching education for children aged 4 to 18 years, with boarding available from 7 years Uniquely located between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks, the Schools are only 2 hours and 40 minutes from central London Sedbergh School Cumbria LA10 5HG

Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School Cumbria LA6 2SG

admissions@sedberghschool.org 015242 79211

admissions@sedberghprep.org 015242 79200

thecricketer.com | 69

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS SEDBERGH SCHOOL Station Road, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG Established 1525 Number of pupils 500 Director of cricket Martin Speight Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15AB, U14AB Girls’ cricket Sedbergh started girls’ cricket two years ago and entered the U15 national cup in 2019 for the first time. Becky Glen (former pupil) represents Scotland Women, Ella Telford (former pupil) represented Lancashire and Yorkshire Women. A current pupil has been selected for the Lancashire U17s. Sedbergh have girls’ fixtures against other schools and a girls’ team plays in the boys house match competition Lockdown initiatives All the players had fitness training programmes and a series of drills posted online for pupils to follow at home. Pupils also had access to one-to-one coaching via video. By sending clips of their batting or bowling coaches can analyse what they are doing, reinforce positives and suggest some improvements How will cricket bounce back? External fixtures were planned for September but the opposition pulled out. About 150 pupils were training and playing since school resumed in September. Cricketers had access to train and play on grass surfaces into October, weather-depending, during study periods and games sessions. The early morning indoor programme will also start immediately while Sedbergh will also be running indoor competitions throughout the winter

to ensure players get back into the pressures of game play and match practice Number of, and notable, fixtures 1st XI have up to 25 fixtures including National Cup. 2nd and 3rd XIs both play in the local Westmoreland League on Saturdays guaranteeing 11 fixtures plus a number of midweek fixtures against other schools. U17s play in the National cup (up to six fixtures if successful). U15AB and U14AB teams play every Saturday in block fixtures against other schools in addition to midweek fixtures and county and national 40-over and T20 cup fixtures. Key fixtures include Shrewsbury, MCC and end-of-season BOWS festival against Brighton, Oakham and Wellington Facilities 4 cricket squares including Cricketfield, a stunning location which hosted a first-class fixture between Lancashire and Durham in 2019 and was to host 3 List A games in 2020. 6 outdoor all weather nets, 4 indoor nets and 2 indoor sports halls Club/county affiliation Close links with Durham, Yorkshire and Lancashire. Working with Lancashire to develop Sedbergh as a match venue for first-class, List A and Women’s Hundred games. Close link with Cumbria looking to establish the school as both training and match venue for age group teams and school annually hosts a National Counties fixture Best prospect Matthew Revis, the 2020 1st XI captain and Yorkshire Academy captain. He made his first-class debut for Yorkshire as an opening batsman in 2019 against Kent after scoring 180 for the 2nd XI

SEDBERGH SCHOOL

against Sussex. A quality opening batsman and very useful medium paced bowler Cricketers of note Jamie Harrison (Durham), Jordan Clark (Lancashire & Surrey), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), George Hill (Yorkshire), Matthew Revis (Yorkshire) Cultural cricketers Will Greenwood (England rugby) Brief history Cricket has been a longstanding part of the summer term at Sedbergh School. Indeed former pupil Norman Stewart ‘Mandy’ Mitchell-Innes was an amateur for Somerset who played one Test match for England in 1935. The past 20 years has seen the cricket club gain a higher profile nationally with the development of several first-class cricketers What sets the school apart? The ground, which hosted first-class cricket in 2019. Nationally Sedbergh under 15s teams have reached eight and the under 18s the last six consecutive National T20 finals days, arguably as many as any other school in recent history Finest moment on the field Winning the National U18 T20 title in 2017, beating Millfield in the final.

Sedbergh are still the only school to post scores in excess of 200 in both the semi and final on finals day. Two other moments that run this close are the U15 National T20 titles in 2007 and 2019, plus hosting a County Championship game Recent progress The school has continued to excel at an elite level with 2019 seeing both the 1st XI and under 15s reach their respective National T20 final, the latter crowned as champions. More important is the development of cricket participation at all levels and girls. The addition of an internal junior T20 house league for non-A team players encouraged over 150 pupils to engage and play the game. In addition the continued development of girls cricket resulted in 25 girls training on a regular basis and playing matches Future plans The girls’ section of the club will continue to develop. There is a hope that Sedbergh’s indoor and outdoor facilities could become a satellite for the region. The school want to set up an indoor cricket house competition to be played in the evenings Tours Sri Lanka tour postponed until February 2022

www.sedberghschool.org • admissions@sedberghschool.org • 01524 279211 70 | thecricketer.com

SEVENOAKS SCHOOL // SHENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

SEVENOAKS SCHOOL High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HU Established 1432 Number of pupils 1,080 Master in charge Dave Smith Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC Girls’ cricket U15, U14, U13AB Lockdown initiatives Intranet and

SHENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Alexander Lane, Shenfield, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8RY Established 1962 Number of pupils 1,300 Director of sport Garry Sapsford Head of cricket academy Cath Dalton (Essex & Ireland) Teams U18, U15, U14, U13, U12 Girls’ cricket 5 teams from 11-18. Girls cricket has been popular since 2000. Ex-pupil Mady Villiers (below) broke into the England squad last summer and other ex-pupils Poppy Timson and Amy Hills also play for Essex. Villiers coaches at the school Lockdown initiatives Challenges on Twitter and lessons on YouTube. One-to-one coaching. Matches in September against Felsted, Brentwood. A summer camp for Years 7 and 8 How will cricket bounce back? Tour for 1st XI and U13s in July, southern Spain likely destination. Inter-year group training for Year 7-9 students Number of, and

use of Microsoft Teams allowed Sevenoaks to discuss cricket. The school brought back net sessions when Year 10 and Lower Sixth were able to return How will cricket bounce back? Sevenoaks’ before-school cricket programme resumed as normal and they were at full capacity with that. A total of 52 pupils were doing either one-to-one or group sessions. They ran an after-school Test match on

notable, fixtures About 100 across different formats, from softball with Chance to Shine, all age-groups competing in the Essex Schools Cups and Mid-Essex District competitions as well as entering the National U17 and U18 competitions for boys and girls. Friendlies with teams from India, Dubai and Australia as well as an annual fixture with MCC Facilities No grass nets at school but Shenfield High have a partnership with Hutton CC and Shenfield CC. The school has 2 astro nets outdoors and 2 lanes of nets indoors, as well as an astro wicket outside Club/county affiliation Annual meetings with Essex CCC and Felsted School Best prospect Harry Philips has played 1st XI for Romford & Gidea Park CC since the age of 15. He scored 129 on tour in Barbados in 2019 Cricketers of note Matt Salisbury (Essex & Durham), Mady Villiers (England Women) Cultural cricketers Philip Hammond, Ross Kemp, Richard Madeley, Chris Whelpdale and Lawrie Wilson (footballers)

Wednesdays (Year 9 v 10) and Fridays (7 v 8). They stayed in their own year groups for this and were mixedgender teams Number of, and notable, fixtures About 80 boys’ fixtures and 30 girls’ fixtures. Most notable is a strongly contested block fixture with King’s College Wimbledon Facilities 3 grass pitches at Solefields playing fields. Softball matches played on Dukes Meadow fields and hockey astro. 8-lane indoor sports hall Club/county affiliation Three coaching staff involved with the Kent age-group programme. They have links with Sevenoaks Vine CC, Holmesdale CC and Tunbridge Wells CC Best prospect Harry Houillon, a batsman/ wicketkeeper in Year 13 in 2019/20, plays for Sevenoaks Vine CC and Kent U17s and excelled at the Bunbury Festival and Super Fours

Cricketers of note Chris Tavaré (Kent, Gloucestershire & England), Paul Downton (Kent, Middlesex & England), Will House Brief history The school has a proud and long history of playing cricket. Old Sennockians in the cricketing world include England players Chris Tavaré (OS 1973) and Paul Downton (OS 1975), who was appointed director of cricket at Kent in January 2018. Natasha Farrant (OS 2014) was picked for the full England Women’s team in 2013 while still at school, taking 2 for 15 in her first T20 match. She was a member of the first group of England Women players to be given full-time contracts What sets the school apart? An inclusive programme allows a pupil of any age, gender or ability to improve their cricket year round Finest moment on the field In 2019, U13 girls reached the national finals of the Lady Taverners Indoor Competition Recent progress Winter programme and one-to-ones have been successful Tours Sevenoaks were due to tour India in July 2020 but this was postponed

Brief history Shenfield’s programme has long been recognised. On the back of success in several Essex county schools and the U18 national T20 competitions they were the first nonselective state school to attend the Sir Garry Sobers Tournament in Barbados. With the support of Cath Dalton Shenfield has become one of the outstanding state schools for cricket Finest moment on the field Reaching the U17 National Schools Cup semi-final in 2017 beating Bedford School in the quarter-final, then losing a nailbiting semi-final to Millfield. Winning the U13 and U15

girls national Chance to Shine Cup titles at Loughborough University Recent progress Two Level 3 coaches with academy every week from September–March as well as coaching from Kent’s Joseph Parry to 50 cricketers aged 11–18 Future plans Raising funds for another astro wicket to be built so they can always host two games at Shenfield at the same time. More indoor nets installed in the sports hall Tours Barbados February 2019. Cape Town February 2021 was planned; Desert Springs July 2022 instead. Eastbourne College next year thecricketer.com | 71

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

SHREWSBURY SCHOOL

1st XI competed in the Shrewsbury School National U18 T20 (initiated by Shrewsbury to provide a nationwide The Schools, Shrewsbury, competition) where they lost in the Shropshire SY3 7BA final to Felsted. Davies has three fully qualified assistants in Eve Jones, Established 1552 Lauren Rowles and Lucy Higham Number of pupils 810 Lockdown initiatives Master in charge Andy Barnard Comprehensive programme with Professional Adam Shantry a variety of content. Sunday house Head of girls’ cricket Gwenan Davies (Warks) competitions for all boys’ houses at U15 Bowling coach Lloyd Tennant (Leics) and U18. Senior intra-squad training matches and two 1st XI matches Level 3 coaching consultant Paul (Malvern & Warks CB) together with Pridgeon (Worcs) senior girls’ intra-squad match Teams 11 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, Number of, and notable, fixtures U16AB, U15ABC, U14ABC 300-plus in a full season. Annual Girls’ cricket 6 teams - 1st and pre-season festival and post-season 2nd XIs, U15AB, U14AB. Runnersfestivals (Silk Trophy) for 1st XI & up in the Lord’s Taverners Indoor U15 girls and boys. Millfield, Eton, final and runners-up in the School Malvern, Bromsgrove, Sedbergh, Sport Magazine National U15 Cup. Manchester Grammar, In 2018 they repeated Worcs Academy, MCC, their runners-up position Free Foresters, XL Club. in the Lord’s Taverners Girls – Shropshire, Staffs, events and made finals Warks and Wales U17s, day in the School Sport West Midlands Regional Magazine National U15 Development Centre U19 Cup. In February 2019 a Facilities Indoor centre squad of U17 girls toured with 4 lanes, each with with U17 and U15 boys to Master in charge bowling machines Cape Town. In 2019 the Andy Barnard

(including a Merlyn). 7 squares (1 new in 2021), 14 grass nets, 4 all-weather. 2 astro to practise fielding Club/county affiliation Close links with Shrewsbury CC. Many boys and girls play age-group for Shropshire. Worcs, Warks, Lancs and Northants. Oldest links with Worcs and Glamorgan, who use Shrewsbury’s Cricket Centre for work with North Wales boys (led by Shantry) as do the Black Country & Shropshire EPP Best prospects JJ Fielding, a left-handed top-order bat. Georgia Norman, England U19 Development Pathway at just 14. Libby Thomas,

Western Storm and RDC Wales U17 Cricketers of note James Taylor, Joe Leach, Ed Barnard, David Lloyd, Ruaidhri Smith, Ed Pollock, Oliver Westbury, Scott Ellis, Ian Hutchinson, George Panayi, Issy Wong, George Garrett What sets the school apart? The sole-use Cricket Centre, village green pitch locations Finest moment on the field The boys’ 1st XI winning two HMC T20 competitions and being the only team to win three Silk Trophies back to back Tours Cape Town (Feb 2019), U15 girls to Dubai (Feb 2021, TBC)

Four top quality cricket squares in picturesque surroundings An indoor state-of-the-art training facility Previous HMC National T20 & Silk Trophy Winners Regional and National Finalists in HMC, ESCA and ECB competitions U15 Girls Shropshire County Cup Winners 11 professional cricketers in 11 years, including James Taylor, Joe Leach, Ed Barnard and Issy Wong Bi-annual overseas tour to South Africa, or Australia

A first-class cricketing school

Independent School of the Year 2020

Community Outreach Award 2020

Sports Scholarships available at 13+ and 16+ Shrewsbury School

admissions@shrewsbury.org.uk | 01743 280 552 | shrewsbury.org.uk

SIMON LANGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS // SOUTH DARTMOOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SIMON LANGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Club/county affiliation Kent. Academy training at St Lawrence and at Polo Farm, Canterbury CC Best prospect Harrison Legg (Kent Academy and Whitstable CC) Cricketers of note Frederick Castle (Somst), Mark Dobson (Kent & Glamorgan), Dicky Mayes (Kent), Simon Cusden (Kent & Derbyshire), Peter A Topley (Kent), Steven Goldsmith (Kent & Derbyshire) Cultural cricketers Sir Freddie Laker was expelled (reason unknown) but was a pugnacious batsman Brief history Cricket has always been played at this site since the school’s establishment in 1881, even though the original school was built in the town and boys would travel up

to Nackington Road for games. The pavilion is still the original. School records: Richard ‘Dick’ Legg (102 wickets in 1970), P Taylor (815 runs in 1971), R Gray (42 victims in 1971) What sets the school apart? Unique partnership with Canterbury Academy to provide the East Kent Cricket Academy which takes the best senior cricketers from both schools and gives them access to the highest quality coaching (led by Phil Relf) at the indoor centre at Kent CCC, including guest coaches such as David Fulton and James Tredwell. What makes this venture so special is that it is between two state schools. In 2019 Simon Langton competed in the Tonbridge Festival for the first time Finest moment on the field MCC matches see the whole school take the afternoon off to watch. According to the headmaster, any of the Lemon Cup (Kent Cup) wins over the years Recent progress Expanding B team fixture list and first girls’ fixtures (although unplayed). For the seniors playing the first Tonbridge Festival Future plans Extension of the outdoor nets from two-to four-bay Tours Barbados February 2019, 2021

women’s match last year versus Bradninch CC. Jones took 2 for 5 in a mixed side against Shaldon CC Cricketers of note Ash Causey was called up to represent Devon last year against Cheshire; Ellie Ingham-Hill represented England at youth level Brief history Cricket is one of the strongest sports at South Dartmoor College, built on a culture of practice and dedication throughout winter and spring terms which readies the pupils for a summer of competition and success. In the last two seasons the college has won three national titles and has several students on performance pathways

What sets the school apart? Cricket at South Dartmoor, a secondary academy, has become a thriving sport welcome to every student. It has a dedicated coaching staff led by Rob Pryke and supported by Becky Mason, Rob Cowdry and Lorraine Tilley. They are also supported by a community cricket coach in partnership with the Devon Board. Students play high-level matches against top opposition including county development sides and public schools. They host an annual prestigious fixture v MCC Finest moment on the field South Dartmoor have won the national Chance to Shine indoor and outdoor competitions three times. The boys won the national title in 2016 Recent progress The U13 girls team made it to the regional finals in the outdoor and indoor Chance to Shine competition. They all started playing cricket when they joined in Year 7. Their commitment, dedication and hard work took them from beginners to competing with some of the best sides in the South-West. They narrowly lost the outdoor regional final to Castle School, who are national champions

Langton Lane, Nackington Road, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7AS Established 1881 Number of pupils 1,100 Master in charge James Whitnell Coach Darrell Carter (Suffolk) Head academy coach Phil Relf Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB Girls’ cricket A small number training over the last two years and this season first fixtures organised looking at both eight and 11-a-side cricket to cater for all experiences, players available. Aiming to make it accessible and enjoyable Lockdown initiatives Players were given drills and skills challenges via Instagram and Google Classroom. Strength and conditioning programmes for senior players were given with some sessions via Zoom calls. The school started some small group training sessions for the senior players who wished to attend

How will cricket bounce back? As part of PE curriculum the school will ensure that the entire of Key Stage 3 and 4 access cricket. The house cricket competition runs A-C teams so every student gets to play competitive cricket every year. School teams will have the usual hectic fixture lists. The 2019 leavers will be offered the chance to come back and play in the MCC fixture Number of, and notable, fixtures 85, plus cup runs. MCC, Sandwich Town CC, King’s Canterbury and the Tonbridge Festival the most notable Facilities 4-bay indoor nets, 2 artificial outdoor nets, 2 grass practice wickets/nets, 2 cricket pitches with an artificial pitch

SOUTH DARTMOOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE Balland Land, Ashburton, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 1HU Established 1965 Number of pupils 1,184 Master in charge Rob Pryke Teams 1st XI, U15, U13 Girls’ cricket U13 and U15. The school runs four lunchtime clubs per week. A before-school club starting at 7.45am and two after-school clubs Lockdown initiatives Pupils given a weekly workout set by different members of the PE department How will cricket bounce back? The school aims to continue the thriving cricket club by increasing the number of fixtures with high-level opposition. It also wants to encourage students to join local clubs and is continuing to build relationships with Bovey Tracey, Ipplepen and Ashburton CC. Devon CCC coaches are running sessions Number of, and notable, fixtures Regular fixtures against local private and state schools. Chance to Shine competitions, Broderick Cup and girls’ tournament at King’s College,

Taunton. Hosting MCC each year at Bovey Tracey CC Facilities 4 outdoor nets, 4 indoor nets and use of both Ashburton and Bovey Tracey CC Club/county affiliation Bovey Tracey CC, Ipplepen CC and Ashburton CC Best prospects Ben Kay, a leftarm seam bowler and lower-order batsman who opens the bowling for Devon U14. Best figures of 7 for 31 in a senior men’s match last year against Torquay CC. Abbie Lockett and Hannah Jones are both part of the Devon U14 girls’ squad. Lockett’s best figures were 5 for 12 in a senior

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE & STROUD COLLEGE // ST EDWARD’S SCHOOL, OXFORD

ST EDWARD’S SCHOOL, OXFORD Woodstock Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 7NN

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE & STROUD COLLEGE Stratford Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4AH Established 2012 Number of pupils 15,521 Head of cricket Luke Sellers Teams U17 and U18 Girls’ cricket Don’t have a separate girls’ squad but a number of girls are part of the main (mixed) squad Lockdown initiatives Regular 1-to-1 online meetings; cricket-specific strength & conditioning; online Q&As with professionals including former students Chris Dent, James Bracey and Craig Miles; a series of technical skill challenge videos filmed by the coach; the option to join a Strava running club; a video app on phones paid for by the college to upload drills; ECB online scoring/umpiring courses How will cricket bounce back? Fixtures in September. Hopes for an overseas tour for the first time in more than five years Number of, and notable, fixtures 10-15 a season including v MCC, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire U19s Club/county affiliation In 2019/20 SGS formally partnered with Gloucestershire. In 2020/21 they are looking at the prospect of partnering with one or more local clubs to share facilities and provide volunteering support Best prospect Natasha Wraith, a wicketkeeper/ batsman playing for England Women’s Academy, Welsh Fury and Somerset. She came through the James Bracey

74 | thecricketer.com

Gloucestershire age groups. She has gone on to the England Women’s Academy training programme and was a member of the Western Storm squad that won the Kia Super League in 2018. She moved to Somerset in 2018 and has been part of the squad at SGS College for two years Cricketers of note Chris Dent, James Bracey, Craig Drissell (all Gloucs), Craig Miles (Gloucs & Warwickshire), Alex MacDonald (Yorkshire & England Academy) Brief history The Cricket Academy at SGS College (then Filton) launched in 2006. It has forged a proud reputation for supporting students to develop their cricket alongside their studies. A number of professionals have graduated. The college has won national competitions What sets the school apart? An inclusive, welcoming programme in a higher education college that gives opportunities to players regardless of their background, skill level, ambition or ability to pay fees. They welcome players from a wide range of backgrounds and focus on developing the person every bit as much as the player. The college’s formal partnership with Gloucestershire Cricket gives players a pathway to the professional game Recent progress Since September 2019 (when Sellers took over as head of cricket) the college re-established its partnership with Gloucestershire leading to greater access to facilities and collaboration between coaches Future plans The Cricket Academy is looking to partner with one or more local clubs to develop a training base and provide volunteer support. Looking to increase intake with particular focus on girls. Setting up an old boys’ team Tours Sri Lanka in 2021 or 2022

Established 1863 Number of pupils 700 Master in charge Peter Swainson Professional David Simpkins (Glos) Teams 14 - 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABCD, U14ABCD Girls’ cricket Two sides – a senior and a junior – plus a growing fixture list Lockdown initiatives Online coaching resources updated weekly and regular ‘live’ coaching on Zoom How will cricket bounce back? An even more extensive winter training programme. Pre-season tours/ festivals for the 1st XI, U15s and U14s and run a festival at St Edward’s in July Number of, and notable, fixtures 130-plus fixtures across all year groups. Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Radley, Marlborough, Cheltenham, Bradfield, Malvern, Rugby, MCC. The John Harvey Cup – 50-over tournament with Winchester, Radley, Marlborough, Cheltenham and Bradfield Facilities 6 grounds, 4-lane indoor nets in Douglas Bader Sports Centre, 6 outdoor astro nets, 6 outdoor grass, 18-strip cover on 1st XI square, blotters and a Merlyn Club/county affiliation Oxfordshire CCC – host winter training for various age-groups (boys and girls) and the Oxfordshire Bulls initiative. Hampshire CCC satellite academy is based at St Edward’s in the winter Best prospect Keeper/batsman Alex Horton (Yr 11) became the youngest to play in a Minor County fixture, for Wales v Dorset in May 2018, and the youngest to play for Glamorgan 2nd XI (top scoring with 58 v Gloucestershire 2nd XI) in June 2019. His hopes of making first-class debut

in 2020 were dashed by Covid Cricketers of note RH Bencraft, CM Dickinson & ANE Waldron (all Hants), EG Wynyard (Hants and England), FW Terry (Somst and Canada), P Hutchinson (South Africa), AM de Labat (New Zealand), PA Gibb (Yorks, Essex & England), RHJ Brooke (Gloucs), P Cranmer (Warks), EJH Dixon (Northants), THC Hancock, MAH Hammond, BG Charlesworth (all Gloucs) Cultural cricketers Kenneth Grahame played for the 2nd XI and was the cricket reporter for the school magazine The Chronicle. Douglas Bader represented the 1st XI for four years, captaining in his final year in 1928. Journalist John Woodcock played for the 1st XI during the War Brief history Cricket has always been played at St Edward’s; originating in the playground at New Inn Hall Street, and thence to various parts of the city, including public parks, Port Meadow, the Meads (now the school’s Quad), Keble College and finally Upper 1, the 1st XI ground on the playing fields. The earliest records of results for the 1st XI date from 1873 What sets the school apart? Upper 1 lies less than a mile from the centre of Oxford and hosted its first Minor Counties fixture for more than 25 years in July 2018. The Martyrs Pavilion, designed by awardwinning architect John Pawson and completed in 2009, is a striking addition to Upper 1 Finest moment on the field Winning the John Harvey Cup for four consecutive years (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016) and getting to the South regional final of the National Schools T20 twice in the last six seasons Tours Barbados 2000, Sri Lanka 2005, South Africa 2008 and 2012, Barbados 2016 and 2019. Next overseas tour is due in February 2022

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, IPSWICH // ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, IPSWICH Emmanuel Close, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 9DR Established 1937 Number of pupils 620 Head of cricket Elliot Tyler Professional Matt Hunn (Kent) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U15, U14, U13, U12, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC Girls’ cricket Since 2014. U18, U15, U14, U13, U11, U10 Mixed, U18 Mixed Lockdown initiatives Throughout the summer term, a number of techniques to engage with students from home, sharing techniques and drills. The 1st XI and senior team were also asked to continue to complete their individual cricket strength and conditioning programmes How will cricket bounce back? Cricket camps throughout the summer holidays. They were looking into the prospects of indoor tournaments over the winter Number of, and notable, fixtures 71 for boys, 32 for girls. The most notable is the annual MCC fixture. They also host three six-a-side cricket

ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE Established 1879 Number of pupils 651 Head of cricket Seth Simmons Professional Geraint Jones (Kent, Gloucestershire & England) Teams 22 in senior school - 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB, Kirby ABC Girls’ cricket 1st XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB Lockdown initiatives Target sessions and began 1-on-1 nets. The school kept every cricket scholar on a programme to September How will cricket bounce back? A cricket programme throughout the autumn term with seven fixtures before October halfterm. The cricket programme runs through all three terms, with 1-on-1s running five days a week to April Number of, and notable, fixtures 100-plus fixtures. MCC, Tonbridge, Whitgift, King’s

festivals during the annual cricket week, for U13 Boys, U13 Girls and U15 Girls and hosting more than 10 different schools across three days Facilities State of the art cricket performance area, 4 outdoor fully enclosed artificial cricket lanes, 3 bowling machines, 1 outdoor grass net, 5 indoor cricket nets (including cricket gallery), 3 cricket grounds, brand-new dual aspect pavilion Club/county affiliation Suffolk, Hadleigh CC Best prospect Amelie Clarke (Year 10) is in Suffolk’s women’s set-up Cricketers of note Matt Henry (Kent & New Zealand), Matt Hunn (Kent), Josh Cantrell (Cambridge MCCU), Ellie Cooke (Essex Women) Cultural cricketers John McDonnell, the former Labour shadow chancellor Brief history Cricket grew from strength to strength after the introduction of first full-time pro Mark Patterson. Since then the school has had a number of key moments, including the hosting of a Lashings XI and an annual MCC fixture. The school has both a permanent head of cricket and pro to oversee cricket. Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Sutton Valence, Eltham, The Judd, the Forty Club Facilities 4 cricket pitches onsite and 1 cricket pitch off-site (Broadstairs CC). 4 outdoor artificial cricket nets, 2 indoor cricket nets. Grass nets used across the 4 pitches Club/county affiliation A strong link with Kent CCC as a Kent Hub school. One of four schools in Kent who provide extra coaching for Kent Youth Players. Sandwich Town CC, Canterbury CC, Broadstairs CC, Whitstable CC and Chestfield CC Best prospect Joe McCaffrey (now Kent U17s) was leading wicket-taker at the 2019 Bunbury Festival Brief history The earliest surviving cricket photograph was the team of 1882. In 1886 the 1st XI had their most successful season with 15 wins. Land was acquired in 1897 which later became known as Newlands Field. Now they have 11 county cricketers (boys and girls) What sets the school apart? A very successful annual Cricket Week in the last week of June which includes three

The capital investment in facilities in 2018/19 enhanced the programme’s ability to support all students’ development needs and allow for more pupils to be involved and engaged in cricket at the college What sets the school apart? Winners of the IoG Industry Awards 2018 for Best Independent School Grounds. Henry said of his one-year scholarship: “Sixth Form didn’t just galvanise my sporting and academic side; my ideas and beliefs were constantly challenged, which helped

to shape me as a confident young man” Finest moment on the field 2007 National T20 finalists Recent progress The college is particularly proud of the introduction and engagement of girls’ cricket over five years. The goal is to achieve parity Future plans The college has recently formed links overseas, with a view to help provide cricketers from various backgrounds an opportunity within the cricket programme Tours The U14As will be attending a festival at Stowe

declaration matches (one against MCC), one 50-over and one T20. A 100-hour programme for scholars (nets, one-on-ones, strength & conditioning etc) before the outdoor season starts. In 2018 the U15 girls narrowly lost in the quarter-final of the National Cup off the last ball, in the second year of running girls’ cricket at the school. Last year the boys 1st XI lost in the regionals to St John’s Leatherhead in the National T20. They run a Cricket Academy, Twilight Nets, Sports Excellence Programme, Junior Development

Programme and girls’ training sessions throughout the year. Pre-season St Lawrence play Sevenoaks in a two-day match, followed by Premier League club Sandwich Town CC, who in 2019 they narrowly lost to by 11 runs in the year Sandwich became county T20 champions. Batfast, a batting simulating company, visit the school twice a year. St Lawrence regularly have masterclasses from current or former pros, many from Kent Recent progress The development of girls’ cricket. Two girls in the junior school play county cricket and two in the senior. Kalea Moore was part of the 2019 County Championshipwinning side. They run an extensive girls cricket programme in line with the boys: regular winter training, entering all national competitions and now a Girls’ Cricket Week Future plans Developing the sports field into a complex. They have bought a new sports pavilion to be built shortly. Investing in laying new cricket nets on the field to accompany four artificial nets on the back field Tours U14 Epsom College 2020; U15 Eastbourne College 2021; 1st XI Eastbourne College 2021 thecricketer.com | 75

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

ST PETER’S SCHOOL, YORK Clifton, York, Yorkshire YO30 6AB Established 627 AD Number of pupils 1,100 Head of cricket Gareth Sharp Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, midweek development XI (U15/U16/ U17),U14AB, U15AB Girls’ cricket Offered at U9-U11. Also U14, U15 and now a senior side at U18. All have fixtures and tournaments as part of the programme. Hosted The Cricketer’s inaugural six-team Kia Summer Smash festival in 2019 summer – coloured kit, pink balls, music Lockdown initiatives Drills, games and fitness exercises were offered online. Dice Cricket took the place of Saturday fixtures run by the pupils via Zoom. Captains from every year group organised their team. They would lead a Zoom meeting on a Saturday afternoon with whoever could attend. All ages participated. There were hat-tricks, five-wicket hauls, fifties but no hundreds. It promoted a great level of discussion, with the boys who ordinarily would have scored lots of runs not getting so many and those who wouldn’t normally get many getting some. It was set up by the masters in charge but on the day led by the pupils. Sharp also led one-to-one sessions when regulations allowed How will cricket bounce back? By running a cricket programme from eight to 18, prep and senior school training, inter-school tournaments/ competitions and competitive inter school fixtures for the (just the senior school) with MCC, YGs, and the Old Boys as well as any schools who were willing to host or travel under Covid protocols Number of, and notable, fixtures On average 20-25

fixtures a week from U9-U18. Notable with an array of shots and improving knowledge of batsmanship. He fixtures Sedbergh, Ampleforth, can also turn his hand to off-spin Durham School, Worksop, MCC, and keeps wicket. Harvey Gration Yorkshire Cricket Academy, plus an is a steely and determined opening annual 1st XI Festival with Repton, batsman, always a wicket-taking Epsom, Warwick and annual U15 threat with his off-spinners and Festival with Cheltenham, Norwich strong all round game understanding. and Trent Southgate, Gration and Watson hope Facilities Two sports halls, eight to get into Durham University and will bowling machines, eight-lane push for places on their MCCU artificial net area, 10 grass nets, three Cricketers of note Jonny Bairstow turf grounds all with covers, one (Yorkshire & England), Norman artificial ground, ECB Level 4, 3 and 2 Yardley (Yorkshire & England), coaches in the school Steve Coverdale (Northants), Frank Club/county affiliation Work very Mitchell (Cambridge University, closely with Yorkshire CCC & York Yorkshire, Transvaal, England & South CC and in partnership with Yorkshire Africa), David Kirby (Cambridge Diamonds women’s set-up University & Leicestershire) Best prospects Flynn Southgate Cultural cricketers Frank Pick (chief has hit the gym and bulked up. Has executive of London Transport), worked his way back from two knee Harry Gration (BBC broadcaster), operations and was in really good Greg Wise (actor) and John Barry shape when bowling in the early (composer). Mitchell season. Has put on a few wrote for The Cricketer yards of pace and his under the nom de plume batting is looking more ‘Second Slip’ and more promising. Brief history “Older Opens the bowling than the House of and will bat at No.6 Commons, older than or 7 when in upper the Universities, older sixth in 2021. than the Lord Mayoralty, Elliot Watson is a older even than the busy top order Head of Cricket throne or nation itself” batsmen Gareth Sharp

ST PETER’S SCHOOL, YORK

wrote Arthur F Leach in November 1892. Founded in 627 AD, with Guy Fawkes among its alumni, St Peter’s School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school (aged 2-18) in the centre of the historic City of York. The first recorded game of cricket played at St Peter’s was in 1853 when the school XI played Pocklington. Cricket lies at the centre of the sporting calendar in the summer term throughout the school. The 1st XI play their games under the eye of York Minster with all junior grounds situated on the banks of the Ouse What sets the school apart? The Yorkshire Diamonds use St Peter’s as their training base for six weeks Finest moment on the field North of England U19 T20 finalists three years running. Ben Lodge struck six sixes in an over in a game in 2018. Matthew Roberts scored 108 not out in 45 balls in a T20 game in 2019. U13 IAPS (old Jet Cup) finalists nine times in the last 10 years and won the trophy three times Recent progress St Peter’s 8-13 Super8s Tournament concepts have helped form some of the new ECB formats in junior cricket up and down the country. Inaugural girls cricket tournament Future plans New sports pavilion for 2022/23 is now Covid-19 dependent. Ongoing work with ECB regarding Super8s Tours An U15 2020 tour of the UAE could be rearranged for 2021. In discussions for a possible combined cricket and hockey tour of Argentina in 2022, where Sharp has coached previously. It would be a culturally rich experience for the boys and girls to a country where not many schools tour for cricket

www.stpetersyork.org.uk • Please contact Mrs Gillian Bland on 01904 527 305 or email g.bland@stpetersyork.org.uk 76 | thecricketer.com

Unlock your potential

St Peter’s oﬀers cricketing opportunities for girls and boys aged 2-18, with excellent coaching and fantastic facilities on a 47-acre campus at the heart of York. Boarding available from Year 7. To ﬁnd out more and apply visit: stpetersyork.org.uk

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS STAMFORD SCHOOL Southfields House, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2BQ Established 1532 Number of pupils 680 Director of cricket Dean Headley (Worcs, Kent, Middlesex & England) Teams 18 - 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABC Girls’ cricket Girls from the sister school Stamford High School are able to compete in boys’ fixtures Lockdown initiatives The school purchased a 10-week cricket plan headed up by Mark Garaway. For the senior school Stamford ran three weeks of cricket camps to get as many children in once a week for an hour and a half practice net How will cricket bounce back? A full winter programme for the pupils after Christmas Number of, and notable, fixtures 180 matches planned in total. Most notable is MCC and then the great rivalries that exist in the East Midlands Facilities Indoor nets with 4 lanes plus Junior, Professional and Merlyn BOLA bowling machines. 6 lanes of artificial nets; 10 outdoor nets with full run-ups, 40 metres in length. Main square with 15 strips used for practice sessions on the end strips. Second square of 8 strips and 2 new artificial wickets Club/county affiliation Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Huntingdonshire. However, links through all cricket via Headley Best prospect Joey Evison is a formidable 6ft 2in batsman who has scored over 30 hundreds whether for school or county representative. This winter has seen a huge improvement to his seam bowling. A genuine top class allrounder in the mould of a Jacques Kallis. On Notts’ books and played in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. He made his first-class debut while at school and showed real character by scoring 45 in quick time. Evison shares the world

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record for the fastest fifty in U19 international cricket (18 balls) Cricketers of note MJK Smith (Leics, Warks & England, plus one cap at rugby), Shan Masood (Pakistan), Zak Chappell (Leics & Notts), Joey Evison (Notts) Cultural cricketers Simon Hodgkinson (England rugby), Ian Stafford (author and broadcaster), Colin Dexter (creator of Inspector Morse), Nick Anstee (former Lord Mayor of the City of London) Brief history Cricket was played in Stamford at least as early as 1771. By 1885 the school was playing cricket on its own ground, but the playing area was not large enough and the editor of The Stamfordian expressed the hope that the school “might acquire Mr Huckbody’s field as well”. This field is part of what is now the main playing field What sets the school apart? The beautiful setting of the Main Pavilion and the ethos of enthusing more and more pupils to play cricket. Stamford are about 15 per cent boarders and 85 per cent day pupils and where most schools with that profile are reducing teams Stamford have expanded provision to now looking at D teams. The school is in the process of arranging its second dinner at Lord’s for 2021. Most recent film was the showing of The Edge followed by a Q&A with Jonathan Trott Finest moment on the field 54 boys touring Sri Lanka in 2018. In 2017, the U15s became Midlands Champions in the ESCA one-day cup. In 2019 U17 regional champions Recent progress A spring and summer programme that allows all pupils, no matter what level from 1st XI to U12Ds, to have allocated time Future plans In the process of acquiring new grounds and looking at a dedicated cricket centre, which the east of the country is badly missing Tours The school is committed to touring every two years for Year 9 and 10 as an open age-group. Sri Lanka 2021 and again in 2022 (possibly with 80 pupils) to make up for loss of 2020 India tour

STAMFORD SCHOOL // STOWE SCHOOL

STOWE SCHOOL Ouse Valley Way, Stowe, Buckinghamshire MK18 5EH Established 1923 Number of pupils 800 Master in charge James Knott Coaches Andy O’Connor, James Mellor Professional Graeme White (Northants & Notts) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U16AB, U15ABC, U14ABCD, Girls’ XI Girls’ cricket Stowe have a U16 keeper/batsman on the Northants EPP Lockdown initiatives Stowe posted coaching videos. The school played regularly at the start of autumn term. The 1st XI played Haileybury. Stowe kept the turf nets going for training Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 20 per season. Bedford, Eton, Oakham, Bromsgrove and Oundle the notable ones. They regularly play strong tourists, counties and MCC Facilities 4 lanes of indoor nets, 3 BOLA bowling machines, 1 Merlyn, 1 BOLA Fielding Machine, 11 lanes of turf nets, 10 lanes of astro nets and 7 turf squares Club/county affiliation Northants and Bucks. Further links are with Buckingham Town CC, Stony Stratford CC and Dinton CC Best prospect James Cronie, in his last year, was the highest run-scorer and wicket-taker for the 1st XI in 2019. He played in two England U19 trial matches in 2020 and is in the winter training programme Cricketers of note Ben Duckett, Liam Gough, White, Mark Nelson, Ben Howgego, Sean Morris, Rob White, Jason de la Pena, Sam Black, Giles Cheadle What sets the school apart? The 1st XI and 2nd XI squares are situated in front and behind of what was once the palace of the Dukes of Buckingham. Northants 2nd XI play an annual fixture. Stowe also regularly host county youth fixtures, training camps and festivals, plus

the Bunbury Festival in 2017. Stowe have a comprehensive year-round training programme that involves a lot of individual player development of their technique, fitness, game plans and the mental side of the game. They have reached the semi-finals of the National T20 twice as well as the regional finals of the U15 National T20 three times Finest moment on the field Beating Menlo Park (from South Africa) in the final of Stowe’s T20 festival 2015. It capped off a great season, where the 1st XI only lost one match Recent progress Stowe reviewed previous Codes of Conduct and replaced it with Values and Principles. The U15 XI made the regional finals of the National T20. Stowe purchased a SportsMast Camera system to film all home games with the option for players to review their performances on YouTube. For the first time Stowe introduced a 100-Ball Festival Future plans A U10 and U11 eightteam county festival that plays a mix of T10 and T20 cricket. Stowe are planning to upgrade all astroturf net facilities. Long-terms plans include a second sports hall which will act as a cricket centre during the off-season. Stowe will increase the number of cricket squares to 8. They are offering winter training for girls with a view to getting a Girls 2nd XI out Tours Planned to La Manga and Dubai at Easter 2020

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

TAUNTON SCHOOL Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD Established 1847 Number of pupils 587 Director of cricket Peter Sanderson Professional Marcus Trescothick (Somerset & England) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC Girls’ cricket 1st XI, U16, U15. This year Taunton were going to offer

THE BISHOP’S STORTFORD HIGH SCHOOL London Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3LU Established 1950 Number of pupils 1,200 Head of cricket Matthew Hale Coach Sam Howlett Teams 12 - 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC Lockdown initiatives Cricketrelated work was part of the school’s online and remote learning programme for PE. The school disseminated a bespoke selection of videoed drills and training activities that could be completed at home, in gardens or in public spaces. Online video conferences with different age groups and touring squads during the lockdown to help boys focus on their

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pupils the chance to mix tennis and cricket as games options. A mixture of hardball and softball formats. The senior school had six players in the pathway programme; two represented Somerset Women Lockdown initiatives Unlike most local schools Taunton kept their sports staff employed and they filled an invaluable role online. Coaches and Trescothick then offered sessions under ECB guidelines 1-2-1 and then groups sessions across all ages from Year 3 up to 1st XI. This included visits game in such a difficult time. Outdoor net sessions were run by staff and commenced at Bishop’s Stortford CC How will cricket bounce back? They managed to play a number of fixtures from the start of September. The senior squad played two T20s and a 40-over match v MCC Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 75 per season. MCC, Brentwood, Woodbridge, Bishop’s Stortford College, Bancroft’s and Elizabeth College Guernsey Facilities An indoor sports hall with four lanes. Off-site a separate sports facility, Jobber’s Wood, which features a large, modern pavilion and a main grass square, complemented by two additional artificial pitches. They also use the Herts and Essex Cricket Centre indoor cricket facility on school site, as well as the HECC site nearby in Sawbridgeworth

TAUNTON SCHOOL // THE BISHOP’S STORTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

to players who live too far away from school to attend sessions How will cricket bounce back? Weekly sessions continued up until the start of the autumn term and included grass nets, middle practice and fielding. Taunton also played matches, the rearranged MCC match being one, as well internal age group and house matches. During August the schools main cricket ground was prepared for 20 matches in Somerset’s Youth Pathway Programme Number of, and notable, fixtures King’s Taunton, Millfield, Clifton, Sherborne, Blundell’s as well as MCC Facilities Taunton has 12 grass net pitches, split into four bays, 15 artificial nets including 7 indoor lanes. The main hall can be used for hardball indoor matches. 6 main squares and extra ‘Rabbit’ pitches. Access to 3 bowling machines including a Merlyn Club/county affiliation Somerset, local clubs, Western Storm. Taunton has a primary school outreach programme, which involves schools being coached by Taunton School coaches and using the facilities. The opportunity for local clubs also to use the facilities. Taunton has strong

links with Somerset CCC through Trescothick and Sanderson coaching at the County Ground for 23 years Best prospect 22 players in a county pathway. Conway Gilbert was selected to go on Somerset’s pre-season tour Brief history The school was established in 1847 before merging with Weirfield School in 1976 to become co-educational. A prep school was created in 1990 and an international school added What sets the school apart? The fact numbers are so good means Taunton do not need to tinker with playing formats too much. Having direct links to Somerset Finest moment on the field Tom Abell scoring 1,156 runs in a season Recent progress The prep school would have competed in the National U13s. The number of county pathway players from Somerset, Cornwall, Devon and Hong Kong has increased from 20 three years ago to 63 Future plans Upgrading outdoor nets; possibility of an indoor centre Tours A prep school tour to Berkshire would have continued this year but was cancelled. Future plans to tours overseas and Cornwall

Club/county affiliation Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and West Essex. Bishop’s Stortford CC, other local clubs and HECC Best prospect Alex Peirson, a left-handed top-order batsman and off-spinner, is in the Cambs system Cultural cricketers Greg James, BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show and Tailenders podcast host (below) Brief history Sport became a focus under the headship of Ian Shaw in the early 1980s. A sports hall with four net lanes opened in 1985, and a pavilion by Denis Compton in 1995. Over time, numbers increased, and the fixture card improved dramatically. In 2001 the school opened Jobber’s Wood What sets the school apart? A state boys’ comprehensive whose overall aim is to promote high levels of participation and a lifelong love of the game. A vast majority of boys never played the game before coming to the school. Lacking some of the resources, investment and staffing levels of some of the local independent counterparts, they

drew on staff from right across the school and including non-teaching staff Finest moment on the field A victory over MCC in June 2016 with many senior players missing Recent progress Participation levels across all age groups are at record levels. The school had two teams in the final of the Herts county cup in 2019 at U12 and U15 Future plans The school is due to move to a new site in 2022, so intend to raise funds to erect outdoor nets there. They also plan to develop capacity to offer more C and D team games Tours Despite the pandemic, they continue to plan to establish a senior cricket tour on a biannual cycle. Ross Wheatley leads tour organisation and has been responsible for developing the annual U14 Junior Tour to Guernsey, now in its fourth year, joined by an U15 tour in 2021. They have run senior tours to Barbados (next rearranged to July 2021) along with large- scale trips to watch matches at Lord’s

THE CANTERBURY ACADEMY

THE CANTERBURY ACADEMY Knight Avenue, Canterbury CT2 8QA Established Academy status in 2010 Number of pupils 1,950 Director of sport Phil Relf Teams East Kent Cricket Academy XI (combined with Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys), 1st XI, U15, U14, U12/U13 Development XI Girls’ cricket Development programmes in place, enter Kent Community Cricket festivals and have had four girls on their senior cricket academy programme Lockdown initiatives The school provided the senior academy with online fitness sessions, coaching videos and cricket homework to complete. 1-2-1 coaching resumed How will cricket bounce back? Expand junior programme to set up a development group for beginners. The sixth form academy were training daily. Eight players had county trials last summer and Bradley Goldsack scored 77 for Kent’s Academy XI Number of, and notable, fixtures

Around 40 fixtures. The most notable in the Tonbridge School Festival as the East Kent Cricket Academy Facilities No cricket facilities at the school so use Polo Farm Sports Club’s excellent indoor and outdoor facilities for training. The Academy play major home fixtures at Chestfield CC and junior games at Harbledown CC Club/county affiliation Kent, plus a number of local clubs Best prospect Goldsack , who was considering taking Year 14 due to the support the school can provide Cricketers of note Ryan Davies (Kent, Somerset & Durham) Brief history The school had a limited cricket profile up to 2013, but

with the backing of a very supportive senior leadership team, the director of sport piloted several initiatives including senior and junior academy programmes. Since then the school has attracted pupils from other schools to benefit from a high-quality coaching and match programme. Guest coaches include Rob Key, David Fulton, James Tredwell, Darren Stevens, Simon Cook and David Masters. Around 45 students playing regular cricket, up from two in 2013 What sets the school apart? With no existing cricket facilities Canterbury Academy rely on a passionate workforce, supportive parents and dedicated pupils. As a

Comprehensive, they do not have the funding to support cricket as in the private sector but have used their local network strategically and built a high-quality programme. They have had fantastic support and encouragement from private schools in Kent and in particular Tonbridge School, who invited them into their annual festival. The school do not receive a considerable amount of sponsorship or donations. Local businessman Charlie Harris has been able to support by hiring facilities for part of the winter but otherwise the school have relied on small grants and the generosity of local clubs. They mostly play away to save money Finest moment on the field U13 team winning the county cup in 2019 Recent progress The increase in players making county age group squads. Nine in the last 18 months have represented their county out of 45, an excellent ratio Future plans Exciting facility plans in place that could regenerate local sport and benefit the community Tours Some way off due to financial uncertainty but keen to tour Barbados in February 2022

A rich history and evolving vision of CRICKETING EXCELLENCE

Sports scholarships available at 11+, 13+ & 16+ Contact: Mr James Leck, RGS Head of Cricket jcl@reigategrammar.org Reigate Grammar School, Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS reigategrammar.org  RGSSport  @RGSSport

School of the Year Tatler School Awards 2020

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

THE HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S BOYS’ SCHOOL Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Established 1690 Number of pupils 1,137 Head of PE Dan Kerry Professional James Hewitt (Middlesex & Kent) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCDE, U12ABCDE. Prep School runs A, B, C, D and E and teams in the U11, U10, U9 and U8 age groups Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school. Habs do offer coaching for the girls from the sister school next door Lockdown initiatives All pupils had access to internally and externally produced coaching tutorials as well as weekly tactical analysis forms based on a 20-minute piece of footage from last year’s 1st XI. Cricket-specific fitness programmes and all students had access to sports psychology courses and wellbeing questionnaires. Pupils involved in squad meetings and seminars, often with guest speakers How will cricket bounce back? Cricket in September/October training and internal fixtures run within year group bubbles. The groundstaff kept all squares and grass nets maintained. There were franchise-based year-group fixtures on Saturdays to maintain a level of competitive cricket alongside the training. Teams assumed franchise names. Cricket training continued through the winter indoors. Six players in Year 12 and six in Year 13 allowed to come out of enrichment lessons and receive dedicated coaching every week. The aim is to build a programme that will make

the current pupils better rather than importing on scholarships Number of, and notable, fixtures The 1st XI typically has 20-plus fixtures a year. Berkhamsted, Haileybury, Magdalen College School, MCC, Merchant Taylors’, St Albans, Exeter School and Devon CCC. The annual fixture against the Fraser Bird XI (the president of Kent CCC and a member of the Haberdashers’ Company) is eagerly anticipated and often features first-class players Facilities 3 grass squares, 3 astro wickets, 5 grass nets and 1 open net, which form part of a 19-wicket rotation. 4 (new last year) fully enclosed astro nets, 3 others. 2 lanes in well-equipped indoor centre, including fixed instant-replay and video analysis systems Club/county affiliation Middlesex and Hertfordshire. Radlett CC, and also the school’s own old boys’ club Old Haberdashers CC. A longstanding relationship with Exeter CC and Sidmouth CC in Devon Best prospect Joseph Granger (Year 13) a fast-medium bowler, middleorder batsman and excellent fielder. He is in the Middlesex Academy and was on Middlesex’s pre-season tour to Spain; Jay Madan (Year 10): toporder batsman who bowls and keeps Cricketers of note Richard Yeabsley (Middlesex), Ashley Sivarajah (MCC YCs), Tom Colverd (Cambridge University and MCCU) Cultural cricketers In 1998, Dean Wilson (now cricket correspondent for the Daily Mirror) was leading runscorer in school cricket throughout the country. Sir Martin Sorrell (ex-CEO of WPP plc) was captain in 1963. Manoj Badale (co-owner of Rajasthan Royals) was captain 1986 Brief history Doug Yeabsley, the former Devon and Minor Counties

Head of PE Dan Kerry

THE HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S BOYS’ SCHOOL

left-arm swing bowler (not to mention Harlequins rugby, for whom he played during the winter months), was involved with cricket at the school from the 1960s until 2014. It was he who introduced the annual Devon tour and organised Far East tours. Both his sons, Michael and Richard, played for Habs with distinction. Richard Yeabsley (10 wickets against Cambridge in 1994) went on to gain three Blues for Oxford (plus two more for rugby) and was contracted briefly to Middlesex. Michael was unfortunately denied a possible Blue by injury (he would have opposed his brother in the 1995 Varsity Match). In the absence of any county cricketers (Habs’ boys tend to find their way into medicine or the City), other players of note include Roger Moulding (six Blues for Oxford between 1978 and 1983, captain in 1981) and David Price (Cambridge 1984-87, captain in ’86 and ’87). Gavin Baker, the overall leading run-scorer for Habs, played for Loughborough UCCE and was contracted to Northants CCC. Tom Edrich, captain in 2010 and 2011, is grandson of the former England batsman Bill Edrich What sets the school apart? Huge enthusiasm for the game from the boys in this school, all of whom aspire to play in one of the most picturesque settings in school cricket in this part of the country. Habs hosted The Cricketer’s Good Gear Guide testing day in January 2018 and were subject of an in-depth focus on school cricket Finest moment on the field In 2006 Habs recorded the best results of any

school in the country. Games against local rivals Merchant Taylors’ have always been keenly contested. In 2009 Habs achieved a famous away win after MTs, seemingly coasting to victory, collapsed from 72 for 3 to 104 all out, thanks to an electric spell of genuinely fast bowling from allrounder Kushal Patel. In 2015 Habs played a T20 against Merchant Taylors’ on the Nursery Ground at Lord’s in front of a crowd of 400plus. Wins on tour include against Richmond College on the Test ground in front of the Galle Fort Recent progress The number of boys playing cricket seems on the increase. Up to 70 Year 7 boys appearing regularly at after-school practices, and have been able to field five U12 teams for the first time. Indoor and outdoor nets are in constant use throughout the year. At the top end the school have managed to field 2nd and 3rd XIs despite the pressure of exams Future plans Installation of grass nets will be reconfigured to match the main square. The need to provide appropriate challenges for age-group sides and in prep school. Habs hope to host more age-group county fixtures Tours 1st XI and a Development XI were due to tour India in October 2020, training at the Rajasthan Royals Academy. Badale has maintained an open invitation. The annual Devon Tour has been going for over 50 years. The school try to organise a major overseas tour every two or three years, most recently to Sri Lanka in October 2017

www.habsboys.org.uk • Admissions: admissions@habsboys.org.uk 82 | thecricketer.com

Cricket at Habs Cricket Cricket is is hugely hugely popular popular at at Habs Habs and and enjoys enjoys an an enviable enviable reputation reputation both both on on our our local local circuit and more widely. During the summer we regularly field 15 sides, with further teams circuit and more widely. During the summer we regularly field 15 sides, with further teams representing representing our our Prep Prep School, School, all all of of which which receive receive expert expert guidance guidance from from our our well-qualified well-qualified coaching staff. Excellent facilities on our leafy 100-acre campus include our coaching staff. Excellent facilities on our leafy 100-acre campus include our Solai Solai Indoor Indoor Cricket Centre with video analysis fixed camera system, grass and artificial nets, three Cricket Centre with video analysis fixed camera system, grass and artificial nets, three grass grass pitches and three artificial wickets. These are constantly in use and enable pupils to practise pitches and three artificial wickets. These are constantly in use and enable pupils to practise throughout throughout the the year. year. Regular Regular tours tours provide provide fantastic fantastic opportunities opportunities to to experience experience the the game game in other countries. The subcontinent is a very popular destination Habs frequently in other countries. The subcontinent is a very popular destination - Habs frequently visit visit Sri Lanka and are also planning on touring India soon. Sri Lanka and are also planning on touring India soon.

Rural Rural 100-acre 100-acre campus campus Largest Largest school school coach coach network network in in the the UK UK Within Within easy easy reach reach of of London London Co-located Co-located with with Habs Habs Girls Girls

Visit www.virtualvisit.habsboys.org.uk Visit us us virtually: virtually: www.virtualvisit.habsboys.org.uk

Website: Website: www.habsboys.org.uk www.habsboys.org.uk

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

THE JOHN LYON SCHOOL

THE JOHN LYON SCHOOL Middle Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill HA2 0HN Established 1876 Number of pupils 600 Head of Cricket Adam Ling Professional and director of sport Shane Cloete (Zimbabwe) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13AB, U12AB Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school up to September 2021, so there will be a programme in place for summer 2022. Cricket will be a major summer sport Lockdown initiatives The school maintained a programme throughout the period of remote teaching. Each week all boys had to complete sporting challenges filmed by the coaches – boys then copied these drills or came up with their own. Each week, the best were added to a whole school video as part of ‘Team of the Week’. The 1st XI met once a week for discussion groups, challenges and fun games. They were asked to submit their own coaching videos which they shared with younger students to be able to copy for their PE video submissions. For Cricket Week, boys were given 10 cricket skills and had to upload videos of themselves completing the tasks. The school conducted ‘live cricket challenges’ for boys to compete against each other via Microsoft Teams. A baking challenge where boys had to bake a cricket-themed cake or cricket tea and send evidence in. The school also had England batsman Fran Wilson take part in a live chat for the whole school How will cricket bounce back? Pre-season began again at the end of September. Going forward the intention is to play cricket in September every year, to make up for poor spring weather and exam clashes. There are plans to develop the current ground to facilitate 6-8 nets. Specific groups will use the indoor nets with club sessions where anybody can join. Last year a

mentoring system was implemented in elite winter training sessions. 1st XI boys would coach the junior boys to enhance communication across the years. It makes the transition for younger boys into the 1st XI easier Number of, and notable, fixtures 105-115. In 2015 John Lyon implemented a cricket week to reduce the impact from external exams. A two-week period with eight fixtures (including longer format all-day games) against Frogs CC, Nomads CC and MCC Facilities 3 grass squares, 1 astro Wicket, 3 indoor nets plus 10 additional nets the school shares with Harrow School Club/county affiliation Middlesex: host the Middlesex Schools County Plate finals at U12, U13 and U14; recent partnership with Middlesex Over-50s to host home games since 2018. Partnership with Harrow School to use John Lyon’s Sudbury Playing Fields as their home venue for all Borough cricket Best prospect Kahil Jariwala joined the school in Year 7 in 2016 and made

Director of sport Shane Cloete Head of Cricket Adam Ling

his 1st XI debut aged 11 – the youngest player on record. He cut his first ball for four. An opening batsman and wicketkeeper; he has scored over 500 runs in his first three years at his own age group including a century in the 2019 Middlesex Plate final. He has already scored a number of vital runs for the 1st XI and is now a regular feature at only 14. He is part of the Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire player pathways Cricketers of note Kabir Toor (Middlesex & Kent), Alastair Fraser (Middlesex), Chimnay Gupte (Oxford University) Brief history Cricket is one of the three major sports of the school and is widely enjoyed by both pupils and parents. Results are positive and there is clear development of pupils. Ex-governor and current managing director of Middlesex CCC Angus Fraser coached at the school for two years and assisted the U14s in winning the Lord’s Taverners. The school began touring the UK in 1990 before their first major biennial tour to South Africa which has now spanned over 20 years. The school hosts over 100 fixtures which includes Cricket Week and an Association Day where Old Lyonians return to play What sets the school apart? A relatively small school compared to a number on their circuit, they are proud of what they achieve with the pupil numbers on roll. They feel the allround cricketing education they offer is just as important as results. Players

who are part of county programmes can be released to train and play due to flexible timetabling Finest moment on the field In 2019, the 1st XI became Middlesex County Cup Champions for the sixth time since the competition began – this now places them joint top of the number of wins across all schools within Middlesex Recent progress The school have redesigned training to be more specific, yet open to all. They feel developing cricketers should be given the same time and coaching expertise that A teams receive. Rather than nets, they have developed a comprehensive winter programme designed to improve aspects of a player’s game. They run batting sessions specifically for opening batsmen/middle order which look at the different skills required Future plans In the process of considering new facilities that will benefit both boys and girls, including a multi-use surface to house the school’s own outdoor nets. They will work with local schools to provide competition for the girls as they are aiming to have around 20 girls in Year 7. It will be a gradual process, but it is important that girls are offered the same quality of programme. If there are girls that can play in the boys teams, they will do so. The aim is to have C teams all the way through, and even D teams in Years 7 and 8 Tours Will be looking to rearrange biennial tour to South Africa

admissions@johnlyon.org • 020 8515 9443 • www.johnlyon.org • @johnlyonharrow – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube 84 | thecricketer.com

An independent 11 - 18 day school in Harrow, North West London.

REIGNING MIDDLESEX U18 COUNTY SCHOOLS CHAMPIONS

Excellent for academic achievement. Excellent for personal development. ISI Inspection Report 2019

Details of open days, admissions and sports scholarships can be found at:

www.johnlyon.org

“The sport is definitely a strong point. He’s very sporty and the provision is fantastic.” A John Lyon parent

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

THE JUDD SCHOOL // THE KING’S SCHOOL, WORCESTER

THE KING’S SCHOOL, WORCESTER

THE JUDD SCHOOL Brook Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2PN Established 1888 Number of pupils 1,200 Master in charge Ralph Richardson Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABCD Girls’ cricket Girls are only in the sixth form, with not sufficient numbers for a side. Any girls who are interested join the senior sides Lockdown initiatives Online classrooms on skills-based targets for pupils to attempt to help improve batting, bowling and fielding How will cricket bounce back? They run winter nets from September through to March and were hoping to run, government regulations permitting, their first overseas U14 and U15 tour to Dubai Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 100 fixtures. MCC, Eltham, King’s Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Sutton Valence, Caterham Facilities School site: grass square (with 1 artificial strip); 8 artificial nets; 4-lane indoor sports hall nets. Off-site playing fields: 2 grass squares (with 1 artificial strip); 1 additional artificial strip; 5 artificial nets Club/county affiliation Have started a partnership with Bidborough CC. They will be using the school’s facilities for their training and league matches in return for providing maintenance of the grounds and squares Best prospect Angus Hall is an U14 allrounder in the county squad. For the second year running Angus was the leading scorer in the school, David Fulton

86 | thecricketer.com

scoring his maiden century Cricketers of note David Fulton (see below), Julian Thompson (both Kent) Cultural cricketers Lord Terence Lewin (Chief of Defence Staff ), Cecil Powell (Nobel laureate) Brief history Cricket has been played at the school since it was established in 1888 and is the main summer sport. They aim to provide opportunities for all ability levels to represent the school in fixtures and on overseas tours. The objective is to develop a love for playing the game, at whatever standard and take as much pride in the students who continue to play for their local club side as the students who go on to play at higher representative levels What sets the school apart? The Judd is a state grammar that continues to run a full Saturday fixture programme for all teams from Year 7 to sixth form. Judd regularly appear in the final stages of county competitions in all age groups. A winter academy for up to 90 pupils, senior tours to Barbados and intermediate tour to Dubai Finest moment on the field Semis of 2010 U13 ESCA David English Cup Recent progress Despite the continuing pressures of exams and club matches in the summer term, The Judd still run a full fixture list for senior sides. They have also introduced a programme of cricket coaching throughout the winter months, both for 1-2-1 and group Future plans The Judd hope to develop the relationship with Bidborough CC to improve facilities (quality of playing surface and pavilion) and increase the involvement of students in cricket outside school Tours Planning for the Dubai tour in February. In 2022 Judd will be running a senior tour to Barbados

All age groups will put out an A and B team on Saturdays, as well as during games afternoons Facilities 2 sports halls with 4 lanes in 5 College Green, Worcester WR1 2LL both (8 in total), 8 astroturf nets at the school fields and 4 practice wickets Established 1541 on the 1st XI and 2nd XI squares. A Number of pupils 896 new 6-lane net facility this summer Director of cricket Simon Greenall put on hold due to the virus. 4 pitches: Professional Anthony Gillgrass 2 grass wickets and 2 astroturf Coaches Ben Twohig and Charlie Club/county affiliation Greenall Morris (both Worcestershire) works for Worcestershire throughout Teams 11 teams on a Saturday – 1st the age groups and academy and is XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, their lead wicketkeeping coach. King’s U12ABC. They have two girls’ teams have built good links with the county in each age group from Year 7 to 10 including 23 cricketers involved in and one collective hardball team their junior programme. A close link Girls’ cricket A fast-growing sport. with Ombersley CC: the school look Softball matches from Year 7 to to use their ground to host extra 10. Hardball fixtures against other fixtures when flooding is schools each week a problem Lockdown initiatives Best prospect Current Drills on Twitter and 1st XI captain Oliver through Microsoft Teams. Tsiquaye is a left-arm Matches were planned in orthodox spinner and top September order batsmen involved How will cricket bounce with Worcestershire. back? Cricket in PE for Cameron Jones (Year 10) pupils in Year 7 and 8; Director of cricket is a young wicketkeeper a senior academy for and top order batsman Simon Greenall pupils in Year 9 to 13 who made his 1st XI who start training after debut at 13. Bryony Gilgrass, also in October half-term and four sessions Year 7, was recently selected for the of pre-season cricket training after Worcestershire elite girls programme the Christmas holidays. Cricket Cricketers of note Josh Tongue, during games afternoons throughout Nick Hammond, Sophie Le the school and after-school Marchand and Amelia Kite practice for the seniors and U13s. Brief history Cricket has a long Block fixtures played against King tradition of success at King’s School, Edward’s Birmingham, King Edward Worcester. The King’s Senior Cricket VI Stratford, Malvern and the 1st XI Academy was also launched two played recent leavers and MCC years ago and has really added to the Number of, and notable, fixtures excellent provision The 1st XI play on average 20 games What sets the school apart? The a season MCC, Shrewsbury, RGS school playing fields back on to New Worcester, Cheltenham, Bristol Road, where Worcestershire play Grammar and usually two fixtures Finest moment on the field Josh against touring teams from overseas. Tongue opening the bowling for the 1st XI in Year 7. Nick Hammond scoring three consecutive centuries against MCC. Josh Richardson (Year 10) scoring 124 not out for the U15A team against Eastbourne College, an innings Rob Ferley described as the best schoolboy hundred he had seen Recent progress Over two seasons the 1st XI have made the finals of the Chesterton Cup and National T20 regional final. The introduction of a strong girls’ programme Tours The senior squad recently travelled to India in February 2020 and plans are in place to tour Sri Lanka in 2022

THE LEYS

grass cages and six outdoor artificial lanes, which were erected in 2018. 4 grass squares Fen Causeway, Cambridge CB2 7AD Club/county affiliation Better players move onto the Northants and Established 1875 Essex academies. Many players play Number of pupils 580 for Cambridgeshire or Herts. Hosted Head of cricket Richard Kaufman Unicorns Minor County Trophy one(Oxfordshire) day game between Cambridgeshire Teams 15 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, and Cumberland in 2017 U15AB, U14ABC, U13AB Best prospect Noah Thain (Essex) Girls’ cricket 1st XI, U15AB, U13AB Lockdown initiatives Weekly online is a current Year 11 opening batsman and seamer who has represented sessions and training ideas filmed, Essex U15s, Thriplow 1st XI and The sourced and posted to pupils. Pupils Leys 1st XI. Issy Routledge plays for in the Academy and Sport Scholar programme maintained their strength Loughborough Lightning and England Women; she is a current Year 13 and conditioning work opening batsman and off-spinner How will cricket bounce back? Absence of the full programme in 2020 Cricketers of note Justin Benson (Leicestershire & Ireland) will strengthen the resolve of pupils Brief history The and staff to return stronger Leys was established Number of, and in February 1875 and in notable, fixtures 15 – its second term cricket MCC, Felsted, Ipswich, was introduced. Before Framlingham. July Cricket the Great War, the Festival v St Paul’s, Fettes school produced several and Monkton Combe first-class cricketers: Facilities Purpose built Gordon Beves played for 2-lane indoor school. 2 Nottinghamshire, William bowling machines and Head of Cricket Brown for Gloucestershire analysis equipment. 2 Richard Kaufman

Confident Creative Ambitious Established in 1862, Haileybury is a top co-educational boarding and day school for 11–18 year olds on a historic 500 acre campus in Hertfordshire, just 20 miles north of London. For information on our Virtual Open Days, visit haileybury.com UK enquiries: uk.admissions@haileybury.com International enquiries: int.admissions@haileybury.com 01992 706 353

HaileyburyUK

and Thomas Hill for Somerset. The school’s most distinguished cricketer in that era, though, was Bernard Holloway, who played for Sussex and toured with MCC to the Caribbean What sets the school apart? The Leys is situated in the heart of Cambridge next to the Cam. It continues to punch above its weight, with the 1st XI reaching the last eight of the HMC T20 competition in 2017 and 2019. The U15 boys reached the last 16 of the ESCA competition. They annually host a Cambs National Counties senior fixture. The 1st XI toured Sri Lanka in April 2017 Finest moment on the field The girls reached the final of 2018 National

U15 School Sport Magazine T20, losing to Millfield. 1st XI boys won the Regional T20 in both 2017 and 2019 Recent progress The progress of girls’ cricket and the formation of a girls’ 1st XI. 1st XI boys winning regional title twice in three years Future plans To live-stream all home fixtures on the 1st XI square. The formation of the Essex Schools League playing block fixtures against each other: The Leys, Framlingham, Brentwood, New Hall, Felsted and Ipswich. The best players will be identified by Essex CCC Tours 1st XI tour to Sri Lanka, 2017; Year 9 toGuernsey, 2019; 1st XI due to tour South Africa 2021 before Covid

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EAST ANGLIA INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Sport Scholarships Available Cambridge’s leading co-educational boarding and day school. See our website for application dates for 13+ and Sixth Form entry.

Made in Cambridge T I 01223 508904 E I admissions@theleys.net W I www.theleys.net @LeysSport

O P E N M O R N I N G S : February, April & October Small group and individual visits available year round

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

THE MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL Old Hall Lane, Manchester M13 0XT Established 1515 Number of pupils 1,500 Director of sport Mike Watkinson (Lancashire & England) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB, U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABCD, U8ABCD, plus development teams Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school Lockdown initiatives Cricketers were provided with home cricket drills and fitness programmes. All PE and games lessons were delivered remotely to every boy in school. They have created videos, given challenges, and a number of boys have their own bowling machines at home How will cricket bounce back? Boys and staff are keen to get back into cricket as soon as it is safe to do so. Boys have been asking for cricket’s return and there is a hunger to get the game back on. In September MGS had practice within year-group bubbles and played a fixture against MCC Number of, and notable, fixtures 1st XI play around 25 fixtures – most notable Shrewsbury, Sedbergh, MCC Facilities Modern indoor facilities, opened by Mike Atherton in 2015, with four nets. Three grass spaces (1st XI, Intermediate, Junior), six grass practice pitches and four outdoor artificial practice nets,

THE MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL

two astro match pitches. Extensive covering for all outdoor pitches Club and county affiliation Lancashire and Cheshire Best prospect George Bell, wicketkeeper/batsman in the Lancs Academy. Arav Shetty is a batsman part of the Lancs Development squad. Both boys play regularly in the first team Cricketers of note Atherton (Lancashire & England), John Crawley (Lancashire, Hampshire & England), David Green (Lancashire & Gloucestershire), Mark Crawley (Lancashire & Nottinghamshire), Gary Yates (Lancashire), Mark Chilton (Lancashire), Scott Richardson (Yorkshire & Leicestershire), Lee Marland (Lancashire) Cultural cricketers Former pupil Herbert Toft went on to play rugby union for England and Robert Crawshaw and Douglas Lowe had won Olympic gold medals in water polo and athletics respectively. More recently, Atherton represented England in 115 Test matches and 54 ODIs and is the highly respected cricket correspondent of The Times and Sky commentator Brief history Academic staff and specialist coaches have helped develop the skills of sportsmen since the school moved out from the cramped city centre to a new site in Fallowfield, surrounded by pitches, during the 1930s What sets the school apart? Cricket is available to every boy in school. It has an excellent record of producing cricketers who go on to play county and international cricket. There is a great history and tradition of cricket at the school. The school does not offer any scholarships for sport, they don’t recruit or chase youngsters. Boys arrive at MGS on a level playing field. Anybody who is at the school on academic merit, we want them to have the education that that warrants. MGS are dedicated to giving as many sporting opportunities to as many boys as possible. Diversity of sports is the start; MGS offer fencing for example. Now 80 boys are part of the fencing club and they, on the whole, are not boys who play other sport. A lot of the

fencers representing the school in national competition are in set four or five PE groups. Keeping boys fit and active is very important at MGS. It is good for mental wellbeing as well as physical and part of MGS’ obligation as a school is to give boys a package of sporting activity and enjoyment

Director of sport Mike Watkinson

www.mgs.org 88 | thecricketer.com

Recent progress Participation levels continue to increase Future plans There are plans to build a new cricket pavilion in the near future Tours The senior squad toured Abu Dhabi and Dubai in Easter 2019; there are plans to repeat this tour in 2021 MGS is now fully open again and welcoming visitors. Although the school is unable to hold large-scale open events at present, its doors are open for personal tours during normal school days. To arrange a tour, please contact the Admissions Team by emailing admissions@mgs.org or telephone 0161 224 7201 ext 234

Education for life To book a tour of the School, please contact our Admissions team Junior boys gain automatic entry into Senior School

Contact Kath Heathcote 0161 224 7201 extension 234 k.heathcote@mgs.org

MGS.org @MGSmagic

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

THE ORATORY SCHOOL Woodcote, Reading, Berkshire RG8 0PJ Established 1859 Number of pupils 290 Master in charge Steve Tomlinson (Glamorgan) Teams Eight Girls’ cricket Cricket is offered now the school has gone co-ed in September 2020 Lockdown initiatives Online activities, weekly chats, drills to work on/competition initiatives and talks

THE PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL High Street, Portsmouth PO1 2LN Established 1732 Number of pupils 1,000 Head of cricket Scott Curwood Professional Paul Bew Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABC Girls’ cricket U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC Lockdown initiatives Pupils from Year 7 up were set different remote tasks each week. Videos were sent in to provide analysis and feedback for pupils to work on. This was of great benefit after half-term when the ECB allowed pupils to visit clubs and use net facilities How will cricket bounce back? Winter training and preseason will play a huge role Number of, and notable, fixtures 90

THE ORATORY SCHOOL // THE PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

How will cricket bounce back? Possibly coloured clothing for all levels and short, formatted matches to ensure everyone gets a game Number of, and notable, fixtures 15 – the most notable against Bradfield, Eton, Magdalen College, Portsmouth Grammar Facilities Sports hall, 6 lanes, 6 squares Club/county affiliation Berkshire Cricketers of note Tomlinson, Benny Howell (Hampshire & Gloucestershire), Dan Housego (Middlesex), Michael Roberts (Hampshire)

Cultural cricketers A prominent Oratory cricketer in the 1880s was JP Boland, who won two gold medals at the 1896 Olympics for tennis. Lt General Adrian Carton de Wiart VC was “Churchill’s favourite General”. Successive Dukes of Norfolk – 15th and 16th – the latter was later the manager of the England tour of Australia in 1962/63. Lord Edmund Fitzalan Howard, the last Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Brief history In 1859 The Oratory School was founded at Edgbaston and acquired a sports ground at Ravenhurst. Fr Edward Pereira, headmaster from 1920-34 was a Warwickshire county cricketer, one of few Catholic priests ever to play firstclass cricket. He funded the expansion of the grounds and built a new pavilion, later burned down by suffragettes, destroying early records. The Oratory played Beaumont in an annual match at Lord’s from 1926 to 1968 – the only Lord’s fixture between Catholic public schools. The school moved to Woodcote in 1942. The First’s cricket field was laid out as a living war memorial. The idyllic Oxfordshire countryside estate offers the perfect

setting for the game. The Cricketer’s editorial director EW Swanton wrote that he had “always had a soft spot for The Oratory since my old friend DCF Burton coached them to four successive victories in the late 1930s despite the place being almost devoid of boys. It seemed an annual miracle”. Swanton was the president of the OSCC from 1996 until 2000. From 2000-2003 it was Sir John Paul Getty and he was succeeded by MJK Smith of England and Warwickshire What sets the school apart? The Oratory have linked up with Berkshire CCC to host junior matches for boys and girls. In the third year of sponsorship with a local cricket club, Peppard Stoke Row, with the school providing coaches and facilities Finest moment on the field The Lord’s match against Downside 1967. Oratory had made 164, and Downside seemed sure of victory at 128 for 3, but they were bowled out for 144. The Oratory headmaster then bought the champagne that the confident Downside team had brought with them Future plans 6 new lanes , new pavilion Tours Barbados and South Africa

Boys have around 150 U12 to 1st XI; girls have around 70 from U12 to U15. King Edward VI Southampton, Canford, RGS Guildford as well as a couple of touring schools each season Facilities An indoor hall with 5 lanes. Hilsea Playing Fields is the sports ground which includes an 8-bay artificial net complex as well as 6 grass nets. 2 squares at this location. On busy Saturdays the school also have use of a local council ground Club/county affiliation Hampshire. A number of boys across age groups U12 to U15 represent at district level Best prospect Ben Feeney and Lucas Hutchinson. Feeney is a gifted wicketkeeper/batsman with wonderful hands and Hutchinson is a powerful and correct batsman, who

hits the ball as hard as any U14 Cricketers of note Wally Hammond attended during the First World War. His achievements are highlighted in the pavilion at Hilsea, providing inspiration for today’s pupils. Others include Mike Barnard and Jon Ayling Cultural cricketers James Clavell attended from 1935 to 1940 and played for the 1st XI. His novel on his experiences, King Rat, sold well and was turned into a film Brief history The school playing fields at Hilsea offer a unique setting, bordered to the north by the historic Hilsea Lines built to protect the northern approaches of Portsea Island, and to the west by Portsmouth Harbour. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, whose brother, Innes, attended the

school, is one of the most famous batsmen to appear at Hilsea What sets the school apart? PGS offers such a large number of interschool fixtures across all age groups for boys and girls Finest moment on the field Winning the U15 Lord’s Taverners Trophy in 2011 or the National U17 Competition in 2013 and 2015 Recent progress The attendance to winter training was encouraging, especially with introduction of Year 7s Future plans Continue to build strong relationships with local schools (primary and early stages of secondary).Plans for new artificial nets Tours Due to go to India with U15s at Easter 2020; they will try again. In 2017 the U15s toured Sri Lanka

THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL // TIFFIN SCHOOL

THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9PG Established 1887 Number of pupils 1,098 Head of cricket Will Burrows Teams 16 - 1st XI, 2nd XI, Development XI, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABCDE Girls’ cricket Skinners’ looking to develop partnership with local all-girls school to develop their delivery Lockdown initiatives ‘Skinners’ Cricket – Developing for a Distance’ catered for all boys from U12 to 1st XI. Weekly video calls were held discussing tactics, as well as a practical programme carried out in their garden at home. When the ECB allowed 1-2-1 sessions, Skinners’ rolled them out in mornings and afternoons. The school ran coaching sessions in groups of five until the end of term How will cricket bounce back? Skinners’ 1st XI and Development XI played through the holidays against a range of different club and wandering sides. They managed 15 games in a mixture of formats. Since being back at school, the 1st XI managed to play their rescheduled fixture against MCC at the Nevill Ground. The school competed in a full Saturday block against a local school, as well as hosting weekly inter-house cricket competitions on a Saturday mornings. Cricket has been an option during games afternoons and as an extracurricular activity. The school will also run the Skinners20 competition indoor for Key Stage 3 pupils from January after the success of 2019 Number of, and notable, fixtures More than 100 across the school in 2019. The 1st XI due to play 18 in 2020. Most notable against MCC, the Forty Club, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. The school enter a Development XI into

an evening club senior league Facilities Given Skinners’ is a state grammar and funding is limited the facilities are very good. 5 indoor nets big enough to allow fast bowlers a full run-up and access to 2 BOLA bowling machines, 3 HD analysis cameras. At the playing fields there are 4 astroturf nets as well as 2 astroturf wickets used by the younger age groups. They have recently invested heavily in the main square. In the process of purchasing roll-out nets to grass pitches Club/county affiliation The partnership with local clubs allow Skinners’ to go the Nevill Ground and use Tunbridge Wells CC’s six-lane astroturf nets as well as their ground for high profile 1st XI games, as well as Linden Park CC. Skinners’ allow Southborough CC to use the outdoor nets at the school fields and are looking to provide some of the school young leaders to help coach and assist at the club Best prospect Dan Pascall, a Sussex U14 fast bowler Cricketers of note Bob Woolmer (Kent & England), Phil Edmonds (Middlesex & England) What sets the school apart? What Skinners’ lack in facilities they make up for with passion and enthusiasm Finest moment on the field An impressive group in the U15As reaching the Kent Cup final in 2019 and going the whole season losing once Recent progress In January 2020, Burrows launched the school’s biggest winter programme. Sessions starting at 7.15am from Monday to Thursday, plus on to 8pm at night Future plans Have recently employed three teachers with an active interest in cricket. In early stages of developing the main pavilion Tours In April 2019 the school took 25 U15 players out to Abu Dhabi for a development tour. A crop of 33 U15s were due to tour Sri Lanka in April 2021

TIFFIN SCHOOL Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingstonupon-Thames, Surrey KT2 6RL Established 1880 Number of pupils 1,050 Master in charge Martin Williams Coach Kapilan Balasubramaniam Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI. Regular A and B team where space and time allow, C and D teams at lower ages with two regular teams at each level Girls’ cricket Girls joined the sixth form in September 2019. In the early stages of organising cricket for girls How will cricket bounce back? Nets will start in January 2021 for the seniors and almost immediately on return for what were the U13s. Four Saturdays of cricket in September against St George’s Weybridge, RGS Guildford, Halliford and Hampton from 1st XI down to U13 Number of, and notable, fixtures Every age group plays a block fixture every Saturday of the school summer term and a comprehensive list of midweek fixtures and cup matches Facilities 8 excellent artificial turf nets at school and 4 indoor nets in the sports hall. 3 squares for school matches at the Hampton Court ground and 2 squares owned by the old boys’ club for occasional use Club/county affiliation Surrey. Many boys are members at local clubs like Sunbury, Wimbledon, Malden Wanderers, Wycombe House and Indian Gymkhana Best prospect Datta Vasireddy is just 15 and has played for the 1st XI for two years. He is an outstanding wicketkeeper/batsman who has played for Middlesex and now Surrey at age-group level. He can bowl both right arm and left-arm orthodox and also an astute captain Cricketers of note Alec Stewart, Chris Aworth, David Ottley, Gregor

Kennis, Brendan O’Connell, Arun Harinath, Mark Feltham Cultural cricketers John Etheridge, cricket correspondent of The Sun Brief history Cricket started in earnest at Tiffin in about 1964. The headmaster at the time, the Brigadier Harper, was responsible for the acquisition of the land near Hampton Court and his staff at the time boasted an array of fine cricketers. There have only been three masters in charge in that time What sets the school apart? A grammar school with academy status, Tiffin just love the game and all that it stands for in the education of the school’s young men Finest moment on the field In 1972 Chris Aworth hit a double hundred for Tiffin in a total of 314 for 4 only for Kingston Grammar to knock off the target in a thrilling finish. Aworth’s record score has since been surpassed by Kapilan Balasubramaniam and Arun Harinath Recent progress The school seems to have settled into a more productive relationship between cricket and the exam season for senior players Future plans The start of girls’ cricket Tours Tiffin’s tour to Dubai in February this year must go down as the crowning achievement of 2020 given how lucky the school were to get there and back just before Covid-19. Tiffin took 25 U14 and U15 boys and five staff coaches there for a week. Cricket in the desert, at the Sharjah International Stadium and at the amazing ICC Global Academy gave the boys and the staff an unforgettable experience. The planned tour to the Netherlands in early July for senior boys fell by the wayside but is now an annual event. Tiffin are looking at an overseas tour to Sri Lanka or South Africa in 2024 for two of the younger age-groups thecricketer.com | 91

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL // TRENT COLLEGE

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL

Zak Crawley, Charles Kortright, KL wickets, 15 grass nets, 10 artificial nets Hutchings, Jack Davies, Charlie and 5 indoor nets Knott, Lionel Hedges, TA Crawford Club/county affiliation Kent, Cultural cricketers Tim Rice-Oxley Surrey and Essex; Tunbridge Wells of Keane was in the 1994 1st XI. Sir CC, Sevenoaks Vine CC, Holmesdale Herbert Baker, Commonwealth War CC, Linden Park CC, Tonbridge CC, Graves architect, captained the 1st XI Southborough CC and Cowdrey CC. in 1880 and 1881 Guests from all these Brief history In clubs hosted at the Zak Crawley 1826 the governors annual cricket festival purchased a field Best prospect next to the school. Samuel Seecharan is This ground was on Notts’ books levelled in 1838, using Cricketers of note earth and workmen Colin and Graham from the new railway Cowdrey, Roger then being built through Prideaux, Richard Tonbridge. The famous Dodd Ellison, Ed Smith,

painting of cricket at Tonbridge is dated 1851, but the first inter-school match was against Brighton College in 1856 and the current pavilion built in 1860. In the 1880s Charles Kortright was in the school team before going on to become the fastest bowler in England, but the greatest Tonbridge cricketer of this period was KL Hutchings, who made 126 for England against Australia in Melbourne in 1908. Colin Cowdrey is certainly the most distinguished cricketer the school has produced. He had a remarkable school record of 2,894 runs and 216 wickets over five years. Until the late 1960s the climax of the school season was a two-day match at Lord’s against Clifton, but this now replaced by an end-of-term festival. Tonbridge also associated with the Yellowhammers What sets the school apart? Old Tonbridgians have been the dominant team in The Cricketer Cup, winning it 16 times, more than twice as many as the next school, Malvern Finest moment on the field U15s’ recent victory in the ESCA National Cup. Recent successes in the Cowdrey Cup

schools to enjoy coaching and a festival. They also have close links with Derbyshire and Notts age groups playing at Trent as with the Notts 2nd XI. They also use the two local club grounds next to Trent on West Park Best prospect Qundeel Haider is an opening bat and leg-spinner with Notts Academy Cricketers of note Sarah Glenn (England Women) Brief history The first recorded matches were in 1869. Although Trent had a strong side in 1872, it included five teachers. The star was a bowler called Holyoake who took 68 wickets for 276 runs. The school twice beat a South Derbyshire side that had beaten Lancashire. After a quiet period, cricket revived in the 1970s. Between 1975 and 1979, Trent hosted a Derbyshire match in the John Player League. The highest score came in 1989 when the school scored 337 for 1 against Warwick. Since 1995 Notts and Derbyshire 2nd XI have regularly used the facility to play their one-day matches What sets the school apart? A relatively small school with amazing grounds, high quality groundsmen

bowling machines purchased Future plans Developing the girls cricket even further with Tash Farrant on board. Coach education for the students Tours To Dubai for U15s girls and boys 2021 Easter. February 2021 to Desert Springs, Spain. Super 8s girls and boys to York in 2021

High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1JP Established 1553 Number of pupils 780 Master in charge Rob Stephen Professionals Richard Oliver (Worcestershire), Ian Baldock Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, 6th XI, U16AB, U15ABCD, U14ABCDE Girls’ cricket Boys-only school Lockdown initiatives School nets were open and available to boys and the local community as soon as government guidelines allowed How will cricket bounce back? Tonbridge ran a large-scale house tournament with four rounds played across two weekends in September with six separate finals for the 12 houses. Pre-season nets were to continue as normal as far as possible Number of, and notable, fixtures Two-day game against Bedford; Cowdrey Cup involving Radley, Eton, Charterhouse, Wellington and Harrow; annual cricket festival Facilities 7 grass squares, 3 astro

TRENT COLLEGE Derby Road, Long Eaton, Derbyshire NG10 4AD Established 1868 Number of pupils 750 Head of cricket Scott Boswell (Northants & Leicestershire) Professional Paul Johnson (Notts) Head of girls’ cricket Tash Farrant (England Women) Teams 20 Girls’ cricket 7 Teams Lockdown initiatives Every lesson was live on Microsoft Teams. They also got the 1st XI boys and girls to produce coaching videos for the junior age groups as well as the staff How will cricket bounce back? They were hoping to play in September, internally or externally. They will also focus on more indoor cricket competitions as last year Number of, and notable, fixtures 175 last year, with Repton School the big rivalry Facilities 11 grass nets, 6 grass squares and 4 indoor nets Club/county affiliation A primary school initiative with 16 local primary 92 | thecricketer.com

and staff who want to develop all ages and abilities Finest moment on the field Getting to two U15 national cup finals in 2019. U13 and U17s have both reached quarter-finals Recent progress Winning indoor cricket at county level and U12 and U14 at county level outdoor. Two new

WARWICK SCHOOL // WATFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

WATFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 7JL

WARWICK SCHOOL Myton Road, Warwick CV34 6PP Established 914 Number of pupils 1,240 Director of cricket Simon Francis (Hampshire, Somerset, Notts) Assistant director of cricket Chris Roberts Teams 18 - 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17 XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABCD Girls’ cricket An all-boys school, it has recently been offered in their sister school, King’s High Lockdown initiatives Online games sessions run through quizzes and linking to YouTube clips of specialists from ECB and providers, enabling the boys to choose activities and skills How will cricket bounce back? Warwick intended to provide cricket in the games and extra-curricular programme from September 2020. They hope for the indoor winter programme to continue as before Number of, and notable, fixtures 80-100 fixtures per year. Most notable fixture is the MCC match as well as the SPREW 1st XI festival with St Peter’s, Repton and Epsom Facilities 3 grass squares (1st XI oval boasting 13 strips), 3 outdoor artificial lanes, 3 mobile cages, 2 artificial strips, 4 indoor lanes and 3 bowling machines as well as PV match recording matches on the 1st XI oval Club/county affiliation Leamington CC, Kenilworth CC, Stratfordupon-Avon CC. A strong link with Warwickshire CCC with many players representing at district and county level over the years. The club also use Warwick’s facilities to host age-group festivals and matches Best prospect Ibrahim Afzal, Northamptonshire U16/U17 captain. He was 1st XI leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in 2019, he made his 1st

XI debut as an U14 as a leg-spinning allrounder. Gabriel D’Souza, Worcs U16/U17 opening bowler, has played for the 1st XI since an U14 Cricketers of note Neil Smith (England & Warwickshire), Geoff Tedstone (Warwickshire & Gloucestershire), Gordon Lord (Worcestershire), Gary Montgomery (Lancashire), Charlie Mulraine, Huw Jones, Rob Yates (all Warwickshire) Brief history The school moved to its present site in 1879 and cricket was played from the start. The pitch originally had medieval-type ridges and furrows until 1887, when an army of pupils did the flattening work. The present white pavilion was built in 1927 after its predecessor was burnt down and was equipped with a clock and bell, which still operates to this day alongside the fabulous Hals Sports Pavilion where 1st team rugby and cricket can be watched What sets the school apart? One of the most stunning modern pavilions in the midlands. Warwick continually challenge the top cricket schools regionally at U12-U15, without offering sports scholarships Finest moment on the field In 2016 the U15s were T20 national finalists without a single representative player, beating Bolton, Trent and Shrewsbury Recent progress 2020 saw the first training with girls from Kings High, who trained with U13/14 boys during winter. They are looking forward to increasing this next year, as well as hoping to update the sports centre with new lighting and indoor lanes Future plans The school sports policy is to develop and foster closer links with local primary schools and club junior sections Tours The Antigua 2020 tour at Easter was cancelled. They hope to begin touring again in 2022 with short-haul tours or training camps in the interim

Established 1704 Number of pupils 1350 Head of cricket Luke Samarasinghe Professional Andy Needham (Surrey & Middlesex) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABC Girls’ cricket All-boys school Lockdown initiatives Workouts and links to different exercise challenges on the all-online classrooms How will cricket bounce back? Trialled 3Team Cricket in September 2020, based on the South African competition. This aims to provide an opportunity for three teams of nine pupils in Years 8, 9, 10 and seniors to play 3T each week, with a league structure in place. A cricket week was started in 2019 and now Watford Grammar has a new pavilion it will make hosting teams a lot easier Number of, and notable, fixtures Over 100 fixtures in the summer term across all age groups, with the flagship fixture the annual contest against MCC. St Albans, Merchant Taylors’ Northwood, Haberdashers’, St George’s Weybridge, Berkhamsted Facilities 4 indoor nets, 6 outdoor nets, 2 roll-out nets, 4 cricket pitches (3 squares, 1 astro) Club/county affiliation Hertfordshire, plus local cricket clubs West Herts, Bushey and Langleybury Best prospect After conducting cricket trials in January the school discovered a strong group of Year 7s Cricketers of note Andy Needham (Surrey & Middlesex), Will Jones (Middlesex), Richard Hughes (Worcestershire) Cultural cricketers Alex Lozowski

(Saracens & England), Josh Lewsey (Wasps, England & British Lions) Brief history Cricket has been played at Watford Grammar for more than 100 years. The captains’ board in the main hall goes back to 1890. It continues to be the main sport of the summer term with every boy in the school getting some form of cricket during games afternoons What sets the school apart? Watford Grammar is one of the leading state schools for cricket in the country. They punch above their weight, managing to get six to 10 sides out every Saturday against all the top independent schools in Hertfordshire. They regularly make the county finals, winning six titles in the last eight years. Every year it is becoming harder to run a cricket programme in a state school. Watford Grammar have fantastic facilities but it is the hard work of all the teachers that volunteer, including training twice a week and then matches every Saturday, which makes the difference Finest moment on the field 2019 winners of U13 County Cup and the U15s won Berkhamsted 6s tournament Recent progress Some weekends Watford Grammar had 10 teams playing on a Saturday morning, normally against some very strong private schools in Herts. The 1st XI had a excellent year in 2019, winning 9 from 13 matches played Future plans A new cricket pavilion has just been completed on the main school site which includes a balcony overlooking the 1st XI cricket square. They work closely with all the local cricket clubs to avoid clashes so they can encourage boys to play not just school cricket but club, area and agegroup county cricket as well Tours Desert Springs 2019, Barbados 2021

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

WELLINGTON COLLEGE // WELLINGTON SCHOOL

WELLINGTON COLLEGE

100-plus. MCC, Eton, Harrow, Tonbridge, Radley and Charterhouse in the Cowdrey Cup. The BOWS Festival with Brighton, Oakham and Sedbergh. A two-day fixture with Malvern Facilities 9 grounds, 12 grass nets, 14 artificial nets. New, purpose built indoor school with 4 lanes, named after former second master Robin Dyer Club/county affiliation Links with a number of local clubs. Middlesex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire Best prospect 1st XI opening bowler Harry Petrie. He had a superb second half of the 2019 season and is part of the Hampshire Academy and last

year was selected for the South & West Regional U17 Squad for the ECB Super 4s Competition Cricketers of note T Hodgson (Essex), Ed Young (Gloucestershire), A Macleod (Berkshire & Western Storm), Tom Curran (Surrey & England), Ben Curran (Northants), Sam Curran (Surrey & England), AJ Dale (Hampshire) and Jack Davies (Middlesex) Cultural cricketers Rory Bremner, Christopher Lee, Will Young Brief history Cricket has always been the major summer boys’ sport at Wellington but it began to flourish

following 1874 and is now growing as a summer option for girls too. Cricket at Wellington was firmly placed on the map from 1880 onwards, largely due to the efforts and talent of Prince Christian Victor, after whom the college bowling prize is awarded What sets the school apart? To have the three Curran brothers move on from Wellington to professional and international cricket so quickly acts as a huge inspiration Finest moment on the field Won the Cowdrey Cup in 2014 and reached the National T20 finals day 2015 Recent progress The school is proud of the number of pupils, both boys and girls, they have playing cricket and the success of players leaving Wellington to go on to MCCU, firstclass and international cricket Future plans Plan to expand the girls’ indoor winter league for the boys to play. A number of coach development sessions 2019/20 in the new centre Tours Every two years, to South Africa, and returned to Durban and Cape Town in February 2019. Due to tour in February 2021 with both a boys U15/U14 team and a senior boys 1st XI

fixtures are Millfield, King’s Taunton as well as Somerset U17 and U15 boys and U17, U15 and U13 girls and Cornwall U17, U15 and U13 boys Facilities 4 grass pitches. 11 grass wickets and 4 indoor lanes long enough for fast bowlers to fit in their full run-ups Club/county affiliation Somerset Cricket Board, plus links with Wellington CC, Taunton St Andrews CC and Tiverton Heathcote CC Best prospect Dhruv Parashar, currently U15 but has represented Wellington School 1st XI as a batsman and a finger spinner. He is in the Somerset system Cricketers of note Liam Naylor represented Scotland at the 2020 U19 World Cup in South Africa. Alisa Scantlebury representing Barbados Women and Jordan Knight representing Barbados U15s Brief history The cricket programme has grown from strength to strength over the past eight years, with an increased number playing cricket. An increasing global reputation has meant an increase in the number of pupils from other countries What sets the school apart?

England Women played a warm-up fixture against a Wellington School Select XI at Wellington School as part of their preparation for the 2017 Women’s World Cup. The school also has a number of Rajasthan Royals and India international bowlers that come over to the UK as part of the PaceLab programme that use the indoor and outdoor facilities Recent progress The cricket programme selects players to represent Wellington based on their ability and not gender Future plans The school will continue to provide more

opportunities for pupils to develop skills through practice and matchplay over the course of winter and summer. They will also continue to provide pupils with opportunities to develop life skills by going on national and international cricket tours. They are consistently looking at the fixture card to make sure that pupils on the pathways are challenged Tours February 2019, a mixed U17 and U15 tour to Barbados; February 2021, the school meant to go on a mixed U17 and U15 tour to Dubai; February 2022, a possible mixed tour to either Sri Lanka or Dubai

Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7PU Established 1859 Number of pupils 1,050 Master in charge Dan Pratt Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U16AB, U15ABCD, U14ABCD Girls’ cricket Two girls’ mixed age teams – one hardball and one softball. A group of around 20-25 girls play around 8-12 fixtures a year. The strategy is to have an U14, U15 and 1st XI in the coming years. Winter 2019/20 was the first year of an indoor inter-house competition. 2020 should have seen the first year of the girls’ side playing, combined with OWCC Women XI v MCC Women Lockdown initiatives A combination of video sessions, live and filmed, tactical discussions How will cricket bounce back? Wellington are running an internal programme of training and fixtures. 1st XI fixtures against MCC and Old Wellingtonians CC. They hope to return to an indoor winter programme Number of, and notable, fixtures

WELLINGTON SCHOOL South Street, Wellington, Somerset TA21 8NT Established 1837 Number of pupils 761 (596 in senior) Head of cricket Paul Lawrence Director of sport Steffan Jones Women’s coach Caroline Foster Teams 34 – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17A, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB, U11ABC, U10AB, U9A, U8A Girls’ cricket 1st XI, U15AB, U13ABC, U12ABC, U11AB, U10AB, U9A, U8A Lockdown initiatives Cricketspecific drills online that all pupils had access to as well as strength and conditioning programmes for all. Senior cricket scholars have also been neurotype tested which benefits their individual training as well as allowing them to understand why they react the way they do in certain situations How will cricket bounce back? A robust and proven cricket programme model in place Number of, and notable, fixtures A total of 217 fixtures across the senior (173 fixtures) and preparatory (44 fixtures) schools. The most notable 94 | thecricketer.com

WHITGIFT SCHOOL // WILLIAM PERKIN HIGH SCHOOL

WHITGIFT SCHOOL Established 1596 Number of pupils 1,500 Head of cricket David Ward (Surrey) Head of cricket performance Neil Kendrick (Surrey & Glamorgan) Cricket academy head coach Simon Jackson (Jamaica) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U16A, U15ABC, U14ABCDE, U13ABCDE, U12ABCDE, U11ABC Girls’ cricket All-boys school Lockdown initiatives Weekly drills, games and challenges How will cricket bounce back? Plans to run U11D, U12 and U13FGH Number of, and notable, fixtures Were due to have 237 fixtures in 2020. MCC every year and block fixtures against Wellington and Cranleigh Facilities Among the best in the country with the main ground

in summer. Surrey Schools host the U14 and U12 finals at Whitgift. A partnership with Barbados has educated two of their promising players, Nico Reifer and Nyeem Young Cricketers of note Raman Subba Row, Jason Roy, Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Matthew Spriegel, Laurie Evans, Tom Lancefield, Freddie van den Bergh, Michael Burgess, Ryan Patel, Jamie Smith, Reifer, Young Brief history Cricket was first played at Whitgift in 1898 and the sport has always been popular. It was not until the early 2000s that the school started to compete on a national scale. Whitgift have won the England Schools U13 National Trophy more times than any other. In 20 years 12 pupils have gone on to sign pro contracts. Pupils able to train and practise with a county academy-style programme during two winter terms What sets the school apart? In the past year years three OWs (Sibley,

(Northfield) used for first-class cricket for over 10 years. A bank of 12 grass nets (these nets and the main ground and training facilities are used by Australia). 4 astro nets and a fabulous indoor centre with 6 lanes, full run-ups and bowling machines which include BOLA’s Merlyn. 5 cricket squares on site and access to a further 2 at the Old Boys sports ground (which the school maintain) five minutes away Club/county affiliation Very close links with Surrey, providing facilities for their coach education programme and most probably this winter their county age-groups. Whitgift host U11 Performance Programme matches on Sundays. Links with several local clubs, especially Old Whitgiftians CC who use indoor nets for juniors during the winter and school squares for matches

Roy and Burns) have opened the batting for England Recent progress Record numbers of junior boys (80) signed up for the Easter camp to Spain but particular encouragement from the number wanting to play at the senior end Future plans In the next year Whitgift hope to field F, G & H teams in both U12 & U13 groups to increase participation to more than 100 boys playing competitive cricket. Through the school’s development programme will be offering more opportunities for local primary schools to benefit from Whitgift’s facilities and expertise Tours 26 senior players to Perth, Australia, 2018; 72 U12/U13/ U14 boys to Barbados, 2019; 80 U12/U13/U14 boys to Spain 2020 (cancelled); 26 seniors to South Africa, 2021

Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT

Rory Burns and Dom Sibley

WILLIAM PERKIN HIGH SCHOOL Oldfield Lane North, Greenford, Ealing UB6 8BR Established 2013 Number of pupils 1,314 Head of cricket Sajid Mahmood (Lancashire & England) Teams All year groups including a sixth form team Girls’ cricket Is played Lockdown initiatives Online coaching and tasks Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 30 fixtures in all. William Perkin play in the Ealing schools league but the sixth form will be playing against private schools and minor counties too. Sixth form cricket (Elite Cricket Academy) is in its first year Facilities 4 outdoor nets, a newlylaid cricket square with 8 pitches on there. Indoor sports hall with 2 cricket lanes and looking to change that to 5 lanes indoor with partnership with Middlesex Club/county affiliation Middlesex. Partnerships with Brentham CC to use the pitch in the summer along with Graces CC, and also a partnership with Middlesex girls to use the facilities Best prospect The school has a Year 7 student who representing Middlesex and a few more who are on the verge of representative honours Brief history William Perkin is a new school (just seven years old), only recently introducing cricket as a major sport. Cricket has been run as a summer sport up until the last two years, since then it has been made into an all-year-round sport due to having great cricket facilities. William Perkin has also started an Elite Cricket

Programme which involved students to spend some quality one-to-one sessions with a former international cricketer on a daily basis What sets the school apart? A former England cricketer heading cricket in a state school, and great facilities for a state school. William Perkin are trying to lead the way by running cricket all year around and give state school pupils the same amount of exposure to cricket as private school pupils get Finest moment on the field Reaching the semi-finals in last year’s Ealing schools league Recent progress Setting up the Elite Cricket Academy for the Sixth Form. This allows aspiring young cricketers to gain a great education at one of the best schools academically in the country, as well as working with Mahmood on a one-to-one basis, giving them a better chance of progression in cricket, all within school hours Future plans Building partnerships with Middlesex and expanding the indoor hall space from a two-lane indoor cricket facility to a fivelane indoor facility. William Perkin also hope for Middlesex to have a permanent base at the school

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

WINCHESTER COLLEGE College Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9NA Established 1382 Number of pupils 721 Master in charge James Burridge Professional Paul Gover Teams U18ABCD, U16, U15ABC, U14ABCD Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school Lockdown initiatives The pro put a number of videos together for practice in the home or garden How will cricket bounce back? An extensive winter programme to all years, both 1-2-1 and group. They ran the Wykeham Hundred, which included a player draft on Microsoft Teams. Winter training now begins with 1-2-1 for the elite group and skill sessions. Leavers were invited back to play guest teams in August Number of, and notable, fixtures 120, including MCC, Eton, Harrow, Radley, Bradfield, Charterhouse Facilities An indoor sports centre is being built by Christmas 2021. A temporary indoor nets facility in the interim which Hampshire have used for their age groups. Winchester have 12 artificial nets for general use (4 of which built in April 2019). 3 grass squares (returning to 4 once the new sports centre is built). 3 artificial strips and grounds. All main pitches have grass wicket practice strips and cages Club/county affiliation Hampshire, who used the first team pitch to train on during the 2019 World Cup Best prospect Wilf La Fontaine Jackson scored a record number of runs for the U14s in 2019 Cricketers of note Douglas Jardine (right), Nawab of Pataudi Jr, Hubert Doggart, 96 | thecricketer.com

JR Mason, JC Clay, HD Reed, J Shuter, Sir Henry Leveson-Gower, AJ Evans and DCH Townsend all played Test cricket and are commemorated in the pavilion, Hunter Tent. Johnny Figy who left last year, having scored more than 1,000 runs in the season, has played for UAE Brief history Cricket in some form was played at Winchester from the 17th century onwards. The first inter-school match was in 1825 and the first recorded game against Eton was in 1826. Winchester played at Lord’s against Eton and Harrow from 1826 to 1854. Today, the school 1st XI is still known as Lords XI. The earliest recorded match played at Winchester was in 1776, between College and Commoners. Winchester were reputedly banned for 100 years from Lord’s for setting fire to one of the stands. Hopefully Winchester will be able to return in 2025! Hampshire played one firstclass game at Winchester in 1875 against Kent. The school has been running sport scholarships for the last two years, showing its ambition to improve the overall standard of sport What sets the school apart? Winchester encourage cricket to be played with humility to the opposition and umpires especially Finest moment on the field The 2009 and 2010 seasons, with 15 and 14 wins respectively. In 2015 DA Escott broke the Nawab of Pataudi’s aggregate, totalling 1,096. Escott became the only boy the school is aware of to have played all his school games for the 1st XI Recent progress With the introduction of sports scholars, the cricket programme is being run in a very professional way, with training up to five times a week during the winter plus a strength and conditioning programme Future plans Plans to replace the old outside nets by Hunter Tent with a newer fully retractable 7-bay net system Tours Winchester managed to go to South Africa during February half-term, playing five games. They will look to tour again in the 2021/22 winter

WINCHESTER COLLEGE // WOODHOUSE GROVE SCHOOL

WOODHOUSE GROVE SCHOOL Apperley Bridge, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD10 0NR Established 1812 Number of pupils 1,000 Director of sport Dan King Head of cricket Paul Borrington (Derbyshire) Professional Arnie Sidebottom (Yorkshire & England) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15, U14, U13AB, U12AB Girls’ cricket U12, U13, U14, U15. Girls’ teams were fielded for the first time in November 2019. U12 to U15 girls trained regularly throughout the winter months and outdoor fixtures/ festivals were planned for 2020. Woodhouse Grove has a tradition of girls playing in boys’ teams dating back to Kathryn Leng, who represented England Women from 1994-2000. Rebecca Newark was involved in the England Development programme at U15 level (2013) and has played for the Yorkshire and Durham Women Lockdown initiatives Weekly home cricket challenges for all pupils How will cricket bounce back? Innovations regarding formats remain a priority. The continuation of a strong and extensive winter training programme, including before and after-school sessions for all ages, will be key. Cricket was offered on Saturday mornings for all ages and abilities. The school hope to play as many indoor matches as possible in winter. The growth of girls’ cricket and introducing boys’ B teams Number of, and notable, fixtures The 1st XI play approximately 18 matches – MCC, Manchester Grammar, St Peter’s York, RGS Lancaster, Durham, Gresham’s (twoday), Ampleforth, Bradford Grammar, QEGS Wakefield, Ashville College, Huddersfield New College Facilities 4 grass squares and 1

artificial match pitch. 6 outdoor artificial nets and 4 indoor nets. A new outdoor cricket net facility is planned Club/county affiliation Woodhouse Grove became the MCC Hub centre for Leeds in January 2020 Best prospect Rhys Newman – 1st XI captain 2020, played in Yorkshire U17 trial/practice match in 2019 Cricketers of note Ajmal Shahzad (Yorkshire & England), Dylan Budge (Scotland), Andrew Bairstow (Derbyshire), Craig Rika (Northamptonshire), Uzair Mahomed (Durham), Dalton Polius, Larry Edward (both Windward Is) Brief history Cricket has been the main summer sport at Woodhouse Grove for more than 150 years. However, the last 30 have seen significant improvement in both the playing standards and fixture list. Woodhouse Grove now regularly produce representative cricketers What sets the school apart? The 1st XI pitch slopes away from the imposing façade of the main school building. From this vantage point it is possible to see five matches in play Finest moment on the field Winning the National Schools T20 Competition at Arundel Castle CC in 2014 and winning all 18 completed matches. The U14 and U15 teams being county champions in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017 and 2018 Recent progress Introduction of Girls’ Cricket Programme, including fixtures, festivals and regular winter training sessions. Introduction of B teams at younger age groups in order to increase participation. Continuing to run a high-quality winter training programme Future plans A new outdoor cricket net facility. Continue to develop the outreach programme with the local schools Tours The 1st and 2nd XIs toured Barbados and St Lucia in April 2019 with the 1st XI winning four out of five matches

WORKSOP COLLEGE // WORTH SCHOOL

WORKSOP COLLEGE Sparken Hill, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3AP Established 1895 Number of pupils 350 Director of cricket Neil Longhurst (Yorkshire 2nd XI & Cumberland) 1st XI coach and head of sport performance Ian Parkin (Derbyshire CB) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB Girls’ cricket Training and fixtures for girls in Years 7 to 9 were in place

WORTH SCHOOL Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD Established 1933 Number of pupils 605 Head of cricket Raj Chaudhuri Assistant coach Theodore Rivers Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB Girls’ cricket U13s have fixtures with other schools. Girls have played regularly in the 1st XI, going on to represent county women’s sides Lockdown initiatives Cricketspecific skills homework. Worth tied up with First Class Cricket Coaching to access their online drills and skills How will cricket bounce back? Worth started all-year training in

for 2020. The college was due to host a girls’ development hub for Nottinghamshire CCC on a weekly basis, starting in April 2020, but this has been pushed back Lockdown initiatives Worksop set up an Instagram page and kept students engaged through social media. The more famous OWs, such as Billy Root, filmed drills to post online. Resident staff helped re-paint the pavilion during their spare hours How will cricket bounce back? Winter training resumed in October. The 1st XI played against the Forty Club and MCC in September

Number of, and notable, fixtures The 1st XI has around 20 fixtures a year. The Shrewsbury Festival in April sees Worksop face Shrewsbury, Millfield and Worcestershire Academy. Also MCC, Repton, Trent, St Peter’s York, King’s Taunton, Hurstpierpoint and Denstone Facilities 4 squares, 12 grass nets, a roll-on net for the main square. The sports hall has 4 lanes of nets with county ground standard lighting and flooring. The 1st XI pitch hosts Notts 2nd XI and county age group fixtures Club/county affiliation Strong links with Notts – they run sessions through the winter in the indoor facility, in addition to the school playing age group sides Best prospect James Blackburn, a 16-year-old left-hand opening batsman and left-arm spinner who plays his club cricket at Bawtry CC and is in the Yorkshire pathways Cricketers of note Joe Root (Yorkshire & England), Samit Patel (Notts & England), Billy Root (Glamorgan & Notts), Brett Hutton (Northants & Notts), Liam Patterson-White (Notts), Richard Kettleborough (Yorkshire &

Middlesex), Phil Sharpe (Yorkshire, Derbyshire & England), Ken Farnes (Essex & England) What sets the school apart? Worksop is a small school in relative terms, but up there in cricket prowess Finest moment on the field Unbeaten season in 2008, including reaching the last eight of the National T20 Cup. Beating both Shrewsbury and Millfield in 2017, and current holders of the Woodard Festival Trophy, in which King’s Taunton, Hurstpierpoint and Bloxham play Recent progress The development of a winter training programme. New headmaster Dr John Price, is a passionate cricketer and MCC member fully behind the progression of cricket Future plans Worksop hope to be formally launching an Academy very soon. The sports hall is to be freshly painted, alongside brand-new lighting, which will aid winter training. A revamped inter-house competition for boys and girls will complement existing games sessions Tours 1st XI tour to Cape Town and Paarl, February 2018 – hoping to return there in February 2022

September. A group of players were hoping to travel to India for a training camp and some games in February Number of, and notable, fixtures The 1st XI plays 23–25 while the other teams play every weekend of summer term. U13 and U15A teams enter the Sussex Cup as well as the Blackshaw and Holdsworth Cup. Major fixtures are against MCC, Sussex Martlets, touring sides as well as Langdale Cup Facilities 4 grounds with turf wickets, 8 turf wickets for practice, which are a work in progress, as well as 3 artificial wickets. The indoor facility is used throughout the year and has 5 lanes with access to hardball as well as softball bowling machines so that technique can be grooved Club/county affiliation Roffey CC, East Grinstead CC, Three Bridges CC

and Horsham CC. First Class Cricket Coaching Best prospect Three pupils in Year 12 are all capable of playing firstclass cricket – current captain Anish Padalkar, a Sussex U17 county player, began in the 1st XI aged 13; Mali Bardouille-Lewis, Jacob McLoughlin Cricketers of note James Heywood and Mathew Donegan have played first-class cricket for their universities Cultural cricketers Tom Mitchell (England rugby 7s captain) was 1st XI wicketkeeper from 2005 to 2007 Brief history Cricket at Worth has really looked up since 2011. Overseas tours to Dubai, India and Malta were conducted as well as an association with First Class Cricket Academy. The school won the Sussex Cup at U15 level thus qualifying for nationals

and the Holdsworth Cup at U14 level. Batsmen hit close to 1,000 balls per week in the winter. The tactical part of the game as well as basic technique is the general focus and Worth do not rush players but let them develop What sets the school apart? The winter programme is what sets Worth apart. The training methods are very subcontinent-derived and based on the evidence of what the top players do rather than trying to follow the masses just because it is in fashion. Worth cricketers raised more than £4500 for MND charity after a teacher was diagnosed, participating in a 24-hour cricket challenge Finest moment on the field Winning the 2006 TISB Cup in India Recent progress Last year, an umpire commented after a game “your boys played like a Premier League side while the other side thought like schoolboys” Future plans To get the B teams to play against local state schools once a week on a 16-yard wicket with a soft ball. New nets, a better cage for centre practice and a spin machine Tours A major trip was in the pipeline to Cape Town thecricketer.com | 97

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TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS

All-girls schools top 20 a natural development for women’s game Former England batsman Lydia Greenway introduces this brand new section of the Schools Guide

eading the listings for the top 100 senior schools and top 50 prep/junior schools, it is incredible to see the amount of cricket that is on offer to girls. Many of these mixed schools have the facilities in place with the game already embedded in the curriculum and culture and there are some fantastic progammes on offer. In contrast, all-girls schools face many different challenges. Such as having to build the interest and commitment to the game from the ground up – in many cases there is no legacy of cricket

Lydia Greenway

being played at these schools. It really is a different playing field, literally and metaphorically, to the mixed and all-boys schools and that is why I am delighted to introduce this brandnew all-girls section, which celebrates the top 20 cricket programmes at these schools. It was a pleasure to work alongside The Cricketer in the compilation of this top 20. Of course, the 2020 season was unlike any other cricket has faced in two generations but I am confident that cricket in all-girls schools will return stronger than ever, and continue to thecricketer.com | 99

TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS grow. In 2015, the Department for Education removed rounders from the list of activities on which pupils could be marked in their GCSE sports exam while The Girls’ Day School Trust are now actively promoting cricket in their schools. Add to the mix England winning the Women’s World Cup, in front of a packed Lord’s in 2017 and you have key game-changing moments that have generated a huge swell of new-found interest in the game. That World Cup win three years ago created role models, and thanks to the introduction of professional contracts in the Kia Super League and central contracts for England players there is now a clear pathway for the most talented female cricketers. A teacher can now say to a young girl, “you can make a living out of the game” and there is now a rising demand to go on school trips to watch these female stars in action. However, challenges still remain. Cricket can still be perceived by some to be long, boring and complicated. And many teachers in all-girls schools are tasked with running a cricket programme with no knowledge or experience of the game themselves. All-girls schools are also not as fortunate as their mixed counterparts, who have access to facilities. Even a dedicated cricket pitch is a luxury in these schools, let alone nets

or indoor practice facilities. But it’s been great to see schools respond to that need for girls cricket. As you will read, they have been innovative with their use of space and upskilled their teachers to be able to lead fun and engaging cricket sessions. Confirmation of the stage now occupied by the women’s game is illustrated by the T20 World Cup in Australia earlier this year, where the final at the MCG was the second-highest attended women’s sport match, ever. A capacity crowd in the ground was about 90,000 while online videos from the tournament received 1.1bn hits, the second most successful ICC event in this regard after the 2019 Men’s World Cup. The female game is heading in the right direction, and it is the duty of all-girls schools to match their mixed counterparts in building on this momentum. That work, is very much, in progress. Lydia Greenway is a former England cricketer with 225 international caps, four Ashes wins and two World Cups to her name. Lydia is making the game more accessible for all through her coaching initiative, Cricket For Girls. For more information on coaching days and teacher training, visit www.cricketforgirls.com

The standard of entry into the all-girls schools category was extremely high. With this in mind, The Cricketer would also like to highly commend The Village Prep School. While they have just missed out on the top 20, they run an outstanding cricket programme where all girls play the game.

100 | thecricketer.com

BENENDEN SCHOOL

BENENDEN SCHOOL Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA Established 1923 Number of pupils 540 Director of sport Katy Hudson Teams 3 x U12, 3 x U13, 2 x U14, 2 x U15, 1 x O15 Brief history Cricket is a new sport to Benenden. This summer it was looking to make the transition to hard-ball cricket. Cricket has become a key sport in the curriculum with all girls in Years 7-10 playing the sport. Year-group practices happen weekly, with matches on weekdays or Saturdays Lockdown initiatives The coaching team suggested following online catching and fielding drills to keep skill levels and co-ordination developing How will cricket bounce back? They were due to have nets installed this summer in the sports hall and hope to have this project up and running in due course. Cricket is now firmly embedded in the summer curriculum Number of, and notable, fixtures Last year (their first year of cricket) the school had 8 fixtures and this year Benenden were due to have 12.

Benenden’s matches last year with Sutton Valence were particularly enjoyable and they were looking forward to a friendly fixture versus Wycombe Abbey this year as well Facilities As cricket is a relatively new venture at Benenden, it is in the process of developing its facilities, but with 240 acres of Kent woodland at their disposal, there is lots of space Club/county affiliation Benenden are in the process of having discussions with local clubs, and had hoped to link up with Tenterden for pre-season nets as the pandemic struck Best prospect Lots of talent to be developed. Ena Clarke has lovely skills and technique as well as experience at county level. What sets the school apart? All girls full boarding school looking forward to embracing cricket as a new and key sport Finest moment on the field Last year’s camaraderie as the girls developed new skills and knowledge Recent progress Benenden are currently embedding cricket in the curriculum and upskilling staff Future plans Benenden are looking to create new facilities, develop local links and bring expertise on board

CHELMSFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS // DENMARK ROAD HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

CHELMSFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Broomfield Road, Chelmsford CM1 1RW Established 1907 Number of pupils 1,000 Teacher in charge Paul May Teams U12, U13, U14 & U15 Brief history Competitive cricket was first played at the school in 2014 when a couple of students from year 10 who played cricket outside school asked May if he would organise a school team, which he duly did having asked for volunteers to make up the numbers. For fun he entered them in the Essex Schools’ U15 Girls Cricket Cup and somehow managed to beat Shenfield High School in the final. This success was the spur for him to run a school cricket club starting with year seven in 2015 Lockdown initiatives Chelmsford County High School for Girls used weekly challenges provided by Cricket for Girls How will cricket bounce back? As soon as the school is allowed to resume sports clubs they will be resuming weekly indoor cricket training Number of, and notable, fixtures The school enters all the Essex CCC, Essex Schools and District girls competitions and festivals – including indoor, hardball and softball with a total of 10-20 games per season. Its most notable fixture is with local state school rivals, Shenfield High School who are previous winners of national competitions. They meet in virtually all the competitions they enter Facilities Chelmsford County High School for Girls do not have any cricket facilities. They play

softball cricket on their astroturf pitch and play indoor cricket in their 100-year-old gym. All competitive matches have to be played using their opponent’s facilities Hardball/softball Both Club/county affiliation Chelmsford County High School for Girls is fortunate to be geographically close to the Cloudfm County Ground and has a good association with the county, entering all their competitions and events. There are several clubs in the local area that run girls’ teams Best prospect The best prospect for a potential career in cricket is Preesha Jain who is in year 11 and was their captain and best player from year seven. She is an allrounder and plays for Essex What sets the school apart? Probably the fact that they have become successful as a state school in a relatively short time, with no previous history of cricket in the school and with no cricket facilities Finest moment on the field Winning the Essex Schools’ U15 Cup in 2014 with a team cobbled together with two club cricketers and a mixture of hockey players and netballers. A game that started off cricket in the school Recent progress They now have 40-plus girls training each week and have enough players to field a team in each age group. May is also using year 11 and sixth-form students who played for the school when they were younger Future plans The school is looking forward to using its new sports hall in 2021 for hardball practice and proper indoor cricket. This will hopefully increase even further the number of girls playing cricket

DENMARK ROAD HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Denmark Road, Gloucester GL1 3JN Established 1883 Number of pupils 900 Teacher in charge James Schofield Teams 2 x U13 & 2 x U15 (indoor and outdoor) 1 x U18 TBC Brief history Cricket at the school has a short history. It was introduced to the curriculum briefly for a couple of years between 2013 and 2015, before disappearing again. Cricket practice and participation in competitions started again in 2018–19, and cricket at the school has grown ever since, with numbers increasing from about 10 girls in 2018 to over 50 girls involved regularly in 2020 How will cricket bounce back? Hoping to enter more competitions and organise more friendlies Number of, and notable, fixtures Depends on the performance in the Lady Taverners National Schools and Chance to Compete competitions, but in the last two years the school has played seven rounds and 15 games in the Lady Taverners competition, and more than 20 games in the Chance to Compete competition. The U15s played in the 2019 Lady Taverners National School Indoor Cricket finals at Lord’s Facilities The school has no cricket facilities. It uses its sports hall for indoor cricket and playing field for softball cricket

Hardball/softball Softball (the school have played a couple of friendlies with a hard ball) Club/county affiliation The school is affiliated with Gloucestershire Cricket Board. They had a coach come in to deliver some introductory sessions for pupils to get them interested in cricket Best prospect Katie Jones plays for Gloucestershire. The wicketkeeper-batter has a top score of 70 and has aspirations to follow in the footsteps of her hero Fran Wilson and become a professional cricketer What sets the school apart? The squad spirit – the school has girls from all year groups mixing together and supporting each other at practice and in matches. The attitude sets them apart too – win or lose, the girls are brilliant in congratulating the opposition for how they’ve played Finest moment on the field The school finished third at the 2019 Lady Taverners National Schools Indoor Cricket Finals at Lord’s – they were also the only state school to make the finals that year Recent progress Participation numbers at Denmark Road High School for Girls has risen in recent times and the level of enthusiasm across all age groups has been promising Future plans The school hopes to build on the interest they had and increase participation going forward. This will allow the school to fulfil more fixtures and give the girls more playing time thecricketer.com | 101

TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS DIDCOT GIRLS’ SCHOOL Manor Crescent, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7AJ Established 2012 Number of pupils 1,400 Teacher in charge Tim Haworth/ Emma Reynolds Teams U13 & U15 Brief history The school has been regularly involved in county board initiatives since 2012. These include Lady Taverner indoor and Chance to Compete outdoor competitions. They have been fortunate enough to have several CAG cricketers over this period and those players have inspired others to try their hand at cricket; the result has led multiple Oxfordshire titles and more importantly a steady flow of new players to the sport Lockdown initiatives The school PE department has been operating through online teaching resources How will cricket bounce back? Didcot will run indoor cricket training for year-group bubbles. They then hope to have some

competitive indoor action in the New Year, through either Lady Taverners, or external friendlies Number of, and notable, fixtures The school mainly competes in fixtures organised by the county board, with the occasional friendly arranged independently Facilities Didcot has a sports hall which is used for indoor cricket. Outdoor facilities are offered by both Moreton CC & Didcot CC Hardball/softball Softball cricket is offered. Occasional T20 hardball matches are hosted by local clubs Club/county affiliation Moreton CC kindly hosted their first hardball match in 2014 – a T20 v St Helen & St Katharine School. For the majority of players on the field this was their first taste of hard ball cricket. Didcot CC kindly offer their excellent facilities as well, which are walking distance from

DIDCOT GIRLS’ SCHOOL

the school. There is now a strong link between Didcot and Moreton CC, where many girls, who were introduced to cricket at school, go on to join the club and play women’s league cricket Best prospect Aimee Diab has played for Oxfordshire and is an excellent pace bowling prospect for the future

What sets the school apart? DGS are well known for tactical astuteness on the cricket field Finest moment on the field The U13 team were crowned indoor cricket champions in 2020, just before lockdown arrived. They won all their matches, beating several strong Oxfordshire private schools in the process Recent progress They have had consistently strong attendance at after school cricket sessions in the last 12 months, which is a highly encouraging sign for the future of girls’ cricket in the area Future plans The school hopes to try and get a non-turf wicket installed to help the players develop their skills on-site. They are also keen to encourage more girls to consider coaching in cricket

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• Case studies • Video content • Advert design • Promotion to affluent and engaged audience For more information contact Ed Krarup: ed.krarup@thecricketer.com • 020 3198 1354

GUILDFORD HIGH SCHOOL

GUILDFORD HIGH SCHOOL London Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1SJ Established 1888 Number of pupils 700 (Senior school), 300 (Junior school) Teachers in charge Keely Harper (Senior school), Georgie Dustin (Junior school), Ben Collins (cricket specialist) Teams U15ABC, U14 ABC, U13ABC, U12 ABC. Junior school – U11 XI, U11 ABCDE, U10ABCDE, U9ABCDE, U8ABCDE Brief history Cricket has been an extra-curricular club for the past six years and from 2019 it has been a main curriculum sport. The school has grown the club from one extracurricular team to producing 14 teams with more attending regular extracurricular practices. The status of cricket has grown immensely, and the school is providing fantastic support to the sport Lockdown initiatives Cricket has continued to be taught virtually across Years 7-9 as part of the curriculum on Microsoft Teams. Teachers have recorded videos of drills and challenges as part of the live lessons, that girls have performed in their gardens and homes, as well as developing their cricketing knowledge. The girls have uploaded

fantastic videos and photos after every lesson, which the teachers provide feedback on. Virtual teaching was also in place for the junior school How will cricket bounce back? Extra-curricular will continue throughout the winter and spring terms, with fixtures being added for summer 2021. The school have also added Ben Collins to their ranks to lead cricket in both the junior school and senior school. The junior school is providing extra-curricular practice all year Number of, and notable, fixtures Guildford High School have weekly fixtures for all age groups in the summer term and enter the U15 and U13 hardball and softball SSCA Cups. Junior teams play at least three matches per season, with A teams playing bi-weekly fixtures against other Surrey schools

Teachers in charge Keely Harper (director of sport), Ben Collins (cricket specialist)and Georgie Dustin (head of junior school PE)

Facilities Sports hall (4 x nets), Flicx pitch, use nearby park for fixtures Hardball/softball The school currently play softball in all-curriculum lessons and extra-curricular clubs. Hardball cricket is available for more experienced cricketers Club/county affiliation Esher Cricket Club, Blackheath Cricket Club/Surrey CCC Best prospects Mia Mason Bailey (Surrey U15s), Ellen Clarke (Surrey U13s) What sets the school apart? The girls at Guildford High School are super athletes but green to the sport. They are learning in every match they play and their progress is inspiring Finest moment on the field Qualifying for the Surrey Cricket finals day in June 2019 in the U13 hard ball and U15 soft ball Cups. The junior school also enjoyed hosting some of the first girls matches for prep schools in Surrey back in 2018 Recent progress The school (pupil, parents, teachers and SMT) have embraced the change from rounders to cricket being the main team sport

for the summer term. They have a huge number of girls who are keen to play extra-curricular cricket and have now joined local clubs as a result Future plans Planning a trip to a T20 match to inspire the girls

Tours It is hoped that the senior school will tour Dorset in 2022, while the junior school hope to incorporate beach cricket into their 2021 netball tour of Jersey

www.guildfordhigh.co.uk • Admissions: guildford-admissions@guildfordhigh.co.uk • 01483 543853 thecricketer.com | 103

Independent Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sporting School of the Year, 2019-20

Top Ten Independent School

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SUNDAY TIMES PARENT POWER 2020 GUIDE

London Road, Guildford, GU1 1SJ | www.guildfordhigh.co.uk

LADY ELEANOR HOLLES SCHOOL // LOUGHBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

LADY ELEANOR HOLLES SCHOOL Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 3HF Established 1710 Number of pupils 900 Teacher in charge Dani Mugridge (director of sport) Teams U12, U13, U14 & U15 Brief history Cricket is in its

LOUGHBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL Burton Walks, Loughborough LE11 2DU Established 1850 Number of pupils 650 Teacher in charge Nicola Attwood Teams U12, U13, U14 & U15 Brief history There has been a recent shift from rounders to cricket both in terms of the curriculum and

infancy having only started last year. Unfortunately, due to Covid the school has been unable to develop the sport further Lockdown initiatives LEH School had a PE programme for its pupils, teaching them the core skills from beginner to more advanced How will cricket bounce back? The school hopes to enter more competitions in the future and

develop its plan of action for next summer

Number of, and notable, fixtures Each year group would have had about 4–6 fixtures in 2020, but Covid halted those plans Facilities LEH School has the space for 3–4 small cricket areas Recent progress Cricket only started being played last summer at the school. They are proud to have it on their curriculum and are keen to grow the game further Future plans The school wants to grow the game and be a contender at competitions organised by the Lady Taverners. They intend to up-skill staff and pupils to be able to deliver and execute top-class cricket sessions and make them more fun and engaging

extra-curricular, and with the link to other local schools being stronger than ever, the school is hoping to create something exciting Lockdown initiatives The school offered online activities for students How will cricket bounce back? It will listen carefully to NGB updates, but plan to deliver through the curriculum and provide an extracurricular programme. They also hope to have some fixtures for pupils in 2021

Number of, and notable, fixtures LHS play two matches per week during the summer term. It also has some block fixtures at the weekend. Its biggest rival is Trent College Facilities The school use nets at the nearby grammar school and have pitches at a nearby facility What sets the school apart? Loughborough High School are an all-girls school who are looking to build partnerships with foundation schools

Finest moment on the field The school fulfilled their first block of fixtures against Trent College last summer. There was terrific cricket on show from a number of players Recent progress The increase in participation within the school has been pleasing Future plans Loughborough High School can’t wait to use the facilities at the nearby grammar school and develop links with the main feeder school, Fairfield

thecricketer.com | 105

TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS

MAYFIELD SCHOOL

MAYFIELD SCHOOL The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH Established 1872 Number of pupils 405 Teacher in charge Emily Starr (assistant director of sport and head of cricket) Teams U12 ABCD, U13 ABCD, U14 AB, U15 A&B, 1st XI Brief history Mayfield is an all-girls school and cricket was introduced as a major sport only three years ago. Since then cricket at Mayfield has gone from strength to strength. It has built a comprehensive cricket programme, supported by a significant investment in facilities and infrastructure, and they have exciting plans to develop these even further. The girls have responded positively, with dedication and determination, and have previously reached Lady Taverners regional finals in both the U13 and

Teacher in charge Emily Starr

U15 age groups and have girls in the Sussex set-up Lockdown initiatives The school set pupils cricket challenges to do online How will cricket bounce back? The school has a series of workshops and extra-curricular programmes planned for pupils Number of, and notable, fixtures 66 fixtures across all age groups including fixtures against Bede’s, Hurstpierpoint, Brighton College and King’s Canterbury Facilities 1 outdoor net, 1 artificial wicket, bowling machine, use of Mayfield CC for midweek fixtures and a sports hall Hardball/softball U14A, 15A & 1st XI play hardball cricket. All other teams play soft ball pairs cricket Club/county affiliation The school have partnerships with Mayfield CC and Sussex CCC Best prospect Lizzie von Halasz – a talented seam bowler who can keep wicket to a high standard. She’s involved with Sussex CCC What sets the school apart? Mayfield is a school with a small cricket history and has established a comprehensive programme from scratch in only three years, encouraging all girls at the school to participate. They have formed a number of teams and all are performing competitively and thriving in the sport. In addition, Mayfield have nurtured the talent of a number of girls who had never played cricket before and who now represent their county. The school takes cricket seriously, especially during the summer term, and prides itself on

www.mayfieldgirls.org 106 | thecricketer.com

getting the whole school involved in some form of cricket throughout the year Finest moment on the field Playing in the U15 Schools Sport Magazine National Competition – Sophie Hall scoring her maiden half-century, and the first for Mayfield, last summer

Recent progress The school has added another cricket specialist and the sport is played in all three terms Future plans The school is looking to send its two hardball teams on tour and expand its facilities Tours Two hardball teams are due to tour the Caribbean in 2021 or 2022

Registrar: Mrs Shirley Coppard • registrar@mayfieldgirls.org • 01435 874642

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TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS OLD PALACE OF JOHN WHITGIFT SCHOOL Old Palace Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1AX Established 1889 Number of pupils 500 Teacher in charge Alison Smith (director of sport) Brief history It has a history of providing a relevant, challenging and stimulating curriculum for girls, including sport and Physical Education and extra-curricular opportunities. Girls’ cricket was introduced last year to embrace the ‘This Girl Can’ approach to sport. The softball/pairs format has been adopted to ensure all students can engage with the sport, enjoy it and have opportunities to improve their skills and games play. The school look forward to seeing the sport progress and move on to the hard ball format when appropriate Lockdown initiatives They used tools from the Surrey Cricket Academy and Chance to Shine as well as teacher-generated content and created cricket quizzes How will cricket bounce back? Cricket is in its early stages at Old Palace and the school is looking forward to seeing it grow and progress in the year to come. The school hopes to forge links with a local club to gain access to facilities enabling pupils to introduce hardball cricket for some teams. The school want to enter softball competitions soon Number of, and notable, fixtures The school played no fixtures this year although they planned to enter the Starburst Tournament and attend

108 | thecricketer.com

an Open Day at The Oval. Last season – their first – they played a handful of friendly pairs format fixtures against local schools who were also in the process of introducing cricket to girls Facilities As a city centre-based school, it uses the netball/hardcourt area for cricket Hardball/softball Softball – pairs cricket Club/county affiliation Surrey Cricket; Cricket For Girls; Croydon School Sports Partnership What sets the school apart? As a diverse, city centre-based school surrounded by historic buildings it has been challenging to introduce cricket. The school has been creative in the way it has delivered lessons and clubs proving that cricket can be adapted to suit the surroundings and the whole school community. It is open to all. The school hopes to help dispel the myth that cricket is boring and to instil a love of the sport at all levels Recent progress The school is immensely proud of the way its students and staff have embraced cricket, enjoy cricket and talk so much about it. The introduction of cricket into the curriculum and as an extra-curricular activity shows real progress when faced with the physical challenges of facilities. Staff have attended courses, internal inset sessions for staff within and outside the department. They have been grateful for support from staff outside the PE department Future plans The school hopes to build relationships with local clubs and Surrey Cricket, boost participation numbers and grow cricket both inside and outside of the classroom

OLD PALACE OF JOHN WHITGIFT SCHOOL // QUEENSWOOD SCHOOL

QUEENSWOOD SCHOOL Shepherds Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Herts AL9 6NS Established 1894 Number of pupils 440 Teacher in charge Stephen Williams Teams U13 AB (indoor and outdoor), U15 AB (indoor and outdoor), 1st XI (outdoor) Brief history Girls’ cricket was first played at Queenswood in the 1930s but was deemed unladylike. There has been a resurgence in girls’ cricket over the last six or seven years at Queenswood, starting with the Indoor Lady Taverners competition and moving on to the hardball national T20 Lockdown initiatives Since the start of the pandemic Queenswood has continued to offer cricket. This has been through core PE lessons – developing subject knowledge as well as all skills required in the game. They have also set up a co-curricular cricket club where students log on each week and participate in the weekly challenges How will cricket bounce back? The school are in communication with other local schools, trying to arrange fixtures. They believe that matches could happen as social distancing can be easily maintained Number of, and notable, fixtures This year was set to be the school’s busiest year of cricket to date with between 25 and 30 fixtures, dependent on the progress made through tournaments. Its under-13s’ most notable fixture is Berkhamstead School. The under-15s have a much larger fixture programme and the School Sport Magazine T20 competition is the key fixture. Depending on the draw they have

played Felsted, Shenfield, New Hall, Berkhamsted and Haileybury. Outside of this competition there are block fixtures against Bedford Modern School Facilities Through the winter the school train in the sports hall which is excellent practice for the indoor competitions. In the summer they transform their upper playing fields into two small softball wickets and train with a hard ball on their hockey pitch Club/county affiliation This year the school is developing its partnership with Old Owens Cricket Club and will look to really push and develop the hardball cricket programme. The use of their excellent training and playing facilities will significantly develop the hardball cricket ability of the girls Best prospect Imogen Fox, a talented allrounder who is in the Hertfordshire set-up What sets the school apart? Queenswood is proud of what it has achieved on the cricket field and what sets it apart is the opportunity for every girl to have access and play the sport in its rawest form of only needing a bat and a ball Finest moment on the field U15 runners-up at county finals 2020 Future plans The partnership with the local cricket club is going to develop hardball experience and ability, which will ensure greater access to the performance pathway of the sport. For participation they are also planning to host several softball festivals to increase the fixture programme further and provide the opportunity for all girls to play the game.

ROEDEAN SCHOOL // ST CATHERINE’S, BRAMLEY

ROEDEAN SCHOOL Roedean Way, Brighton BN2 5RQ Established 1885 Number of pupils 630 Teacher in charge Mike Smethurst (head of performance) Teams U12 AB, U13 AB, U14 AB, U15 AB Brief history Roedean has a rich cricketing history, however over time and for unknown reasons, the game dwindled. Now is an exciting time, as a renewed emphasis will see cricket flourish, become the main summer sport and return to the proud position it once occupied Lockdown initiatives The school turned to online learning. There were online resources made available and there was a live cricket session every week for each year group How will cricket bounce back? Roedean will make Angela Eagle

ST CATHERINE’S, BRAMLEY

Station Road, Bramley, Guildford GU5 0DF Established 1885 Number of pupils 700 Teachers in charge Vic Alexander, Emily Gray Teams U15 ABCD, U14 ABCDEF, U13 ABCDEFGH, U12 ABCDEFGH Brief history St Catherine’s only

sure pupils have access to the game and ensure that girls get every opportunity possible. There will also be online resources made available for those out of school Number of, and notable, fixtures 30 fixtures were planned for 2020, up from 11 in 2018 Facilities 1 x grass square (including two artificial pitches) and 3 x indoor nets Hardball/softball Both, although hardball cricket will feature more heavily in the years to come Club/county affiliation Sussex CCC, St James Montefiore CC Best prospect Maria Veness. A right-handed batter for Sussex, who bowls away swing. She can also keep wicket Cultural cricketers Angela Eagle MP, plus dozens of other members of the Houses of Lords and Commons What sets the school apart? Its stunning location, overlooking the sea and harbour Finest moment on the field The once

started cricket last summer (but it was played many years ago). After one year with minimal fixtures in 2019 they haven’t been able to play since Lockdown initiatives Online tutorials were posted so girls could get involved using whatever equipment they had available How will cricket bounce back? The school hope to reintroduce cricket again in the spring term and play matches next summer

annual Lords v Commons fixture used to take place at Roedean, where MPs and Lords would come to Brighton to play each other Recent progress Roedean School has trained staff to coach cricket Future plans Thanks to a generous parental donation, the school has been able to make rapid strides. The

pavilion has been refurbished, two new artificial wickets were installed and two new mobile cages have been ordered to use with these. The dimensions of the field, and the location of the artificial wickets means they can host two fixtures side by side. In addition, a cricket-specific outdoor training area is also planned

Number of, and notable, fixtures There are five local schools that St Catherine’s compete against. They were due to enter the Surrey League in 2020 Facilities Sports hall for indoor cricket. Nearby clubs provide facilities Hardball/softball Softball Club/county affiliation Blackheath

CC and Bramley CC Best prospect Georgia Willoughby (Hampshire) Recent progress St Catherine’s is proud that they have introduced girls to cricket, started up a winter training programme and developed relationships with clubs Future plans To further develop relationships with local clubs

TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS

ST HELEN AND ST KATHARINE // ST SWITHUN’S SCHOOL, WINCHESTER

ST SWITHUN’S SCHOOL, WINCHESTER Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HA

ST HELEN AND ST KATHARINE Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1BE Established 1903 Number of pupils 734 Teacher in charge Charlotte Barras Teams U10 A, U11 A, U12 ABCD, U13 ABCD, U14 AB, U15 AB, U18 AB Brief history Cricket was introduced in 2018 as a curriculum staple and has been developing since How will cricket bounce back? St Helen and St Katharine want to develop facilities and set up a club for those who have missed out due to the coronavirus pandemic Number of, and notable, fixtures The school play 45 matches each year, the most notable of which is against 110 | thecricketer.com

Marlborough Facilities Sports hall facilitates indoor cricket. Space is available for softball cricket outdoors Club/county affiliation Oxfordshire Cricket Board Best prospect Lucy Johnson – plays for Oxfordshire EPP and Moreton Ladies/ Warborough and Shillingford CC/Aston Rowant What sets the school apart? The school uses its all-round sporting ability to develop a summer sport to compliment netball and lacrosse Finest moment on the field U13 Lady Taverners competition Recent progress St Helen and St Katharine have developed their cricket and coaches in recent times Future plans The school is hoping to develop new facilities

Established 1884 Number of pupils 520 Teachers in charge Sara Hefferman (assistant head of PE)/Simon Myers Teams U12ABC, U13AB, U14AB, U15A Brief history Cricket has gradually grown at St Swithun’s over the past seven years. It started with afterschool clubs and has now taken the place of rounders which is no longer played at school. It is part of the curriculum for all girls and plays a large part in their fixture list Lockdown initiatives Multiple online resources were made available for students How will cricket bounce back? Cricket is being offered as part of the curriculum or an additional extra depending on what year the pupil is in. For years 7-9, practice takes place in a year group bubble

Number of, and notable, fixtures Fixtures take place during the week and every Saturday. Notable fixtures include matches against The Portsmouth Grammar School and King Edward VI School Facilities Sports hall with net facilities Club/county affiliation Hampshire Cricket Board and club partnerships with St Cross Cricket Club and Easton Cricket Club Best prospect Lucia Kendall (England Women’s Academy 2019/20, Hampshire), Emma Phillipson (Surrey U15) and Georgie Kendall (Hampshire U15) What sets the school apart? Girls’ cricket is highly regarded at St Swithun’s. It is named as one of the major summer sports alongside tennis and athletics Finest moment on the field Playing in the Lady Taverners U15 Indoor Cup final at Lord’s Recent progress The school is proud of its increase in participation numbers and the installation of indoor nets Future plans St Swithun’s is pushing to install an artificial pitch in order to play matches

STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL // SURBITON HIGH SCHOOL

SURBITON HIGH SCHOOL 13-15 Surbiton Crescent, Kingstonupon-Thames, Surrey KT1 2JT

STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL St Martin’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2LL Established 1877 Number of pupils 600 Teacher in charge Dean Headley Teams 3 teams in years 7 & 8, 2 teams in year 9, 1 team in year 10, 1st XI Brief history Cricket was fully adopted in 2019 and before that the sport was run as a small club. 2019 saw the school stop playing rounders and make cricket a full option in games lessons along with tennis. Immediately, 35-50 per cent of year 7 to 9 took the option. Lockdown initiatives All pupils were sent a 10-week comprehensive programme which included technical, nutrition and tactical challenges. This was also player specific so there was something for each type of player – spinner, seamer, swing bowler plus batting and fielding which of course all players must do How will cricket bounce back? Stamford High School hope to offer cricket as much as they can in these Covid times Number of, and notable, fixtures Stamford High School play more

than 70 fixtures each year, most of which are played in a festival-style competition with likeminded schools in the region Facilities 2 artificial pitches, 4 cut strips, 3 portable nets, 2 Flicx pitches Hardball/softball Soft ball, but hard ball with players who are pushing into county set-ups Club/county affiliation The school has links with local clubs as well as county boards in Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Huntingdonshire Best prospect There are a few good cricketers at the school – Sophie Mihill, Kaushicaa Vaseeharan, Isobelle Hudson and Grace Kendall What sets the school apart? The whole programme is inclusive for both experienced cricketers and those trying the game for the first time Finest moment on the field 2019 National U18 Cup quarter-final Recent progress Many teachers are getting involved which can only be a good thing Future plans To build on the interest developed over the last couple of years Tours Top girls will feature on the boys’ tour to Sri Lanka which is pencilled in for 2022

Established 1884 Number of pupils 1,059 Teacher in charge Stephen Pope Teams U12 ABCD, U13 ABCD, U14AB, U15 A Brief history SHS’s cricket club is the latest addition to the Super Eight Sports with cricket being played at the school for only two years. With the recent successes of the England national team, interest in girls’ cricket has grown considerably at school. The main ethos of the cricket club is to provide a fun and enjoyable programme that helps to challenge and develop players of all ages and abilities Lockdown initiatives The school produced online challenges for their Twitter page and provided online information for pupils to learn from How will cricket bounce back? SHS hopes to increase the indoor provision and put a heavier emphasis on netting both indoors and outdoors Number of, and notable, fixtures

The school had 140 fixtures arranged last year Hardball/softball ‘A’ teams play hardball, with the rest playing with a softball Club/county affiliation SHS have created a partnership with East Molesey CC which enables them to use their facilities during games afternoons and some fixtures. They also work with Surrey Cricket Foundation who organise indoor and summer competitions Best prospect Darcey Hepden – right-arm medium pace and top-order batter. Represents East Molesey CC What sets the school apart? The school stands out in the field with everyone being able to bowl to an excellent standard and the girls fielding with lots of enthusiasm with everyone involved at all times Finest moment on the field SHS progressed to the Lady Taverners regional indoor finals after beating Reigate Grammar School in the county final in a closely contested game Recent progress The introduction of a winter programme has been a great success at SHS Tours A potential tour to Desert Springs could be on the cards in 2022 thecricketer.com | 111

TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS

THE GODOLPHIN & LATYMER SCHOOL // THE STEPHEN PERSE FOUNDATION

THE STEPHEN PERSE FOUNDATION Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1HF

THE GODOLPHIN & LATYMER SCHOOL Iffley Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0PG Established 1861 Number of pupils 850 Teacher in charge Mark Mason Director of sport Ellen Elfick Teams 3 U12, 3 U13, 2 U14 & 1 U15 Brief history Extra-curricular club launched in 2005 with 30 girls and one coach, and now has more than 100 girls attending each week with three coaches; they also have an elite academy. Due to demand in 2017 the school introduced cricket into the summer term curriculum replacing one unit of rounders. They won the Lady Taverners U13 indoor competition 2011; for five years they have represented Middlesex at the Lady Taverners U13/15 regional finals; in 2017 the U13 were runners-up at the Lady Taverners national finals Lockdown initiatives The school set up online masterclasses for fielding, batting, strength and conditioning How will cricket bounce back? Cricket is a major sport. Year 7 are playing it in one of their curriculum lessons. They have separate clubs for years 7/8/9/10 and have 20–30 girls for each year group participating and will look to enter the London Schools’ and Lady Taverners indoor competitions with U12/13/15, along with the School Sports Magazine T20 hardball Number of, and notable, fixtures Godolphin & Latymer have about 50 fixtures a year, most notably the Lady Taverners. In addition, they reached the semi-finals of School Sport 112 | thecricketer.com

Magazine U15 T20 hardball in 2019 (having made the quarter-finals in 2018 in the first year of entering) Facilities Four indoor nets, a junior BOLA bowling machine and it plays softball fixtures on astroturf where there is space for three cricket pitches Hardball/softball More softball due to the competitions it enters but is extending opportunities for hardball. As more girls join local clubs and play hardball, it has started entering hardball competitions. The school encourages girls to join West London clubs to experience hardball cricket Club/county affiliation Richmond CC and Spencer CC Best prospects Shimako Kato, Alessia Soso, Georgie Waight (all Middx), Sophie Griffith (Middx & Surrey Stars EPP), Jess Gilbert (Surrey) What sets the school apart? Everyone’s commitment to fielding Finest moment on the field Winning the Lady Taverners U13 national finals, then runners-up in 2017; a 4-0 series win v U15 Dutch Lionesses on tour in 2019 and narrowly losing to Millfield in the semis of SSM T20 national competition in 2019, in only the school’s second year of entering Recent progress The participation in the cricket club has increased so much that a third coach has been employed and a fourth will start next year Future plans Develop the academy alongside exposure to cricket for all Tours In 2018 and 2019 the U15s travelled to Holland to play the U15 national team – in 2019, when the girls were the correct age, they won all their fixtures against them. A tour to Sri Lanka is being considered

Established 1881 Number of pupils 850 Teacher in charge Ray Mordini Teams U9 ABCD, U11 ABCD, U12 ABC, U13 ABC, U14 AB, U15 AB, U18 Brief history Cricket was first introduced at the school eight years ago and it was one of the first schools in Cambridge to ditch rounders for cricket in the curriculum – right through from Year 3 to sixth form. The students adapted quickly and it gained popularity as a sport for girls. The school has had much success in local tournaments and have been district champions on many occasions. The school went co-ed in 2017. Lockdown initiatives The school made online resources available and encouraged pupils to follow other external online resources How will cricket bounce back? Stephen Perse Foundation hope to provide a more structured programme for its KS2 pupils and have a year-round cricket programme in place for all pupils Number of, and notable, fixtures Fixtures were hard to come by initially for the school, but they have managed to play against eight other schools so far Facilities The school use Gonville and Caius College for their main fixtures. The facility also has nets that Stephen Perse Foundation use. Pupils also use the indoor centre at Fenner’s for nets and indoor matches Hardball/softball Mainly softball cricket is played, but there are hopes that hardball cricket will be

introduced to the under-11s in due course Club/county affiliation Many of the young players are involved with Cambridgeshire and are playing at local clubs that include Cambridge City, Sawston, Great Shelford, Little Shelford, Coton, St Giles, Thriplow and Saffron Walden to name a few Best prospect Sirisha Gorantla represents Cambridgeshire. She is a correct top-order batter and can bowl medium-fast too. She has an excellent knowledge of the game and has aspirations to play for Essex in the future What sets the school apart? It has intelligent players who grasp the concept of the game quickly. The girls play with great team spirit and morale Finest moment on the field Stephen Perse Foundation has had lots of success in recent years, being crowned county champions at various age groups Future plans The school is hoping to upskill staff and host festival days with other local schools. There are intentions to get female coaches into the school Tours No tours planned due to the current global situation, but the school is looking at potential preseason tours to Sri Lanka and La Manga

WALLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS // WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL

WALLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0PH Established 1888 Number of pupils 1,400 Teachers in charge Samantha Collins/Kathy Bates Teams U12 AB, U13 AB, U14AB, U15 A, 1st XI Brief history Wallington has a strong history of women’s cricket and has seen some of the earliest stars in the game attend or teach at the school. From 1937–1964 Wallington’s headmistress, Amy Bull, was also captain of the England Women’s cricket team and then later became chairman of the Women’s Cricket Association. This drew the attention of many young female players and teachers that went on to play at international level Lockdown initiatives The school offered cricket-based homework/ online tasks How will cricket bounce back? All year groups will have cricket in PE lessons

WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL Mansel Road, London SW19 4AB Established 1880 Number of pupils 900 Teacher in charge Tyler Deas Teams U12 ABC, U13 ABC, U14 AB, U15 AB Brief history Being a girls’ school, cricket has only been in place for a few years. However, with the employment of staff with cricket experience, it now has a great deal of cricket experience within the department and is now in a position to really push forward cricket at the school Lockdown initiatives Online tutorials were created for students to learn How will cricket bounce back? There is enthusiasm towards cricket at Wimbledon High School. There were once 45 girls at a 7am training session Number of, and notable, fixtures There are four block fixtures as well as a festival. Facilities 3 portable nets Hardball/softball Soft ball for now, with the intention of letting ‘A’ teams

Number of, and notable, fixtures Each year group plays between four and eight fixtures Facilities The school has an indoor sports hall and fields where pupils can do fielding practice. They also use Cheam Cricket Club, Purley Cricket Club and Cricket 4 Change for home fixtures Hardball/softball Softball cricket is offered to all students. Gifted students are offered the opportunity to train with a hard ball in school Club/county affiliation Cheam Cricket Club offer their ground for home fixtures. Surrey Cricket also offer coaching at the school Best prospect Maya Barnwell (Purley Cricket Club/Surrey Cricket) Cricketers of note Janet Allen (Sussex and England, 1970s/80s) What sets the school apart? Students that play for a club have been encouraged to do so from the provision at school. The students are intelligent players and on the field are tactical and have a strong awareness of the game and strengths/ weaknesses of their opposition Finest moment on the field Winning Surrey indoor county final

Recent progress A number of players have taken up hard ball cricket which is pleasing for the school

Future plans The school hope to have artificial pitches and nets in the near future

play with a hard ball in the future Club/county affiliation Surrey Cricket Best prospect Isabella Atwell is an excellent allrounder with a pacey bowling action as well as power with the bat in hand. In previous years she has been part of the county age group set up, Spencer Cricket Club and made the GDST Select Team

What sets the school apart? While having a desire to win and do the best the girls can, Wimbledon prides itself on “encouraging resilience, independence and kindness” with the kindness being such an important part of their cricketing teams. The girls will always congratulate other teams no matter the result while still having the resilience to constantly improve

their performance even if they have a bad day on the pitch Recent progress It has been encouraging for the school to begin making the transformation from soft ball to hard ball Future plans The school hopes to develop its hardball game and form relationships with local clubs – including Wimbledon Cricket Club

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TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

Creating a lasting impression T

he sight of cricket being played at Shrewsbury House prep in September illustrates one of the more uplifting stories of a grim pandemic that saw us locked down in the first half of the season. It demonstrates just how important our summer game is to pupils and staff alike and that the spirit of cricket remains steadfast in the wake of a highly infectious disease. In this section of the Schools Guide, you will be treated to many heart-warming examples that detail how cricket remained in the forefront of pupils’ minds during a difficult summer. Online cricket lessons and challenge-led films (on Google Classroom!) are just a couple of instances that have kept our game alive to this impressionable age group. Studies have shown at the early years of a child’s life are a time of exponential brain growth and it goes without saying that the attention that children get at this stage of their development has a huge impact on their future

attainment, both in the classroom and on the field. I still cherish the memories of playing cricket at St Peter’s primary school in Nottinghamshire. As a treat in practice, we would get to bowl at former Nottinghamshire cricketer Bob White, whose son Robin went to the school. Bob would trap a £5 note between the bails and the stumps and bat without pads on, promising to pay out the first pupil to clean bowl him. Needless to say, none of us ever did! Memories like this helped to inspired a love for the game in me, just as schools’ innovative summer cricket programmes and autumnal fixtures will do for today’s junior cricketers. It has been heartening to see that support continue at club grounds around the country, through the ECB’s All-Stars and Dynamos programmes, along with competitive junior age-group cricket. All stakeholders in our game have correctly identified just how important the 2021 season is, with a second attempt at building a lasting

THIS PAGE Cricket lessons at Shrewsbury House

legacy off the back of a stellar 2019, which included a World Cup victory for England and memorable Ashes series (it seems so long ago now). Thanks to the efforts of all involved, our junior cricketers are able to take baby steps towards that season, rather than a blind leap of faith. Jim Hindson

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TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

ABINGDON PREPARATORY SCHOOL // AYSGARTH SCHOOL

ABINGDON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

surface for use during all weathers. The pavilion has two changing rooms and a hospitality area for teas. Indoor nets allow for a comprehensive winter training programme Club/county affiliation Both Gloucestershire CCC and Oxfordshire CCC have links with Abingdon Prep. Meanwhile, there are club connections with Abingdon Vale CC, Oxford Downs CC, Kingston Bagpuize CC, Faringdon CC and Abingdon CC Best prospect Josh David-Ward, who is already affiliated with

Gloucestershire, is adept both behind the stumps and with bat in hand and is tipped for big things going forward Cricketers of note Ben Gannon (Gloucs and Middlesex) Cultural cricketers Jim Rosenthal (sports TV presenter) Brief history Formed after a merger between Josca’s and Abingdon School in 1998. Renamed Abingdon Preparatory School in 2007, they have over 1,000 pupils yet possess plenty of the traditions of its former guise. Cricket has played a key role since 1956 and has always been in

mind. Helped by a new sports hall and fresh changing facilities, in 2011 a director of sport was appointed and has been followed by the arrival of a professional and updated indoor and outdoor facilities What sets the school apart? There is a very clear ‘sport for all’ ethos, with all pupils playing regular competitive sport throughout the year. A typical Wednesday afternoon sees 13 teams playing. Additionally, they host the Academy of Sport programme the Easter and May half-terms, as well as during the summer holidays Finest moment on the field In 2015, youngster Freddie Smith struck three successive centuries for the U11s Recent progress Outdoor artificial nets have been installed, while a full winter training programme has been implemented Future plans There is a hope to build a dual-aspect pavilion on the Cox’s Field site, to be shared with Abingdon School Tours The U11s annually tour Devon and Cornwall for matches against Taunton Prep and Mount Kelly Prep. Pre-season training regularly takes place at Desert Springs, Spain

up for the time lost. The school otherwise followed ECB advice Number of, and notable, fixtures Bedale, North Yorkshire DL8 1TF More than 100 matches are played per season across all age groups and Established 1877 abilities. St Olave’s, York are the most Number of pupils 162 in the prep competitive opponent school, 60 in pre-prep Facilities There are 5 pitches and Master in charge Andrew Chadwick squares to stage matches, as well as 7 Professional James Alderson outdoor and 4 indoor nets (Durham CCC junior) Club/county affiliation North Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, Yorkshire regularly use facilities for 5th XI, U12AB, U11ABCDE, U10AB, matches, while trials are also hosted U9AB at the school. The annual Harrow Girls’ cricket Core skills offered to Wanderers v Old Aysgarthian match pre-prep years 1-3 is also part of the schedule, while local Lockdown initiatives Boys set sides Crakehall, Newton-le-Willows challenges to keep them entertained during lockdown. Furthermore, pupils and West Tanfield use the indoor nets each week between January and April given ‘three courses’ to complete Best prospect Oscar Firth, at home, a range of activities which whose older brother included cricket skills. represented Yorkshire, Children were also is well on the way to tasked with recreating emulating his sibling. He their favourite sporting is already part of the U10 memory on film, with set-up having impressed several cricketing playing for North contributions Yorkshire How will cricket Cultural cricketers bounce back? Cricket Master in charge Sir Matthew Pinsent could be played during Andrew Chadwick (Olympic rower), the autumn to make

Jonathan Ruffer (philanthropist), Robert Swan (Polar explorer) Brief history Cricket has acted as a central pillar of the school’s history ever since it opened. Former headmaster Frank Joy was a keen player and he initiated the building of the pavilion which still stands today and houses the honours board using profits from the tuck shop. The game of COW, which promotes attacking shots, extends the cricketing tradition and is a hit with students old and new What sets the school apart? Surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales, the 1st XI square is among the most

picturesque in the north and is a highlight for former pupils and visiting teams. Aysgarth also known for their generous teas and vibrant atmosphere Recent progress Investment in the indoor nets means cricket can be played all year round, particularly important amid the harsh Yorkshire winter. The fixture list has undergone an overhaul in recent times too, with an onus on ensuring it delivers for all Future plans Great analysis of the fixture list, an expansion of the coaching workforce and improvement of the playing facilities are among the priorities

Josca’s House, Kingston Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5NX Established 1956 Number of pupils 264 (all boys) Master in charge Steve Hibberd Professional Ryan Higgins (Gloucestershire) Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, 6th XI, 7th XI, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC, U8ABC Lockdown initiatives Cricketspecific lessons via Google Classroom for Years 2 to 8 twice a week How will cricket bounce back? Plans are afoot to convert the first half of the autumn term to cricket and tennis to compensate for the lack of playing time. That will precede the winter nets season Number of, and notable, fixtures The school play 77 matches across a typical season. Abingdon School, St Andrew’s, Pangbourne, Taunton Prep, Crosfields, Moulsford Prep and Cothill Facilities The school has 4 grass pitches and a separate multi-use

AYSGARTH SCHOOL

116 | thecricketer.com

BEAUDESERT PARK PREP SCHOOL // BEDFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

BEAUDESERT PARK PREP SCHOOL Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL6 9AF Established 1908 Number of pupils 450 Master in charge Johnny Griffiths Professional Stuart Houghton (Cambridgeshire) Teams 32 teams for boys and girls, from U8s to U13s Girls’ cricket A well-established part of the sports set-up, some pupils are now being selected for county agegroup teams Lockdown initiatives Central to the strategy were three cricket specific coaching videos per week, with pupils encouraged to send back clips in order to receive feedback on their progress. They were also set fitness and skills challenges, weekly workouts, family games and had access to sports podcasts How will cricket bounce back? Cricket was offered during the first part of the autumn term and in the winter, and that push will continue into the Easter holidays ahead of the

BEDFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL De Parys Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 2TU

Established 1552 Number of pupils 1,115 Master in charge and professional Gary Steer (Derbyshire) Teams U8ABCDE, U9ABCDE, U10ABCD, U11ABCDE, U12ABC, U13ABCDEFG Lockdown initiatives Boys had access to cricket skills via the school website How will cricket bounce back? The winter coaching programme will be

2021 summer Number of, and notable, fixtures The packed schedule includes approximately 230 games. Every pupil is involved in a fixture on a Wednesday. Pinewood and Cheltenham College are among the significant games on the calendar. Facilities Playing fields allow for 11 matches to take play simultaneously. Furthermore there are 8 outdoor nets with grass, all weather and indoor surfaces. Juniors have access to a new bowling machine Club/county affiliation There is a strong link with the Gloucestershire Cricket Board with the school regularly hosting the U10 District Festival, which sees the best players of the age group descend. Cultural cricketers Nick Abendanon (Vannes and England rugby) Brief history Since moving to its current site in 1918, Beaudesert has proudly hosted cricket. Pitches are situated a short trip across Minchinhampton Common which allows pupils to access facilities after a short walk. The school operates on a strong south-west circuit with other the most intense yet while a Year 8 indoor cricket league will help them prepare for the new season Number of, and notable, fixtures There are approximately 230 matches across a typical season. The most notable opponents come in the form of Caldicott, Stamford, Merchant Taylors’ Northwood, Haileybury and London Schools Facilities The school has 24 nets to call upon. 10 have artificial surfaces, 8 have grass and 6 are located indoors Club/county affiliation There are strong links with the Bedfordshire Cricket Board and the Schools Cricket Association Best prospect Danny Chapman, a

pre and senior schools. What sets the school apart? All teams are provided with a similar number of fixtures every season, meaning regardless of the standard of the team pupils will get regular exposure to competitive matches and quality coaching. Facilities are regarded as some of the best in the country, partly thanks to some expert groundstaff Finest moment on the field The

1st XI have recently reached both the final and last eight of the IAPS Cricket Cup in recent campaigns Recent progress Girls’ cricket becoming cemented in the schedule with a full fixture programme and a quality coaching commitment Future plans The hope is the arrival of Stuart Houghton will improve standards across the board and that his example will rub off on pupils and staff

top order batsman and leg-spinner, and Mustafa Haroon, also a top order batsman and leg-spinner Cricketers of note Alex Wakely (Northamptonshire), Charlie Thurston (Northamptonshire), Emilio Gay (Northamptonshire), James Kettleborough (Northamptonshire) Brief history Cricket at the school began in 1886 but thanks to the emergence of Sir Alastair Cook and progress in recent summers has seen Bedford School cement themselves as a real presence. They prevailed in the U17 tournament in 2010 and again in 2014. Cook’s legacy also has a physical form, with the renovated pavilion named after the former England captain and record run-scorer What sets the school apart? Having a figure as important

as Gary Steer gives the school real direction. His understanding of how to run the sport, having spent time with Warwickshire as a academy director, means pupils are in good hands Finest moment on the field Prevailing in the IAPS National Cup Recent progress The winter programme has undergone a major overhaul, with the training punctuated by the likes of Northamptonshire captain Adam Rossington and former England, Northants and Leicestershire batsman and Test umpire Peter Willey coming in to host masterclass sessions Future plans The new school sports hall has a multi-purpose floor. Plans are underway for new artificial surfaces to support the 1st and 2nd XI squares Tours To Cape Town every two years. The school went in 2020 just before lockdown

Alex Wakely

thecricketer.com | 117

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS BILTON GRANGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Dunchurch, Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 6QU Established 1873 Number of pupils 312 Master in charge Jonathan Allen Professional Nick Tester Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U10ABCD, U9AB, U8AB Girls’ cricket Cricket is being implemented into all age groups, starting with the youngest and oldest Lockdown initiatives Lessons were taught via Microsoft Teams, while Allen provided video lessons for all How will cricket bounce back? The autumn terms saw three weeks devoted to cricket before rugby returns. All squares and nets were maintained over the summer Number of, and notable, fixtures As many as a dozen matches take place against other schools, while there are two section/house matches. Facilities There are 8 grass wickets and 1 astro surface for matches and practice. There are 8 nets in all, 4 permanently located outside, 2

BIRKENHEAD PREP SCHOOL 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, Wirral CH43 2JD Established 1860 Number of pupils 430 Master in charge Keith Fowles Professional Nigel Walker Teams U11AB, U10AB, U9A (Kwik Cricket) Girls’ cricket There is no individual programme, however, U9, U10 and U11 Kwik Cricket Tournaments tend to be mixed events Lockdown initiatives The school provided summer nets for group of six Number of, and notable, fixtures Matches take place across eight or nine weekends, with teams entered in county and national tournaments across all ages. The U11 and U10 ages groups play seven matches each while the U9 and girls matches mostly run as Kwik Cricket tournaments. Manchester Grammar is the outstanding match on the calendar Facilities 3 grass squares, 1 Astroturf strip, 5 outdoor nets and 3 lanes in the sports hall 118 | thecricketer.com

BILTON GRANGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL // BIRKENHEAD PREP SCHOOL

indoors and another 2 mobile nets. The main pavilion has catering and changing facilities while there are two others with seated shelters Club/county affiliation Alongside a strong affiliation with Warwickshire CCC and Leicestershire CCC plenty of children have played for Northamptonshire CCC Best prospect Big things are hoped for William Tarrant who is already representing Warwickshire U13s Cricketers of note Richard Montgomerie (Sussex, Northamptonshire) Cultural cricketers Alex Hanson (actor), Rupert Evans (actor), Sir Nicholas Winterton (MP) Brief history Cricket has always played a huge part of the Bilton Grange story and aims to include students of all ages and abilities. There is a strong onus on a connection between the team and parents, who are a regular fixture around the rope. A match to mark 100 years since the first match at BG was recently staged

What sets the school apart? A long history in cricket which dates to the formation of the Cryptics CC at Bilton Grange a century ago. They played their inaugural match against Bilton Buccaneers, a side made-up of a staff XI Finest moment on the field Old Biltonian XI v Old England XI (featuring Douglas Jardine, Maurice

Leyland and Percy Fender) in July 1947 Recent progress Boys and girls included in the programme, opening the sport to a fresh batch of youngsters Future plans A new pavilion is in the works while the use of state-of-theart technology will help develop top quality squares and wickets Tours There are plans going forward to tour Barbados

Club/county affiliation No official link-up but Cheshire use the sports hall for age-grade training sessions Best prospect U13 star Louis Hursthouse is a fine up and coming wicketkeeper-batsman Cricketers of note Simon Marshall (Lancashire), Simon Renshaw (Hampshire), Jamie Carpenter (Sussex) Brief history Sport is seen as a key part of engaging all students, with cricket key to that effort. The school sees physical education as an important aspect of their work,

providing pupils with a broad base of skills and an opportunity to find their niche What sets the school apart? Small enough in size to cater for every student but big enough to compete with the biggest schools on the circuit Finest moment on the field Winning the last-ever Barclays Bank U17 National Final in 1989. Finishing as runners-up in the Lord’s Taverners National U15 competition at Trent Bridge in the late 1990s to Millfield, but gaining revenge several years later in the Calypso U13 National Cup at

Headingley Recent progress The school have increased participation around cricket and provided more opportunities to players of all abilities Future plans Strength and conditioning will become a focus going forward, thanks to an improvement in facilities, to help students reach personal health and fitness goals. Tours After missing out on a tour to Grenada in recent times, future options are currently being considered

Old Biltonians vs Old England July 1947

BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE PREP

BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE PREP 10 Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2PJ Established 1868 Number of pupils 475 Head of cricket Dave Hughes Teams U9ABC, U10AB, U11AB, U12ABC, U13ABC Girls’ cricket U9ABC, U10AB, U11AB, U12ABC, U13ABC Lockdown initiatives Pupils were urged to keep working on their cricket skills as best they could, with the school providing online advice How will cricket bounce back? Mick Hunt, the former Lord’s groundsman, has been enlisted to work on the cricket pitch, with the school particularly keen on upholding the quality of their facilities. Additionally, the autumn will see cricket played as major sport combined with rugby Number of, and notable, fixtures There are 85 matches played across a season. Bedford Prep School are the big rivals Facilities The prep school includes 6 main cricket squares, 18 artificial outdoor nets, 2 mobile cages, 2 indoor nets while there are another 6 shared pitches. The senior school facilities are often shared by the U13s

Head of cricket Dave Hughes

Club/county affiliation Hertfordshire CCC use the main school square for one and two-day matches. Bishop's Stortford CC gives pupils regular opportunities, at various age levels. The school is used for holiday camps by the Herts and Essex Cricket Centre Best prospect Essex U12s have already called on Henry Hawkins, who is only in Year 8 Cricketers of note Graham Doggart (Middlesex), Charles Titchmarsh (MCC) Cultural cricketers Sir Stephen Lander (director general of MI5), Andy Peebles (DJ) Brief history The prep school joined the wider college in 1902, with just eight day pupils and eight borders. Come 1995 the school was fully co-educational with a pre-prep opened for girls and boys aged four to seven. There is a real onus on the individuals having defined roles in the team, allowing everyone equal opportunity. Retirement scores are always promoted What sets the school apart? An annual match for the senior school 1st XI against MCC helps inspire pupils to what is possible. The game helps develop a passion for cricket, and opportunity is given to anyone Finest moment on the field Regular county titles, the latest coming in 2014. Reached the IAPS National Cup finals in 2016 and often enjoy success in the competition Recent progress There has been great enthusiasm for girls’ cricket at the school, and that programme continues to grow. An ever-improving fixture list is underpinned by Hunt helping with upkeep of facilities Future plans Plans include trying to develop relationships with the local area, including Essex and the Essex Cricket Graham Gooch Academy Tours Domestic and short-haul tours are in the offing for 2021

www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org

Prep School Admissions should be directed to Mrs Fiona Brett on psadmissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Further information can be found in this section of the website: https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/187/admissions-and-open-mornings thecricketer.com | 119

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

BRENTWOOD PREP // BRIGHTON COLLEGE NURSERY, PRE-PREP AND PREP SCHOOL

BRIGHTON COLLEGE NURSERY, PRE-PREP AND PREP SCHOOL Walpole Lodge, Walpole Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 0EU

BRENTWOOD PREP Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8EQ Established 1892 Number of pupils 320 Master in charge Les Wingrove Professional Jaik Mickleburgh (Essex) Teams Boys: U11ABCB, U10ABCD, U9ABCD, U8ABCD. Girls: U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABCD, U8ABCD Girls’ cricket Several girls from the school are enrolled on the Essex development programme. They are invited to the winter academy where they receive high-quality coaching, including from Kelly Castle. Teams are entered into the IAPS girls’ competition and any other local festivals during the summer months. Plans are in the place to host their own festival for feeder schools Lockdown initiatives Online exercises and drills via Zoom How will cricket bounce back? The winter programme returned with six per lane, to improve the skills of all participants, with input coming from school coaches and Essex Academy Number of, and notable, fixtures Four age groups play a combined 110 matches, split between boys and girls. Additionally, teams will feature in two IAPS festivals, with both genders attending separate events. The biggest fixture is against Essex CCC Academy U10 Development teams, who face the U11As Facilities On site, the indoor sports hall can house 4 nets. There is also a local indoor centre which provides 3 additional lanes. 120 | thecricketer.com

Outdoors, 6 nets with 2 additional roll-ons. 3 hardball pitches, 4 junior softball surfaces and an astroturf for practice Club/county affiliation Brentwood CC, which allows the school access to their facilities, including 2 batting cages and additional surfaces. Essex provide coaches and there is a hope that arrangement can be reciprocated with use of their facilities Best prospect Technically sound with the bat, nine-year-old Adam Woods is one for the future. He possesses excellent shot selection and is also a fine fielder, happy with being in the line of fire fairly close in Cricketers of note Rishi Patel (Leics), Kishen Velani (Essex) Cultural cricketers Frank Lampard (Chelsea manager and former England midfielder, below), Jack Straw (former foreign secretary) Brief history Brentwood has always prided itself as a stellar cricket school. There is a real community feel around their programme. Regional festivals are dominated by school players What sets the school apart? Access to professionals such as Adam Wheater and Kelly Castle means pupils regularly get a glimpse into what it takes to make it in the sport Finest moment on the field Victory over an Essex development U10 side in 2018, which saw virtually every pupil make a contribution in a 25-over game Recent progress Producing a programme which offers pupils of all levels and ages an opportunity to play good competitive cricket Future plans A new indoor cricket centre Tours A West Country tour at end of 2021 considered

Established 1845 Number of pupils 500-plus Master in charge Mark Davis (Sussex) Head of boys' games Edward Hopkins Teams Boys and Girls: U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13 Girls’ cricket Sides are run across six age groups and some girls join the boys' sides where appropriate Lockdown initiatives A ‘Cricket at Home’ programme was developed, providing access to YouTube tutorials and live sessions via Microsoft Teams. Coaches focused on technical, tactical, mental and physical aspects of the game How will cricket bounce back? Pupils were given the option for one session a week during the autumn term leading into the winter. Offseason training and the annual preseason programme will continue Number of, and notable, fixtures The year of 2019 saw them play 113 fixtures. The standout matches come against Bede’s Pre School, St Andrew’s Prep, Westbourne House, Cumnor House, Hurstpierpoint College Prep and Ardingly Facilities 2 grass squares are added to by 12 astroturf nets, 1 astro wicket and 4 bowling machines. Indoors, The School of Science and Sport provides 4 cricket nets and space for fielding practice Club/county affiliation Sussex CCC

and Sussex Cricket Board Best prospect Stan Carter, a righthanded batsman and leg-spinner is the leading boy, while girls’ standardbearer is Sophia Kilburn, who bowls medium pace and bats right-handed Cricketers of note Matt Prior, Laura Marsh, Sarah Taylor, Clare Connor Cultural cricketers Sammy Woods (England cricket and rugby) Brief history The history of cricket at Brighton is littered with professional players who have represented both the county and England. The school’s aim is to develop a life-long affection for the sport What sets the school apart? Brighton College particularly prides itself in producing high-quality female cricketers, who have gone on to dominate the sport in this country across recent years. Clare Connor’s emergence and now ascent to the head of women’s cricket at the ECB reflects the school’s commitment to the programme, and their success Recent progress Girls’ cricket has become a core sport at Brighton College. Children have taken their love for the sport from the school into their back gardens, with nets set up at several homes to ensure they can continue to work on their skills Future plans The home ground square will be re-laid for the College 1st XI to primarily play on. The hope is for it to be used for festivals and finals for the BCNPPS Tours A multi-sports tour to the National Forest is planned for 2021 and a festival appearance which was cancelled in 2020 is likely to be taken up in the new year. Previously, the college have toured Dubai and Sri Lanka

BROMSGROVE PREPARATORY SCHOOL // CALDICOTT PREPARATORY SCHOOL

BROMSGROVE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Old Station Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 2BU Established 1553 Number of pupils 540 Director of cricket Dave Fallows Master in charge Alex Lane Teams Boys: U13ABCDE, U12ABCEDF, U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABCD, U8ABCD. Girls: U13ABC, U12ABC, U11ABC, U10ABC Girls’ cricket Next summer will be the first with cricket as the main sport for girls, after that plan was abandoned in 2020. Winter nets again proved popular Lockdown initiatives Pupils were given online skills and fitness challenges How will cricket bounce back? Bromsgrove got all 269 boys back playing cricket as soon as was physically possible during the summer Number of, and notable, fixtures In 2020, 148 fixtures were arranged for the boys and girls’ team. Malvern, Trent College, Repton

CALDICOTT PREPARATORY SCHOOL Crown Lane, Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire SL2 3SL

Established 1904 Number of pupils 250 Master in charge Terrence Zengerink Teams U13ABCDE, U12ABCDE, U11ABCDEF, U10ABCD, U9ABC, U8AB Lockdown initiatives Caldicott developed a curriculum which boys could engage with. The focus was on fun and skill development as well as the cognitive elements of the game. As the term progressed, they moved to more live lessons and workshops, using video analysis to ensure technical feedback could be delivered How will cricket bounce back? During September numerous internal competitions saw the focus on shorter, smaller games. External fixtures will depend on nationwide restrictions Number of, and notable, fixtures As many as 210 matches were scheduled against other schools in the 2020 season. The highlight is

Prep, Monmouth, Solihull and RGS Worcester are the biggest rivals. The IAPS Festival, County Cup and Bunbury Cup are all notable dates on the calendar Facilities The school has access to 4 grounds. There are a plethora of indoor nets too, with an 8-lane arena, a 4-lane sports hall and a 5-lane indoor facility Club/county affiliation There are strong links with Bromsgrove CC, and the Worcestershire and Warwickshire CCC pathways Best prospects Thomas Ashton and Scarlett Preston are the big hopes in the U13s. From the U12s William Broadhurst is tipped for good things, while Seth Benjamin, Alfie Higgins and Henry Greaves are dominating in the U11s. The U10s have George Hall, Nahum Benjamin and Edward Head impressing Cricketers of note Tom Banton (Somerset, England), Ben Cox (Worcestershire) Brief history Former Foundation President, Christopher Cobham, 12th Viscount Cobham, inherited the family seat Hagley Hall in 2006. The Lyttelton family has been

associated with Bromsgrove School for many years and it was said that the school match was the highlight of their year. Indeed, on August 26 1867, the Lyttelton XI, a cricket team composed of 11 members of the family, beat the school by 10 wickets at Hagley Park in Worcestershire. Lord Cobham’s’ grandfather and father were appointed as chairmen of governors of Bromsgrove School during the 1930s to 1950s and one of the boys’ day houses is named in honour of the family What sets the school apart? Worcestershire 2nd XI have played

matches at Bromsgrove School in the past. Warwickshire and the Bears’ juniors have used their facilities Finest moment on the field Old boy Tom Banton scoring 238 in a Bunbury match in June 2012. More recently, the school have won the U12 county cup five out of the last six years Recent progress Winter nets started in September and run right throughout until the summer. In 2019, the school achieved an average win rate of 62 per cent across all matches Future plans The full introduction of the girls’ programme in 2021 will be a landmark moment for the school

made up of all U12 and U13 boys in the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th XIs Facilities 2 cricket squares are underpinned by plenty of practice facilities. 10 nets in all – 6 outdoor and 4 indoor – add to 4 artificial pitches and 2 outfield pitches, as well as an astroturf pitch Club/county affiliation Middlesex CCC, Buckinghamshire CCC, Surrey CCC, Hampshire CCC Best prospect Dario Holland Cricketers of note Andrew Strauss (Middlesex, England) Cultural cricketers Sir Tom Stoppard (playwriter) Brief history Although Caldicott is now over 100 years old, it was initially a very fine rugby-playing prep school. Then an extensive area of the school grounds was flattened and in-filled so that an extensive cricket square was possible. During the 1980s the fixture list was improved and the standard of cricket at the school improved considerably. A three-day festival at the end of the summer term and regular overseas trips started in the 90s, while many famous ex-players appeared at Caldicott for memorable dinners including Sir Curtly Ambrose,

Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Gordon Greenidge What sets the school apart? Caldicott feel it is important that every boy represents the school and gets the opportunity to feel part of a team. With excellent coaching and regular games time they provide boys with the opportunity to develop and grow as cricketers Finest moment on the field The 2017 South Africa tour which included wins over Bishops, SACS and Western Province Prep. Upon their return, they claimed the National T20 Cup

Recent progress The central focus will be on trying to bring in coaches to help improve Caldicott’s cricketers. Development of the Caldicott Premier League, the junior programme and the drainage system on the main square are also priorities Future plans A new pavilion is in the works while the use of state-of-theart technology will help develop top quality squares and wickets Tours After tours to South Africa in 2017 and 2019, the school are scheduled to return to the country next year thecricketer.com | 121

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

CARGILFIELD SCHOOL 45 Gamekeeper’s Road, Edinburgh, Scotland EH4 6HU Established 1873 Number of pupils 300 Master in charge David Walker Professional Ewan Harrison Teams U13ABC, U11ABC, U10AB, U9ABC Girls’ cricket Girls train throughout the winter indoors with the boys. Come the summer, they play an increasing number of girls matches and festivals, both hardball and softball and can play in the boys’

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7AB Established 1865 Number of pupils 400-plus Master in charge Duncan Simpson Professionals Rob Hall (Herts), Mark Briers (Durham), Jamie Diamond (Gloucestershire) Teams Boys: U8AB, U9AB, U10AB, U11ABC, U12ABC, U13ABC. Girls: U8, U9AB, U10AB, U11ABCD, U12ABC, U13ABCD Lockdown initiatives A constant supply of online lessons in all sports, with brand-new cricket focus videos each week. A virtual match against Clifton College after half term How will cricket bounce back? The programme has always begun in September. They run nets before school, and afterwards will be repeated for the girls’ squads. There is the possibility of starting with some cricket and tennis in place of rugby/ hockey in the autumn. After-school clubs will be introduced from January Number of, and notable, fixtures 122 | thecricketer.com

CARGILFIELD SCHOOL // CHELTENHAM COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL

team. There will be a greater focus in 2021 to prepare girls for moving onto senior schools in England Lockdown initiatives Weekly focused drills were posted on social media channels, and through a specific sport area on Microsoft Teams. Girls and boys took part, working on batting and bowling, as well as fitness and hand-eye coordination How will cricket bounce back? The plan was to restart the winter programme in September. This would go on through to the end of the Spring Term, so children are well prepared for the season. Should this not be possible, the online package will resume

Number of, and notable, fixtures All teams play every Wednesday and on several Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. The 1st XI play 14 regular fixtures, an annual triangular festival with Sedbergh and Merchiston, and a Super 8s festival hosted by Merchiston. Most notable are against Sedbergh and Merchiston Facilities 3 indoor lanes, including a bowling machine which is used all year round. There is a 4-lane, allweather caged facility which is floodlit in the offing. 3 cricket squares on site, and a new full-size astroturf Club/county affiliation Cargilfield have close links with The Grange CC and a number of players are part of their highly regarded academy programme which is linked to the Joe Root Academy. There are also strong links with Royal High CC Best prospect Last year’s U11 player of the year at The Grange CC, Rory Grant, struck a century at the annual Counties Cricket Festival at Shrewsbury School Cricketers of note Tom Sole (Northamptonshire, Scotland), Chris Sole (Scotland) Cultural cricketers Jonathan

Warburton (businessman), George Younger (defence secretary) Brief history Cargilfield is the oldest prep school in Scotland and cricket has been the focus of the summer for nearly 150 years. Former pupils have gone on to play county and international cricket and feature for 1st XI cricket at major schools such as Eton, Oundle, Shrewsbury and Rugby What sets the school apart? The school has a very strong cricketing culture, with outstanding indoor and outdoor facilities allowing for cricket to be played 12 months a year Finest moment on the field Cargilfield feel inclusivity is vital. The priority is to encourage children to play and enjoy cricket. The ‘sport for all’ policy attempts to nurture outstanding performers, giving them solid foundations for when they move on to senior school and begin adulthood Recent progress The school has around 100 children playing competitive matches at their appropriate level every match day during the summer term Future plans A new four-lane, fully caged and floodlit all-weather net facility to open in 2021

2020 should have seen 310 fixtures. Aside from Headmasters XI v Parents XI, the highlight of the year is the block fixture against Clifton Facilities All facilities shared with the senior school. 10 grass wickets available during summer, with another 2 match strips on astro and in the Sports Hall. They have hired Cheltenham CC as an extra venue. For training sessions, use of 6 grass nets and 12 indoor nets alongside a number of bowling machines Club/county affiliation The indoor nets are used by Gloucestershire’s women and age group boys’ sides while Western Storm play home matches there. On Sundays, pitches are used by Charlton Kings CC and primary schools Kwik Cricket finals have also been staged at Cheltenham Cultural cricketers Ollie Thorley (Gloucester rugby) Brief history First-class cricket first took place at the school in 1872 when WG Grace took 12 for 63 for Gloucestershire against Surrey. The Cheltenham Cricket Festival is the longest running cricket festival at an outground. The Prep (known as the Junior) was opened in 1865.

The pathway of cricketers from The Prep to College has been in place for over 150 years, and thousands have reached the club and rep game What sets the school apart? Hosting the Cheltenham Festival allows pupils to dream. Most U8 softball matches are played on the outfield of the County Square Finest moment on the field In 2019 Cheltenham fielded seven sides across a series of ages on a single

Friday evening against local clubs Recent progress Recently the school’s facilities have been opened up more to the local area on Fridays. The school are keen to be part of the wider community and not just a bubble of independent schools Future plans Adding a cover to the secondary wicket, plus additional Flicx carpets and BOLA machines Tours The school hope to return to Desert Springs

CLAYESMORE PREP

CLAYESMORE PREP Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8LL Established 1937 Number of pupils 221 Master in charge Tom Manley Professional Dan Conway (Herefordshire), Simon Porter Teams Boys: U13AB, U12AB, U11AB, U10AB. Girls: U13AB, U12, U11, U10. Mixed: U9, U8 Girls’ cricket Cricket has been the major girls summer sport since 2018. There is also mixed cricket matches for U8 and U9. Girls have also played in any boys team since 2017 Lockdown initiatives Teachers used Google Classroom to provide cricket lessons, utilising videos and slideshows. The lessons were created by members of staff and pupils would complete the tasks at home, with live feedback available if required How will cricket bounce back? The hope was cricket would still be the main sport during the autumn, to make up for the time lost during the summer. The school were keen to continue to provide a winter cricket programme and look at the boys and girls schedule for next summer and beyond, with a focus on future tours Number of, and notable, fixtures There are more than 120 boys’ and girls’ cricket matches every summer. Notable matches come against Port Regis and Sandroyd, who are the school’s local neighbours and always produce keenly contested affairs. The Parents v Pupils match, which takes place in the leaving week of the Year 8 group, is also a keenly competitive affair and one to always look out for on the calendar Facilities Outside, there are 2 squares on both the prep school and senior school site. Additionally, there are 6 grass nets at the prep

school, with another 7 available at the senior school (3 artificial, 4 grass). Clayesmore also have access to a village cricket pitch, if required. Indoors, there is space for 4 nets in the sports hall Club/county affiliation Dorset CC, Shroton CC Best prospect The school are excited by a series of excellent prospects coming through their U12A boys and U13A girls’ teams, who have both recently collected silverware at county level Cricketers of note Lewis McManus (Hampshire CC), Jamie Price (Dorset CC) Cultural cricketers Tony Hart (TV presenter), Brian Epstein (The Beatles manager) Brief history Cricket was first played at the original school site at Charlton Marshall in the summer of 1937 under founding headmaster RAL Everett. In the 1980s a prep school cricketer made the national newspapers for taking 10 wickets in a match, finishing with figures of 3 for 10. In more recent history, a Clayesmore Prep team have been county champions in each of the last four years. The boys U13A claimed the title in 2017 and 2018, boys U11A prevailed in 2019 and the girls U13A enjoyed success as softball champions in 2018 What sets the school apart? The ‘Sport for All’ ethos at Clayesmore is

Master in charge Tom Manley

not just a strapline. Every boy and girl in the prep school from U8 through to U13 will be involved in as many as six cricket fixtures during each summer term. Most importantly, each pupil is inspired to take a full part in the match. No individual is allowed to just field and sit idly while their team bats and will be challenged by being handed either bat and ball and allowed to express themselves. This approach has improved the enjoyment and life-long participation of many pupils, with many continuing to play all the way from Year 9 onwards. Having the likes of England Women’s batting star Fran Wilson on hand for the occasion cricket session is also vital for the development of the children’s skills and desire Finest moment on the field In 2017, the U13A boys claimed county cup success. Throughout the tournament there were many rollercoaster matches and the team survived many close scares but they showed great character to claim a first trophy of

its type in decades. This opened the door to future successes across both genders and various age groups Recent progress The school are most proud of how their winter programme has developed over the last three years, with a proper structure to accommodate all willing participants. In collaboration with the senior school they recently built a two-tier winter scheme for developing prep pupils, who get to train with the senior pupils. This tests them in a unique way and improves their potential Future plans There are hopes of revamping the prep school cricket pavilion. To help boost the winter programme there is a move to adding physical conditioning and psychology. There will also be greater collaboration with the senior school, with dual cricket days in the pipeline for the future Tours Teams are set to tour the South West of England, Devon and Cornwall, in 2021

www.clayesmore.com • 01747 813111 • admissions@clayesmore.com Prep Admissions: Terhi Seuna-McMillan terhi@clayesmore.com

thecricketer.com | 123

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Join the cricketing success story, contact Admissions on 01747 813 111 admissions@clayesmore.com

COTHILL HOUSE // CRANMORE SCHOOL OPEN EVENTS: • Virtual Open Day on Saturday 27th February 2021 • Summer Open Day (at the school) on Saturday 15th May 2021

COTHILL HOUSE Cothill, Oxfordshire OX13 6JL Established 1870 Number of pupils 200 Master in charge James Foster Professional Robbie Williams (Middlesex, Leicestershire) Teams U13ABCDE, U12ABCDE, U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9AB Lockdown initiatives Cricketspecific homework was set in the form of online initiatives. Staff recorded coaching videos for boys to watch, detailing specific skills. Masterclass broadcasts on Sky Sports were also made available How will cricket bounce back? Central to the plans will be arranging matches for the autumn, in an effort to keep conversation around the game ongoing Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 150 matches take place every year. Clashes with Summer Fields, Ludgrove and Caldicott are particularly important, with every boy in the school participating Facilities There are 16 outdoor nets, 8 concrete and 8 grass, with

CRANMORE SCHOOL Epsom Road, West Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24 6AT Established 1968 Number of pupils 420 Teams 26 from U8 to U13 Girls’ cricket Since going co-ed in 2016, the U8 and U9 teams are combined to face other schools. Some Year 4 girls appear in U9 games Lockdown initiatives Weekly cricket-specific drills for lockdown at home available online to all pupils. This was supplemented by a daily online games lesson. A virtual fixture match was played against another school over the course of a week. Pupils from both schools were encouraged to take part in four cricket challenges How will cricket bounce back? There will be an extensive winter training programme available from November, in conjunction with a new development centre at the school for children from the local community Number of, and notable, fixtures 150 matches each summer. The most notable against Rokeby School in Surrey where over a week in May 150

Contact Jane Woodcock (Registrar): 01865 390800 jane@cothill.net

www.cothill.net floodlights on hand for the winter. Training is also assisted by 4 bowling machines. Matches can be staged across 8 pitches in all. Cricket teams have use of 2 pavilions, while there are 2 scoreboxes including 1 giant electric scoreboard Club/county affiliation Several boys have turned out for Oxfordshire CCC, and there is an annual fixture against Oxfordshire Bulls Best prospect Jack Cannon is a right-handed allrounder who has a great enthusiasm for the game Cricketers of note Charlie van der Gucht (Hampshire) Brief history Cricket is played with great passion, all year round, at Cothill and always has been. The school possesses beautiful facilities, with

David Ferreira and Luke groundstaff who work Rougemont led the team. hard over the winter However, the greatest and summer to prepare delight is in seeing the hundreds of wickets year numerous squares filled on year. Coaches work summer after summer. with boys of all abilities, Recent progress Before developing their skills to the pandemic took hold, ensure they enjoy the Master in charge the school broke new game as much as possible. James Foster ground with a new batch Variations on the game of fixtures. New space has also been (pairs, pyramids, 8-a-side etc) are also implemented to ensure everyone created for more nets and renewing the current facilities is also vital. can be involved Future plans A new sports hall What sets the school apart? The will allow the school to take cricket beautiful grounds which stages cricket indoors more often during the winter. played in the right spirit. For parents, Improving links with Oxfordshire Pimm’s is offered out at tea time CCC and other local clubs and Finest moment on the field In 2000, schools is also high on the list both Eton and Harrow were captained of priorities by old Cothill boys at Lord’s, as

pupils play in 15 matches from U8 to 1st XI, with silverware on the line Facilities Cranmore has 4 grounds available on-site to host matches. 5 full-length indoor nets allow for a comprehensive winter programme, which includes 3 bowling machines Club/county affiliation The school hosts Surrey age group training through the winter and has been the centre for their coach education programme. Cranmore also shares strong ties and facilities with local clubs such as Horsley and Send CC and Guildford CC Cricketers of note Nick Peters (Surrey CCC) Cultural cricketers Tom Felton (actor) Brief history Cricket commenced at Cranmore under the watchful eye of Hartley Bishop. He was responsible for the building of the Sports Hall in 1984. The outstanding facility meant that Cranmore became well known for hosting ‘Nescafe Courses’ and county age group training., which continues today. Many coaches received their education at Cranmore as it was the centre for ECB Level 1 and 2 courses in the county. Many pupils have represented district or

county age group sides and have benefited from coaching from expros Adam Hollioake and Alex Tudor What sets the school apart? The game ‘Cranmore Cricket’ was created at the school and is still used in coaching sessions throughout the county today. Designed for use in schools, it allows the game to be played in a shorter format during lesson time with all able to participate. Since 2018, Cranmorians CC comprising of ex-pupils, staff and parents play fixtures against clubs Finest moment on the field U11 and U13 sides have won the Surrey Prep

Schools Cup on several occasions Recent progress Girls’ cricket will be given added promotion in the form of a comprehensive coaching and fixture programme. Charlotte Edwards was due to visit in summer Future plans The Effingham Cricket Development Centre launched in September 2020, allowing boys and girls from the local area to receive expert coaching from former pro allrounder Wayne White. Cranmore was to merge with St Teresa’s School in 2020 and go up to 18 Tours Re-arranged tours to St Lucia and the West Country in the pipeline thecricketer.com | 125

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

CRICKLADE MANOR PREP The Manor House, Calcutt Street, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 6BB Established 1968 Number of pupils 175 Master in charge Tom Davies (Gloucestershire CCC) Teams 10 teams across the age groups including mixed sides Girls’ cricket The year of 2020 was the first-time mixed girls and boys cricket was offered

Lockdown initiatives The school offered weekly games videos with a focus on cricket specific skills. Videos were sent via Microsoft Teams for pupils to view. Pupils were encouraged to upload a video of themselves performing the skills onto Teams for feedback How will cricket bounce back? During the autumn, one lesson per week devoted to cricket offered for Years 3 to 6. Onus will be put on pupils playing as much cricket outside of school as possible

CRICKLADE MANOR PREP

Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 55 matches are staged with schools in the local area Facilities Twelve acres of playing fields, one grass and one astro turf wicket, two wickets on the astro turf, a sports hall with space for five lanes and a large playground area. Cricklade Cricket Club have made available a grass wicket and three outdoor nets Club/county affiliation There is a major link with Cricklade Cricket Club. Pupils play at Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett, Malmesbury, Poulton, Purton and Cirencester Cricket Clubs. Many others are on District programmes with Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Best prospect Joel Barton is a jack-of-all-trades, able to swing the ball both ways and a fine fielder. He also hits a hard ball with the bat and can score runs in double-quick time. Attended the 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s Brief history Cricket has traditionally been a strong sport at Cricklade Manor. They have benefited from outstanding facilities and created an ethos that gives every pupil an opportunity to compete on a level

which is appropriate to their needs. Recent years has seen a number of boys and girls develop links with local clubs. A large percentage of pupils play club, district and county cricket. A small school in their area, they compete well against some of the larger schools What sets the school apart? An environment is created whereby every child matters. Fine facilities are on offer, helping cricket play a huge part in pupils’ daily lives. The school continues to develop links with local clubs and encourages pupils to become passionate about the game Finest moment on the field One game saw 242 for 4 accumulated in just 25 overs, with one player scoring an unbeaten 109 Recent progress Giving every pupil the chance to compete in weekly fixtures, particularly in mixed teams Future plans Establishing strong links with local clubs is among the aims going forward, as well as developing tours with a group of schools Tours In 2015 and 2018 teams were sent to Barbados and Dubai respectively. A new venue is being pencilled in for 2021

ESCA U13 National Champions 2019

Shrewsbury’s leading co-eductional prep school for 3-13 Visit us at Prestfelde! For more information or to book, contact us at: prestfelde.co.uk +44 (0) 1743 245 400 admissions@prestfelde.co.uk @prestfelde /prestfelde @prestfelde_school 126 | thecricketer.com

CUMNOR HOUSE SCHOOL FOR BOYS

WWW.STEPHENJKENNEDY.COM

168 Pampisford Road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 6DA Established 1931 Number of pupils 215 Director of sport Ryan Brotherton Teams Boys: U13 Barbados Tour XI, U13ABC, U12A, Development XI, U11ABCD, U10ABCDE, U9ABCDE, U8ABCD, U7, U6 Girls: U11AB, U10, U9, U8 Girls’ cricket Each team plays between one and four fixtures a season. Teams are a part of the Cumnor House School for Girls an electronic scoreboard. The third Lockdown initiatives Daily online and fourth pitches have five wickets cricket video challenges were set via between them the school's online learning platform, Club/county affiliation School which helped maintain a routine for hosts U9 Surrey fixtures. Additionally, the pupils during lockdown. Internal there are links with Southern Railway, fixtures were proposed for the return Kenley & Selsdon CC, Purley CC, of students, with age groups pitted Banstead CC, Old Whitgiftians against one another CC, Trinity Mid-Whitgiftians CC, Number of, and notable, fixtures Sanderstead CC and Croydon CC Around 150 fixtures are played per Best prospect In Year 6, both year. Notable matches include U13 Zachary Butterfield and Kian Lanesborough 8-a-side, U12 RGS Mahmood have already represented 6-a-side, U11 Tonbridge 6-a-side, U10 Surrey CCC Charterhouse 6-a-side, Downsend Cricketers of note Mark Butcher U9 6-a-side and U8 Haberdashers’ (Surrey & England, right), David Sales 6-a-side cricket tournaments. (Northants), Alistair Brown (Surrey & Facilities The single England) sports ground contains Cultural cricketers 4 pitches, adding to 8 Elliot Daly (England/ astro cricket nets and 1 Saracens rugby) throw-down net. Pitch Brief history Cricket one includes ropes, fundamentals are sightscreens, cover and introduced in the pre12 wickets. The square prep before boys start has been in use for over competitive fixtures in 40 years. The second Year 3. From the prep Director of sport pitch has 4 wickets and school the boys are Ryan Brotherton

introduced to hardball practice and regular fixtures. In most year groups the school fields four teams and the A sides take part in several tournaments as well as annual cricket tours. The majority of the A, B and C team players play for club, county district or full county age-group teams What sets the school apart? Having its own dedicated sports field gives Cumnor House the ability to host dozens of fixtures, while the significant number of nets allows for proper practice. Ties with Surrey is a real USP for the school. On the playground, cricket is a regular fixture during breaks while access to nine cricket coaches (six of them play 1st XI cricket at club level) means pupils are always learning. Such is the level pupils reach while at Cumnor, many go on to play for Whitgift - which has produced international players - upon moving on. Despite being a small school in comparison to others in the local area, children punch above their weight at Cumnor thanks to a tailored and focused system. Boys who might be 2nd XI standard elsewhere are forced to step up to the 1st

XI and the results are normally very good. The size of groups means many get 1-2-1 coaching and are never overlooked or lost in the system Finest moment on the field The school has been fortunate to claim plenty of silverware over the years. The U13s won the Surrey Cup in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The U11s won the same competition in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and were national finalists in 2018. Cumnor were IAPS National Finalists in 2017 and 2018 Recent progress The introduction of white-ball cricket has ramped up the skills of pupils. Using pitches two and three, where trees and bushes make picking the ball out a tough ask, pupils are challenged to a new level. The ball flying off the bat also aids their development in the field Future plans Further development of Saturday morning coaching for Years 1 and 2. While clinics are run for each main sport, cricket is increasingly popular with nearly half of children choosing the sport for the sessions. It allows the younger pupils an introduction to the sport before Year 3, when it becomes a formal activity Tours Five overseas tours have taken place for Cumnor House across the last seven years. Teams went to Barbados in 2013, 2015 and 2019, South Africa in 2016 and Dubai for 2017. A return to the Caribbean for April 2021 is in the offing, safety permitting

www.cumnorhouse.com • admissions@cumnorhouse.com • +44 (0)20 8645 2614 thecricketer.com | 127

Cumnor House School Cumnor House School admissions@cumnorhouse.com admissions@cumnorhouse.com

Pampisford Road 168 168 Pampisford Road South Croydon South Croydon CR2CR2 6DA6DA

DOWNSEND PREPARATORY SCHOOL // DRAGON SCHOOL

DOWNSEND PREPARATORY SCHOOL 1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8TJ Established 1897 Number of pupils 677 Master in charge Jonathan Albert Teams Boys - 1stXI, 2ndXI, 3rdXI, 4thXI, U11ABCD, U10ABCDE, U9AB9CD, U8ABCD. Girls - 1stXIII, 2ndXIII, 3rdXII, 4thXIII, 5XIII, 6XIII, U11ABC, U10AB, U9ABCD, U8ABCD Girls’ cricket Rounders was removed from the curriculum in 2017/18, with cricket replaced as the main sport for girls. The girls’ sport department embraced these changes and in turn the girls have produced a very successful record over the last four years Lockdown initiatives Downsend pupils received online cricket lessons through Microsoft Teams. Individual batting, bowling and fielding skills have been introduced to pupils via videos and live instructions from sports staff. Pupils have completed these skills challenges and uploaded video evidence for feedback. An online Surrey Schools Cricket Competition was set up, with eight other schools invited to compete virtually in their only cricket fixtures of the year How will cricket bounce back? Early morning nets will be run indoors while students will have access to specialist coaching from outside organisations such as Mini Crickets or Surrey CCC Number of, and notable, fixtures A typical summer would see teams fulfil over 200 fixtures throughout the school Facilities The school has access to 2 main cricket squares, 4 nets both indoors and outdoors and several bowling machines. Access is also available to additional grounds with astroturf pitches Club/county affiliation Downsend

DRAGON SCHOOL is a development centre for Surrey CCC, who use the facility all weekend and throughout the week to run adult coaching courses, disability cricket, several junior coaching courses, as well as a junior age group winter county squad. Downsend is also home to Mini Crickets Cricketers of note Dominic Sibley (Surrey, Warwickshire, England) Brief history Cricket is now introduced at Downsend Prep School from Year 3 and makes up part of the school’s intent to bring “wonderful sporting experiences and a wealth of opportunities for every boy and girl”. Facilities have been constantly updated, underpinning a desire to ensure teamwork and sportsmanship are supported in the right way. Specialist sports staff are always on hand to ensure pupils remain motivated and cherished while playing cricket Finest moment on the field Downsend has enjoyed so many successes over the years, from winning County Cups in 2019, playing at the Kensington Oval in Barbados to winning local derbies Recent progress In 2019, the U10A boys team were all selected into Surrey’s Performance Programme Tours Every two years Downsend’s Year 7 and 8 pupils travel to Barbados in the Caribbean

Bardwell Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 6SS Established 1877 Number of pupils 620 Director of sport Tim Knapp Master in charge Oliver Wood Teams More than 50 teams across both genders from U9 through to U13 and the 1st XI Girls’ cricket The school has enjoyed an explosion of interest in girls' cricket with a number also representing senior sides at both A and B level Lockdown initiatives The PE and Games department put together a series of online videos for the pupils to try at home for the Virtual Holistic Curriculum How will cricket bounce back? The school are looking into the possibility of cricket even before 2021 Number of, and notable, fixtures In all, there were 259 different games scheduled for the course of last season, not including the many tournaments they enter Facilities There are 3 squares available during the summer, 1 of which is maintained throughout the year to an exceptionally high standard. There are 3 smaller ovals predominantly used for junior cricket. Additionally, Dragon have 15 artificial nets available, with one AstroTurf given over to cricket in the summer term and have begun to share St Edward’s home grounds Club/county affiliation Dragon work closely with Oxfordshire Cricket, and have regularly hosted training sessions in recent years. A significant number of Dragons have represented Oxfordshire, both at county and

development level Best prospect Brothers William, Alexander and Julian Laird are all catching the eye across age groups Cricketers of note George Munsey (Northamptonshire, Scotland), Maia Bouchier (Middlesex, England U19) Cultural cricketers Tim Henman (tennis, below) Brief history Cricket has flourished at Bardwell Road over the last 100 years, and the proximity to Oxford University has seen many former pupils make first-class outings. Tony Pullinger was a long-serving Master in charge from 1972-1996 and remained involved with holiday coaching for many years after retirement What sets the school apart? It’s not unusual for the Dragon to field 30 or more sides on any one match day, often taking on more than one opponent to ensure that as many as possible have an opportunity to play Finest moment on the field Last summer’s Colts A side won the Malvern Eights tournament, whilst the U10A made it four in a row with victory at the Oratory Senior School Festival. In 2019, the Dragon entered the Bunbury Cup for the first time, with the U12 side winning the county trophy Recent progress Girls’ cricket as a major summer sport is a significant step forward Future plans Dragon are involved in Oxfordshire’s latest initiative to broaden the opportunities available to state school cricketers. The Oxfordshire Bulls side is selected from children in Year 6 at state primaries, playing against Prep School U11 teams, giving boys experience of high level, longformat matches Tours 16 players went to Cape Town in February 2020 thecricketer.com | 129

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

EAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL Crowthorne Road, Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8PH Established 1820 Number of pupils 396 Master in charge Richard Barron Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U11ABC, U10AB, U9AB, U8AB. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U11ABC, U10AB, U9AB, U8 Girls’ cricket Eagle House introduced cricket in 2019 when the girls switched from rounders to cricket. All girls in Year 3 to 8 now play and the school introduces the game to the girls in pre-prep games sessions Lockdown initiatives Sport staff filmed videos and uploaded them to online platforms. Interesting and exciting sessions were produced that children could do from their gardens How will cricket bounce back? Pitches prepared and maintained throughout the lay-off. With an eye on 2021, winter nets will be implemented Number of, and notable, fixtures Each side plays seven or eight fixtures a year, weather dependent. The 1st XI can often play a dozen fixtures. The longest running clash is against Papplewick, since 1952 Facilities There are 3 ovals at Eagle House and 3 temporary pitches which are used during the summer. The school also have access to 6 outdoor nets, 4 of which are artificial, and 2 nets indoors Club/county affiliation The link with Eversley CC sees a lot of sharing of ideas and staff. Numerous boys and girls have played for Berkshire down the years. Best prospect Aayan Malik is a right130 | thecricketer.com

arm quick bowler and a middle-order batsman who has already represented Berkshire and won several honours. Sam Strauss (son of former England captain Andrew), Eddie Campion and Hugo South represent Berkshire Cultural cricketers Lewis Moody (England rugby), Stuart Burge (director) Brief history Cricket has been the traditional summer sport at Eagle House since at least 1902. However, in a publication entitled ‘Unwillingly to School’ written by BW Johnson, which is a brief account of Eagle House history from 1820 to 1995 – there are several accounts by boys about playing cricket on fields near Hammersmith. Some of these accounts date as far back as 1820s and 30s What sets the school apart? A reader can tell the special place that cricket holds in the hearts of the boys and girls that have passed through Eagle House as the archives are littered with stories of great victories and narrow defeats Finest moment on the field The year of 2009 is remembered fondly with 1st XI, 2nd XI and the U11A side all winning county titles Recent progress The school have now fully integrated the girls into the cricket programme, a testament to their desire to make it a ‘sport for all’ Future plans There is a desire to build on the existing relationship with Wellington College and get some groups of children up to take part in training sessions. Rescheduling the first girl hardball match for the 1st XI is also an important step Tours Teams from Eagle House toured South Africa in 2012 and 2015, and then to the Caribbean in 2018

EAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL // ELSTREE SCHOOL

ELSTREE SCHOOL Woolhampton Hill, Upper Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5TD Established 1848 Number of pupils 230 Master in charge James Morris Professional Ben Champkin Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, 6th XI, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC, U8AB Girls’ cricket From 2021 cricket will be offered across both genders Lockdown initiatives Assistance includes online coaching drills, one on one and group sessions as well as leadership talks and drop-in online clinics How will cricket bounce back? More cricket sessions and clubs will be conducted during the autumn and lent terms. Cricket courses will continue to run during half-terms and holidays Number of, and notable, fixtures There are between 12 and 15 fixture blocks per season. Ludgrove, Cheam, Summer Fields, Cothill and Lambrook are the major matches Facilities Elstree have use of 4 indoor nets, 6 outdoor grass nets, half a dozen pitches, 2 pavilions and branded covers

Nick Gubbins

Club/county affiliation James Morris is captain of Berkshire’s men and has helped create a link with the youth teams. Several pupils play for Falkland, Thatcham and Basingstoke & North Hants CC Best prospect Francis Fisher bowls leg-spin and is also an adept batsman Cricketers of note Nick Gubbins (Middlesex) Cultural cricketers James Blunt (singer), Sebastian Faulks (novelist) Brief history Cricket is the main sport of the summer term with up to 17 teams being fielded throughout the school on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable coaches ensure boys and girls are given the opportunity to improve their own individual technique, as well as building a real team ethos and spirit. Every child has at least two games sessions per week dedicated to cricket What sets the school apart? Elstree’s beautiful grounds are the defining feature of their cricketing heritage. Visiting opponents often comment on the stunning setting Finest moment on the field The 1st XI defeated Ludgrove, Cheam, Summer Fields, Cothill and Lambrook in the same season in 2018 Recent progress The facilities have undergone a major overhaul in recent years and has helped children improve on the basics Future plans The full introduction of girls’ cricket and more evening cricket training sessions are very much in the offing

FETTES COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL // GREAT WALSTEAD SCHOOL

FETTES COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Carrington Road, Edinburgh, Scotland EH4 1DL Established 1999 Number of pupils 210 Master in charge Richard Mill Teams U13ABCD, U11AB, U9ABC Girls’ cricket There are U13 mixed matches and U11 and U12 girls matches. All girls get the opportunity to do cricket as an activity Lockdown initiatives The school used their online platform to upload skills and practice drills across all sports How will cricket bounce back? Fettes were pouring all their enthusiasm to ensuring no momentum in regard to cricket is lost Number of, and notable, fixtures Around 70-80 fixtures in the Summer term in total Facilities The school can call upon 4 nets both indoors and outdoors, as well as 4 bespoke cricket pitches Club/county affiliation A partnership with The Grange CC is ongoing while the Scotland national

GREAT WALSTEAD SCHOOL

East Mascalls Lane, Lindfield, West Sussex RH16 2QL Established 1925 Number of pupils 300 Director of sport Mark Lloyd 1st XI coach Bruce McCrea Teams There are 24 teams covering both genders ranging from U8 to U13 Girls’ cricket Girls are introduced to fundamental cricket skills in Year 1 and Year 2 and are then able to experience competitive cricket from Year 3. In the younger age groups, boys and girls are taught in mixed groups and receive access to the same level of coaching Lockdown initiatives Pupils were given a variety of online tasks linked to cricket. Pupils were encouraged to do basic fielding, bowling and batting drills in their garden, following a video demonstration. Many children sent in videos for staff to feedback on How will cricket bounce back? The school will be introducing more cricket prior to the 2021 season, including indoor activities for the younger pupils in the spring term and

team use Fettes College's facilities for training Best prospect U12 player Oliver Pillinger is being tipped for big things. Cultural cricketers Tony Blair (former Labour prime minister) attended and played some cricket at Fettes College Brief history Fettes Prep has a strong tradition in cricket from when it was established in 1999. Cricket is very popular from the U9s to the U13s at both girls and boys. There is a strong network of quality coaches and there are training sessions three times a week alongside evening skill sessions for all year groups. The pupils are taught the basic skills and core principles of cricket from when they start at Fettes. The school's ethos is about fun, respect, humility and a mind-set to always get better What sets the school apart? Scotland train on-site and pupils can have coaching sessions with them. The link with The Grange CC allows pupils to use their facilities after school Recent progress New nets being installed has helped improve practice sessions winter nets starting earlier next year Number of, and notable, fixtures There were due to be 160 matches or tournaments for boys and girls, the most ever. Great Walstead have a friendly rivalry with Ardingly College, Cumnor House, St Andrews Prep and Brighton College Facilities There are 2 main squares at the school, 1 for the seniors and 1 for the colts. On a matchday, a third square is made, along with 3 other

cut strips to provide 6 playing areas. They also have a ground share with Lindfield CC, using their pitch for some matches. There are 3 outdoor nets and 4 indoor nets in the sports hall Club/county affiliation Alongside a strong affiliation with Sussex CCC and Lindfield CC, pupils play at Haywards Heath CC, Cuckfield CC, Ditchling CC and Burgess Hill CC Brief history For nearly a hundred

years Great Walstead have been instilling a love of the game in young pupils. They all leave with a knowledge of the game and the ability to pursue it at a level that suits them. Instilling a lifelong love of the game is the main legacy What sets the school apart? One of the main standouts is the longstanding commitment to girls’ cricket. Unable to find girls' fixtures for years, the school worked hard to allow all girls who were keen to play with the boys at the level that suited them. They regularly have a strong 1st XI with several girls in the side, which is a source of some pride Finest moment on the field The U11 side recently won the Brighton College 6-a-side tournament Recent progress The fixture programme provides opportunities for all pupils in Years 3-8. A long running pre-season included boys and girls training together and highlighted the commitment to judging pupils on ability and enthusiasm and not their gender. Future plans Relaying outdoor nets Tours Senior pupils have toured South Africa in recent years thecricketer.com | 131

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS GRESHAM’S PREP SCHOOL Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EY Established 1555 Number of pupils 221 Master in charge Nick Thomas (boys’ cricket), Anna Horsley (girls’ cricket) Professional Chris Brown (Norfolk) Teams Boys: U13ABCDE, U11ABC, U9AB Girls: U13ABCD, U11ABCD, U9ABC Girls’ cricket Cricket is the major sport for girls in the summer term. The winter training provision sees girls combine with boys for coaching sessions delivered by senior coaches and led by the cricket professional Lockdown initiatives Through the use of Microsoft Teams weekly drills, skills and masterclasses plus links to other areas of cricketing interest How will cricket bounce back? Gresham’s are expecting a greater desire for cricket when it fully returns. There will be senior and junior cricket offered as evening activities and Brown is running the Gresham Academy with winter nets

HIGHFIELD AND BROOKHAM SCHOOLS Highfield Lane, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ Established 1897 Number of pupils 450 Master in charge Richard Dunn Teams Boys: U13ABCDEF, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC, U8AB Girls’ cricket The No.1 sport for girls in the summer and, following its full introduction last year, it is flourishing Lockdown initiatives The pupils were given Star Challenges, which involved a number of cricket tasks at

GRESHAM’S PREP SCHOOL // HIGHFIELD AND BROOKHAM SCHOOLS

Number of, and notable, fixtures Each team can expect between 10 and 14 matches across the season. Important local matches against Beeston Hall, Langley Prep, Norwich School and Town Close. Both girls’ and boys’ U11 sides are entered for the IAPS tournament, while a tournament for the same age group is hosted on site, as well as a U9 summer event Facilities There are six dedicated all-year round prepared squares plus two summer term squares at the prep school. Pupils also have access to the

senior school, including match day squares and four indoor nets Club/county affiliation Norfolk Cricket Board Best prospects U12 allrounder Will Panter and U11 pair Arthur Butterworth and JC Malherbe Cultural cricketers Ben and Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers, British and Irish Lions, England rugby), Sir James Dyson (inventor) Brief history Gresham’s School enjoys an idyllic setting with the 1919 War Memorial Chapel as its

backdrop. The new pavilion was opened 100 years to the day of the first school match played in 1914. A commemorative match was played to recognise the fact that so many of those former pupils did not return from World War One What sets the school apart? The prep school is looking at ways to improve the provision they offer. Squares have been re-configured; four new grass nets were planned for 2020. The configuration of the fields is permanently under review to maximise the space available Finest moment on the field The opening partnership of 216 for the U13As between Ben Wilcox and Nat King in the summer of 2017 Recent progress Brown’s academy set-up has already improved the awareness, understanding and technique of those players who attend Future plans The school had arranged two matchdays for boys and girls dedicated to The Hundred format. There is an intention to add U9 boys and girls’ festivals for local schools in 2021 Tours The U13 side have toured South Africa on regular occasions

home. All pupils were in school from June 22 (Year 6 since June 1) and did afternoon sport, which was cricket. The pods were based on their form group, making a good mixture of ability and ability. It went extremely well and the children have loved the sessions How will cricket bounce back? Building on mixing of boys and girls’ cricket, especially training and fixtures Number of, and notable, fixtures 230 for boys and girls; Westbourne House meetings always competitive Facilities 12 pitches. There are four grass nets, including two mobile cages, with three further artificial nets

and two indoor nets. There is also access to three bowling machines. The 1st XI square has three covers, plus two Flicx pitches Club/county affiliation Liphook & Ripsley, Fernhurst, and Grayshott, as well as Hampshire Hogs CC Best prospect Edward Read is a left-handed batsman, who made two half-centuries last season, averaging 26 with a strike-rate of 102. He also bowls right-arm seamers, taking 19 wickets last season with a strike-rate of 14 and an economy of 4.13 Brief history Highfield School was originally founded in Southampton in 1892, before moving to Highfield at its present site of 175 acres in Liphook, Hampshire, on the West Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey borders. The school became co-ed in 1978 and started to take day children into the junior part of the school. All departments have designated departmental teaching rooms; an indoor swimming pool was opened at Easter 2005, and a music school in 2006. Highfield is genuinely co-ed with equal numbers of girls and boys. In 1992 a pre-prep school, Brookham School, was built in the grounds of

Highfield and many of its top year come to Highfield at eight years old What sets the school apart? Highfield aim for performance and participation; the 1st XI reached the quarter-finals of the IAPS Cup in 2019, but matches are also offered for all ages and ability Finest moment on the field Having all boys and girls playing competitive cricket on a number of match afternoons last year was understandably a logistical triumph for the school, but more importantly the participants had a great time Recent progress The uptake of girls involved in winter nets has shown the progress made Future plans There are further plans to add another grass square, with an additional artificial strip, while there are also plans to develop a three-bay artificial net system to five-bay. From that, the school hope to host training and matches for local clubs Tours Since 2001 to Barbados every other year. It is non-selective, giving every child in Years 7 and 8 a chance to travel. The most recent instalment saw 25 boys tour, the largest uptake. The plan is to go again in 2021

HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL // KING’S HALL SCHOOL

KING’S HALL SCHOOL Established 1951 Number of pupils 300 Director of sport Alistair Halls Master in charge Alex Barrow Teams From Year 3 to Year 8: 10 boys’ teams, eight girls’ teams Girls’ cricket The school offers a significant amount of girls’ cricket Lockdown initiatives Online tasks and challenges were put together for pupils to compete. Sadly they had to cancel their planned tour How will cricket bounce back? Cricket is popular at the school and has a great culture. There are plans put in place for cricket to be played in September too, following the lack of opportunity during the summer term Number of, and notable, fixtures The school plays approximately 10 block fixtures, but it also enters county leagues at U11, U12 and U13 level, with U11 and U13 teams in the IAPS Cup as well. This year, there would have been four more fixtures

Zach Vukusic, Thomas Rew, Jago Barclay, Theo Lamey and Barnaby Mack are all playing at county level Cricketers of note Jos Buttler (England, Lancashire, Rajasthan Royals), Tom Banton (England, Somerset, Brisbane Heat, Kolkata Knight Riders), Eddie Byrom (Somerset) Brief history King’s has a strong reputation for cricket. With beautiful facilities and enthusiastic players, they offer an excellent programme. A highlight for pupils is the county leagues; they hope to take part in them after Covid-19 has passed What sets the school apart? The school runs camps which are popular; these include the use of the indoor centre at the senior school. This, combined with strong cricket teachers, helps to create a great culture. Senior school staff are always involved in running camps, coaching pupils during the off season, coaching pupils from Year 1 and 2, while supporting with facilities Finest moment on the field The U11 team won the National Championships Recent progress Last year, the school’s U11 side were the

for senior boys and girls on their tour Facilities The school has use of four indoor nets, four new outdoor nets, three grass wickets and pitches for U11 and U13 pupils, three grass wickets and pitches at U8 and U9 level and the use of an astro Club/county affiliation The school works closely with King’s College Taunton and their links with Somerset Best prospects Rory Cooper-Smith,

seventh-best school in the country Future plans The school is looking forward to opening its new nets Tours They were looking at taking two boys and one girls’ team over to Jersey during the Easter holidays on a pre-season tour, but this was cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. They hope it can go ahead in the future

Kingston Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8AA

HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9JS Established 1849 Number of pupils 350 Master in charge Nick Creed Professionals Boys: Jimmy Anyon, Phil Hudson, Mark Nash (all Sussex); Girls: Chiara Green (Sussex) Teams U13ABCDE, U11ABCD, U9ABCD Girls’ cricket 12 girls’ teams from U8 to U13, also employing a head of girls’ cricket and a female professional to inspire and develop pupils Lockdown initiatives Three sessions a week filmed by school staff and sent home for all pupils to complete: one each for batting, bowling and fielding. The uptake was encouraging – despite not having all the equipment. On some occasions, spades were used as cricket bats How will cricket bounce back? The school staged cricket in late 2020. It will also be keeping the same fixture card in 2021. It is felt that pupils’ appetite for cricket will be even greater given a lost season Number of, and notable, fixtures All teams play around 10 fixtures each, with derbies against Brighton College and Ardingly College. The school also hosts touring teams from across the country, often memorable occasions Facilities Seven grass pitches and three astro. As for nets, a new bank of 12 astro nets has been installed, while there are also 10 grass nets and a further three astro nets Club/county

affiliation The school has close links with Sussex, who use the grounds as a junior hub during the summer. Many Hurstpierpoint staff also coach at Sussex Best prospect Year 8 pupil Alex Kusel is a spin bowler, plucky batsman and a loud voice in the field, leading him to captain the 1st XI for two years. He is part of the Sussex set-up Cricketers of note George Garton (below) and Tom Haines (both Sussex); Jonty Jenner (Jersey) Brief history Cricket is the major sport for boys and girls in the summer term. Hurstpierpoint has a strong cricket history and has had success at all age levels. Fixtures take place every Saturday and in midweek, with a very competitive fixture list against teams across the south-east of England What sets the school apart? The school might just have the longest square in the country. From the 2020 season it is also a hub for Sussex cricket. It hosts Hurstpierpoint Cricket Week, where old boys’ teams from all around the country come and camp and play a series of matches during a week in August Finest moment on the field The senior team won the National T20 four years ago Recent progress The introduction of girls’ cricket has been popular, with the school leading on this in the area; they now have a similar number of girls to boys’ teams throughout the school Future plans The new bank of 12 nets is ready; the school continuing to act as a junior cricket hub for Sussex Cricket Tours Looking at starting a UKbased cricket tour for the prep school. The senior school toured South Africa two years ago and were due to tour India this year

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TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

LAMBROOK SCHOOL Winkfield Row, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6LU Established 1860 Number of pupils 560 Master in charge Will McKegney Teams Boys: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th XIs; U11ABC; U10ABCD; U9ABCD; U8ABCD; Girls: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th XIs; U11ABC; U10ABC; U9ABC; U8ABC Girls’ cricket Since 2018. Winter nets well attended and the school playing an increasing number of fixtures. Lambrook has hosted festivals for U13, U9 and U8 year groups – the last of which was attended by Lydia

LUDGROVE SCHOOL Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB Established 1892 Number of pupils 190, all boys Master in charge Gabriel French 1st XI coach Simon Loup Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U12ABC, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC – 15 teams regularly fielded, but every boy in the school is given game time Lockdown initiatives Weekly challenges, masterclass videos. Trial games in autumn plus six-player pods How will cricket bounce back? Cricket is embedded in the culture of the school. It is the No.1 game and cricket colours are the most difficult award to get at Ludgrove, combining both achievement and personal qualities like sportsmanship Number of, and notable, fixtures More than 130 regularly a term, plus a biannual tour to South Africa, which features an additional six games. Derby games against Summer Fields, Cothill and Caldicott 134 | thecricketer.com

Greenway. It participates in the U11 IAPS tournament and the U13 Indoor Lady Taverners: the girls went through the county round unbeaten Lockdown initiatives Full coaching remotely. Coaches provided exercise drills or technical videos, distributed to pupils twice weekly. Every pupil received specialised input from every coach. Winter nets scheduled to begin in January for Years 5 to 8 How will cricket bounce back? Despite having to cancel their 2020 autumn tour to South Africa, this has been rescheduled to take place in the Caribbean in Easter 2021. The same touring party will be taken to ensure that the players begin the UK summer Facilities Eight grass nets, four astro nets, four indoor nets, one movable batting cage, two Bola bowling machines, seven matchday pitches, additional 10 practice wickets Club/county affiliation Yearly fixtures are played against Spencer CC and Primrose Hill CC. Over the past three years Ludgrove has raised funds for the Sports4Kids charity in South Africa and donated kit to a number of disadvantaged school children living in townships Best prospect Alexander Burford is a left-handed opener and slow left-armer. His passion for the game is astounding. He is in the Middlesex set-up and was set to open the batting for the senior team this year Cricketers of note Colin InglebyMackenzie (Hampshire), Mike Griffith (Sussex), Richard Jefferson (Surrey), former headmaster AT Barber (Oxford Uni, Yorkshire) Cultural cricketers Bear Grylls played in the XI and returned last year to represent the fathers’ side. John Major played a game

LAMBROOK SCHOOL // LUDGROVE SCHOOL

as prepared as possible. Winter nets will be provided as per normal and the added focus of an Easter tour should allow the whole school to get behind the club for what will be a busy 2021 Number of, and notable, fixtures Close to 200 for boys and more than 100 for the girls. Most notable boys’ fixtures include games against Caldicott, Ludgrove and Cranleigh. For the girls, these include fixtures with Dragon, Cheam and Farleigh Facilities Two turf nets, four indoor, three artificial; nine pitches ranging from small junior grounds (25m boundaries for U8 and U9) to an excellent 1st XI ‘Edrich Oval’. Three of the grounds have good turf wickets Club/county affiliation Pupils play at local clubs including Royal Ascot, Maidenhead and Bray, Windsor and Binfield. Many boys represent Berkshire and a few are involved with Surrey. Three girls are with Berkshire and one is at Middlesex Best prospect Jacob Phillips, U11 captain in 2019, might have captained the 1st XI a year early in 2020. A Berkshire allrounder Cultural cricketers Giles Clarke; Max & Thom Evans (Scotland Rugby)

Brief history Cricket has been played since the early days. The first competitive matches against local schools were played in the 1880s when Queen Victoria watched grandsons, Prince Christian Victor and Albert What sets the school apart? Raising the standard of girls’ cricket, while keeping all participants engaged and active. The hope is to see girls winning more sports scholarships Finest moment on the field The school has a proud record at the U11 10-over tournament at Stowe; four tours to South Africa, centred around a visit to an underprivileged farm school in KwaZulu-Natal, for whom more than £40,000 has been raised. A fundraising project for the Caribbean Recent progress Leavers have enjoyed success at senior schools: George Barlow (2013) – Charterhouse 1st XI for four years, and Surrey 2nd XI. Henry Chapman (2014) – Radley 1st XI for four years and Middlesex 2nd XI. Kamran Khanna (2016) – Bradfield College 1st XI then Millfield Future plans A plan to developerbuild the 1st XI pavilion Tours Biennial tour to South Africa. Caribbean at Easter

at the school while he was Prime Minister, enjoying the opportunity to be outside the public eye Brief history Cricket has always been central to Ludgrove School. The school is especially proud of its own quad game, derived from cricket, called ‘stump’. It is played with a thin ‘eye-in’ bat and tennis ball. It is not unusual to have 80 boys across all year-groups playing the game every morning after breakfast and in every type of weather. There is even an official position given to ‘the Keeper of Stump,’ a senior boy whose job it is to actively include as many people in every game as possible. Barber, one of the school’s earliest headmasters, captained Oxford and Yorkshire and both his son and grandson have

coached the school team before going on to be headmaster What sets the school apart? Being one of a handful of full-time boarding prep schools left, the game carries a special significance for the boys who spend an inordinate amount of time playing in their free time. Cricket is a wonderful lifestyle and harks back to a time before iPhones. The Boys’ Book of Cricket by Frank Henley, first published in 1924 which was specifically aimed at prep school boys so that they were well equipped to move on to the public school age group, features Ludgrove boys in all the illustrations. The present 1st XI colours cap is exactly as it was in those times and the book cements Ludgrove’s place in cricket history Finest moment on the field The 2019 team statistically the best side Ludgrove has produced, winning every game, many by large margins. They won an interprep-school T20 Future plans Looking to introduce a junior tour at the end of the summer Tours Last year Ludgrove travelled to Cape Town and are scheduled to tour Transvaal and the Eastern Cape next year

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ PREP // MILLFIELD PREP SCHOOL

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ PREP Moor Farm Bungalow, Sandy Lodge Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1LW Established 1910 Number of pupils 350, all boys Director of sport Dominic Todd Master in charge Christopher Horne Teams 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th XIs, Colts ABCD, U10AB, U9ABCD, U8ABCD Lockdown initiatives Videos of drills and challenges were provided for boys of all ages and abilities, as well as quizzes and questionnaires How will cricket bounce back? A long-established fixture programme will return and the school will reenter all competitions Number of, and notable, fixtures 60 regular matches, with derbies against St Martin’s and St John’s the most eagerly anticipated. The school enters the IAPS National Cup at U13 level and Herts County Cup at U11 age, with both providing out-of-area competition

Facilities Three pitches at the Prep School with access to many more at the Senior School, two outdoor mobile nets and four indoor nets on site. There are also roll-on covers, sightscreens and a score hut for the main wicket. The school also has two bowling machines, including the latest TrueMan BOLA model Club/county affiliation Most boys in the A Team play district, area or county cricket for Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex or Surrey. The school

also has strong connections with Old Merchant Taylors’ and Eastcote cricket clubs Best prospect U13 Jack Groves was due to captain in 2020 and plays for Buckinghamshire. Reeyen Ruparelia is a top order batsman and spinner; he plays for Middlesex at U12 level Cultural cricketers Sir David Lidington (former MP and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster) Brief history Merchant Taylors’ Prep is a ‘cricket school’ in every sense with a real passion for the game and extensive facilities. Boys play cricket at break time rather than football and more pupils play cricket at club level than any other sport. Recent success at county and regional level has enhanced their cricketing reputation. The school plays on a traditionally strong North London circuit What sets the school apart? Middlesex play at the adjacent Merchant Taylors’ School. At the Prep School, pupils have previously enjoyed coaching masterclasses from Angus Fraser, Eoin Morgan, Steven Finn, Alastair Cook and Muttiah Muralitharan Finest moment on the field Finalists in the IAPS National Cup in 2015 against Millfield, winners of the Hertfordshire Schools’ U11 Cup in 2018 and 2019, East Of England Schools’ U11 winners in 2019 and finalists in 2018, fifth at the National Finals held at Oakham School in 2019 Recent progress The school retained the County Cup, won their regional final and progressed to the National Finals in 2019 Future plans Further development of coaching programme with the Senior School has been lined up, while the Prep School recently appointed two county coaches Tours There have been successful tours to Antigua and Barbados in recent years

MILLFIELD PREP SCHOOL Edgarley Hall, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8LD Established 1945 Number of pupils 450 Master in charge Dave Beal (director of cricket), Marc Gardiner (head of boys’ cricket), Kim MorganHughes (head of girls’ cricket) Teams Boys: Senior Development Team, Junior Development Team, U13ABC, U12ABC, U11AB, U10AB, U9AB, U8; Girls: Senior Development Team, Junior Development Team, U13ABC, U12ABC, U11AB, U10AB, U9AB, U8 Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket is now the main sport in the summer term Lockdown initiatives The school ran the same academic timetable with pupils, which included games sessions of cricket for each of the year groups. Development sessions for the senior and junior development girls and boys’ groups, while also playing a couple of ‘remote’ matches How will cricket bounce back? Millfield are continuing to provide the extensive offering of cricket all year round for pupils at every level. Matches and training sessions in the autumn term for each year group, and continuing to run junior and senior development squad training for boys and girls on winter mornings Number of, and notable, fixtures Boys play about 45, girls 40 Facilities 10 outdoor artificial nets, 1 outdoor grass, 4 indoor, 11 (9 grass, 2 artificial) wickets for various agegroups, including the iconic ‘Dutton Pitch’, overlooked by Glastonbury Tor Club/county affiliation Somerset CCC and Glastonbury CC Best prospect There are several county junior players in the ranks Cricketers of note Peter Denning (Somst), David Graveney (Gloucs, Somst, Durham), Jonathan Atkinson, Harvey Trump, Iain Fletcher (all Somst), Piran Holloway (Warks, Somst), Aftab Habib (Leics, Essex, England), Jeremy Hallett (Somst), Wes Durston (Somst, Derbyshire), Ben Hollioake (Surrey, England), James Hildreth, Max Waller, Robin Lett (all Somst), Ben Duckett (Northants, Notts, England), Daniel Bell-Drummond (Kent), Matt Hobden (Sussex), Charlie Hartley (Kent), Cameron Steel (Durham), George Hankins (Gloucs)

Cultural cricketers Roland Rudd, Chris Robshaw, Richard and Simon Mantell (hockey), Ella Eyre (music) Brief history Cricket is the major summer game at Millfield Prep. A full fixture list allows every child the opportunity to participate. Matches start for the U8 teams and the school runs a total of 15 sides in 6 age-groups for both the girls and boys; 30 teams allow for all to participate. The 1st XI, U12s and development Squads have regular fixtures against county age-group teams such as Somerset, Devon, Gloucester and Cornwall, as well as those from South Wales. In recent years the boys’ 1st team have won the Bunbury and National Prep Schools titles. There are at least 10 Millfield Prep old boys playing firstclass cricket. The girls have twice won the National Indoor title at Lord’s Finest moment on the field Between 2014 and 2015 the senior development squash boys won three trophies, National Bunbury Cup, National RNCF (Jet) Cup and the Somerset County Trophy. The team also went on to beat every team they played in this season, including 7 county sides, going 26 games unbeaten Recent progress The school now has established programmes for boys and girls. A new four-lane net Future plans As well as four further outdoor nets to accommodate the huge number of girls and boys playing, there are also plans to start using the new indoor facility at Millfield Senior Tours South-West annually, playing counties such as Cornwall. Occasional overseas tours thecricketer.com | 135

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS MOULSFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL Moulsford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 9HR Established 1961 Number of pupils 368 Director of sport James Springer Master in charge Jaimie Noble Teams 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th XIs; U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABCDEF, U8ABCDEF Lockdown initiatives 10 and 12 coaching videos a week, focusing on different aspects of the game, specifically adapted for home in a small space. Unlikely consequences included the invention of whack-a-mole sweep shots, squash reaction catches and dice bowling games. Guest coaches also

NOTTINGHAM ACADEMY PRIMARY Sneinton Boulevard, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG2 4GL Established 2009 Number of pupils 900-plus Master in charge Andrew Staszkiewicz Professional Derbyshire’s Anuj Dal has previously led some sessions, as well as freelance coach Joe Ashdown Teams Three boys’ teams at U9, U10 and U11, as well as a girls’ team. Girls’ cricket A full part of the school’s programme Lockdown initiatives Handing out equipment to children within the school at various times How will cricket bounce back? It will once again be a key part of the children’s curriculum throughout the school. Since school resumed in September, Chance to Shine have worked with Years 1 and 2, and Joe Ashdown Sports with Year 4. The school took a large group of Year 5 and 6 children to visit Derbyshire CCC, where they have been able to meet players, with Dal leading a training 136 | thecricketer.com

MOULSFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL // NOTTINGHAM ACADEMY PRIMARY

helped to keep pupils engaged, with contributions from Mark Garaway, Peter Trego and Michael Vaughan. The challenges ran alongside a house competition How will cricket bounce back? Cricket in September for the first half of the autumn term. Drop-in cricket sessions are also being added throughout the school year Number of, and notable, fixtures Moulsford played 18 block fixtures and 136 matches in 2019. Their most notable match-up comes against Caldicott Facilities Four indoor nets, 12 outdoor astro nets, 2 outdoor astro wickets, 5 grass squares, 1st XI and U11A grounds overlooking the Thames Club/county affiliation Many of the school’s players enjoy the junior setup at Henley Cricket Club Best prospect Top order batsman Charlie Hunt, who also bowls leg-spin, plays for Berkshire CCC

Cricketers of note Dan Housego (Middx, Gloucs), Jack Davies (Middx, England U19) Brief history Cricket has always been played at Moulsford as one of the three ‘major’ sports. In recent years, in line with the growth of the school, it has fielded more and more teams, with as many as 15 from Year 5 to Year 8 playing block fixtures Finest moment on the field The school is proud that every boy from Year 3–8 plays in a block fixture on specific days. More specifically, however, old boy Dan Housego made a century for Gloucestershire against South Africa in 2012

Recent progress The quality of bowling throughout the school has really improved, year on year, due to a policy in junior teams whereby all boys get to bowl, rather than only a select few Future plans Moulsford are looking closely at playing more smaller-sided games to improve and enhance participation levels, while there are also considerations around the possibility of creating a sixth grass square Tours The school runs an annual 1st XI and Colts A early-season tour to Taunton, with two matches played, a visit to Somerset CCC and a variety of fun and social activities

session. Similar plans will be put in place again once there is clarity on how they are able to work Number of, and notable, fixtures Between 24 and 40 fixtures per year, with the most notable matches coming as part of their entry into the Regional City Cup. They enter a Year 6 team, Year 5 boys’ team and girls’ teams into these tournaments. The school has a good record at qualifying for the latter stages. They had plans in place to play their first ever hardball game this year, but that was postponed due to the pandemic Facilities An indoor sports hall can be used during winter, while there is also have an outdoor artificial pitch which has been used in the past for games. Their biggest strength as a city school is maximising the minimal space available to provide cricket

to as many children on a regular basis as possible. And despite that lack of space, cricket makes up a huge part of the pupils’ playtimes and lunchtimes Club/county affiliation Notts CCC, Caythorpe CC. Festivals in Notts, street cricket, Chance to Shine Best prospect Dipesh Sapkota is a talented young batsman who also possesses the ability to bowl quickly and swing the ball. He was selected in Nottinghamshire’s U10 squad Brief history Nottingham Academy Primary continues to grow and develop as a cricket school. This year, more cricket has been delivered as part of PE lessons and outside of school than ever before. As a huge primary school, the aim is to have every child take part in of cricket before they move onto secondary

What sets the school apart? The school is rightly proud of its raw enthusiasm for the game, even without vast space or facilities. That has not stopped their pupils from loving the game, however. During any break, they can be found bowling and batting with smiles on their faces Finest moment on the field Meeting and training alongside the West Indies World Cup squad last year was a particular highlight. The children met the players and learned some tips from them. They also got to practise Sheldon Cottrell’s customary salute alongside him Recent progress The school is proud of the level of coaching and expertise that the children are being exposed to. Joe Ashdown in particular has helped to grow the knowledge and passion for the game among pupils Future plans Next on the list is to introduce players to a hardball match. The hope, then, is that the experience might create lifelong cricketers, rather than keeping them tied to softball cricket with nowhere to progress to Tours Camps usually take place at Caythorpe CC each year, which gives the children access to great facilities

ORLEY FARM SCHOOL // PACKWOOD HAUGH SCHOOL

ORLEY FARM SCHOOL South Hill Avenue, Harrow, HA1 3NU Established 1850 Number of pupils 500 Master in charge Stephen Bloom Teams Boys: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th; Colts ABCDEF; U9ABC; U8ABCD; Girls: U11ABC; U10ABC; U9ABC; U8ABC Girls’ cricket For four years. All girls in Years 3–6 play structured cricket in games lessons 2 or 3 times a week and all represent the school in matches. An external coach is used. The school is affiliated to Harrow CC Lockdown initiatives Pupils were given equipment to prepare for home lessons. All lessons were taught online for Year 3–8, with demo videos available on request. Many of the skills, activities and tasks set involved engaging all members of the household. Cricket quizzes also set How will cricket bounce back? 2021 fixtures have already been scheduled, alongside the school’s usual inter-house indoor competition, outdoor nets for afterschool hobbies in the autumn then indoors in winter. Plans for a tour in

PACKWOOD HAUGH SCHOOL Park Bank, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HX

Established 1892 Number of pupils 200 Master in charge Paul Phillips Professional Darrell Corfield Teams 5 at U13, 4 at U11, 2 at U9 Girls’ cricket 2 teams at U13, 2 at U11, one at U9, plus mixed teams. In 2016, the U13 girls were national runners-up in the Lady Taverners National Indoor Cricket Competition Lockdown initiatives The school ran socially distanced net practices, while there were also homemade weekly videos and challenges set How will cricket bounce back?

2021. A sports quiz evening planned linked to the annual school charity quiz. The annual running of U13 and U11 Ten10 Tournaments for schools Number of, and notable, fixtures In excess of 80 fixtures against senior schools such as Merchant Taylors’, Haberdashers’, Aldenham and John Lyon. Also host two prep schools T10 tournaments. The IAPS Cup Facilities Small indoor net in school gym with bowling machine, two outdoor nets and two main squares (one with an artificial wicket), full-sized astro, as well as extensive grounds (with two junior wickets). The school also owns Harrow CC Club/county affiliation Boys play for a variety of clubs in the area, most common being Harrow CC and Harrow St Mary’s CC. Boys play for Middlesex and Hertfordshire Best prospect Year 5 pupil Ranvir Puri is a left-handed batsman and a keeper for his teams, as well as being an incredibly good leg-spinner Brief history Orley Farm cricket has a strong reputation, with the main square immaculately maintained. In the pavilion there are signature bats which date back to 1943 of all of the

representing Orley Farm cricket 1st XIs in that time in the summer term What sets the school and house matches apart? The school hosts for all abilities. T10 an annual end-of-season tournaments, IAPS Cup 1st XI v 1st XI fathers entry and opportunities fixture, as well as Colts A for sports scholarships vs Colts A fathers and U11 to senior schools, as A vs U11 A mothers well as an internal sports Finest moment on the scholarship for transition field Orley Farm reached Master in charge from Year 6 to Year 7 the National JET Cricket Stephen Bloom Cup Finals Day (now IAPS Future plans New sports Cup) on two occasions in 1993 and centre with classrooms. Several indoor 2008, finishing third both times full-length nets. Links continuing Recent progress The school with Harrow CC has a strong ‘cricket for all’ ethos, Tours Barbados 2018, another with all pupils between Year 3–8 provisionally booked for April 2021

Cricket continued into September, with the school keeping its offering going for as long as possible. In accordance with Covid-19 restrictions, youngsters also played indoor cricket Number of, and notable, fixtures 12 sets of fixtures per year, most notably against local rivals Prestfelde Facilities 4 indoor nets, 4 outdoor artificial nets, 6 grass nets, 6 grounds (5 turf and 1 Astro), plus 4 Kwik Cricket pitches Club/county affiliation Links with many local clubs. On a Monday evening nearly 50 boys and girls travel to Knockin and Kinnerley CC for coaching. The club has become the first in Shropshire to receive the Queen’s Award for Volunteering Best prospect Bella Timmis is in

her final year at Packwood and has represented Shropshire at county level in the U11 and U13 age-groups. She is a fine allrounder, equally adept with bat, ball and in the field Cricketers of note Tim Lamb (Middx, Northants, ECB chief exec) Cultural cricketers Rev Mark Rylands, former Bishop of Shrewsbury (captain, Church of England team) Brief history Cricket has been played at Packwood since the school’s earliest days. The school’s greatest ever cricketer to date arrived from South Africa in 1909. J D Wyatt-Smith averaged more than 100 runs every season he was at the school. Also a fine fast bowler, in one match he took 10 for 0, including one wicket when a flying bail was caught by a long-stop. He held the junior record for throwing

the cricket ball too (104 yards) What sets the school apart? Packwood Waugh was one of the first prep schools in Shropshire to have girls’ cricket as a major sport Finest moment on the field The school has previously reached the national final of the U11 Hardball Finals Day at Oakham, as well as making it to the U13 regional final of the Bunbury Cup in 2018. The U13 girls reached the finals of the Lady Taverners National Indoor Competition in 2014, 2015 and 2016 Recent progress The school is proud to have established cricket as the main sport for both girls and boys in the summer term. Where possible, it coaches mixed groups, with girls, boys and mixed fixtures Future plans An artificial pitch was added in 2017, with plans to add another in the next few years Tours South Africa in 2007 thecricketer.com | 137

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

PRESTFELDE PREP SCHOOL London Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6NZ Established 1929 Number of pupils 300 Director of sport Rob Newey Master in charge Mike Haswell (Gloucestershire, Wales Minor Counties) Teams U9 AB, U10 AB, U11 ABC, U13 ABCD; Girls: U9 AB, U11 AB, U13 AB Girls’ cricket From Year 4 to Year 6, both cricket and rounders are offered. In Year 7 and 8, only cricket is played

REPTON PREP Foremarke Hall, Milton, Derbyshire DE65 6EJ Established 1940 Number of pupils 399 Master in charge Pete Rigney Professional Chris Read Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U11AB, U10AB, U9AB, U8AB; Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U11AB, U10AB, U9AB, U8AB Girls’ cricket For girls in Years 3, 4 and 5, cricket is the compulsory sport during the summer term. It is also offered in Years 6, 7 and 8, with the uptake proving to be encouraging. The numbers of girls in the Repton Prep’s winter training sessions are also on the rise, as well as attendance within local clubs. Five girls from the school’s pathway are in county age-group squads, while the U12 girls were recently crowned U13 county indoor champions a year young for the age-group Lockdown initiatives Weekly batting, bowling and fielding training sessions, video demonstrations and challenges were set for all age-groups 138 | thecricketer.com

PRESTFELDE PREP SCHOOL // REPTON PREP

Lockdown initiatives A range of The school plays 40 fixtures each cricket videos were provided for summer pupils through the school’s intranet Facilities Six grass nets, two Astro How will cricket bounce back? nets, four cricket squares The school has increased the Club/county affiliation Prestfelde number of smaller-sided games has a strong partnership with being played to include as many Shropshire CCC and the Chance to pupils as possible in Shine charity gameplay. Best prospect Allrounder Jack Home They are also offering was featured in The one day a week’s cricket Cricketer in August 2018 to boys and girls in Year 5 after breaking and above, with a focus on internal matches and Ben Duckett’s 12-year training record for runs scored Number of, and in the U12 Shrewsbury Director of sport notable, fixtures School County Festival. Rob Newey to do at home. Pupils also had the opportunity to learn how to score and umpire matches How will cricket bounce back? They plan to start training sessions earlier during the 2020–21 term, while planning of both the summer 2021 fixture list and end-of-term tour has already begun. With Covid-19 wiping out the summer term sporting calendar, the school is upping their cricket provision in the autumn term to play catch-up. Girls and boys in Years 5 to 8 are being given the opportunity to play cricket during

their PE sessions. Chris Read, director of cricket at the senior school and former England wicketkeeper, is also running performance group sessions for the top cricketers Number of, and notable, fixtures The school had planned 163 fixtures for summer 2020, from U8 through to U13 age-groups, with the most notable of those taking place against Derbyshire’s teams at U11 and U13 level Facilities There is a three-lane indoor net facility for use during the winter, while a four-lane artificial net facility is used during the summer months. There are four grass squares, one artificial wicket and a Flicx surface Club/county affiliation The school has strong links with local clubs, most notably Ticknall CC. It also have a relationship with Derbyshire CCC, entering winter and summer school competitions, playing against them at various age-group levels and hosting county matches. A number of pupils are also part of their pathway system Brief history The school has a strong history and reputation of cricket at the school, playing an extensive and competitive fixture list each summer for both boys and girls against other

He made scores of 69 not out, 100 not out and 89 in a Bunbury competition last year Cricketers of note Craig de Weymarn (England team physio) Brief history Traditionally an all-boys’ boarding prep school, cricket has long played an important role. Now fully co-ed, girls are a key part of Prestfelde’s cricket offering. The school has enjoyed a great deal of recent success, reaching the U11 National Finals in three of the last six years, winning the competition in 2017 Finest moment on the field The school’s U13 boys became Bunbury National Champions in 2019, two years after the same side had won the U11 Boys ESCA National Hard Ball Saracens Cup Recent progress The school has started to compete at national level at both U11 and U13 age-groups, while mixed hardball house cricket has also taken off at the school Future plans The school is looking to deepen its partnership with Shropshire, providing more opportunity for Prestfelde’s facilities to be used for training and matches top prep schools in the Midlands What sets the school apart? It hosts county age-group matches and has also hosted international agegroup teams in recent years. Training and match facilities are superb and other schools often comment that playing at the ground is the highlight of their fixture calendar. Repton also host IAPS festivals and other tournaments for boys and girls in various age groups. There are three ECB coaches among the staff Finest moment on the field U12 girls were recently crowned U13 indoor county champions for the first time Recent progress The introduction of girls’ cricket has been a revelation at the school, already going from strength to strength, with a huge rise in the number of girls playing both within school and externally at clubs Tours The 1st XI toured Ireland in 2019, playing fixtures against Terenure Cricket Club and Railway Union Cricket Club. Plans were in place to tour North Yorkshire during summer 2020, taking in fixtures with Aysgarth and Barnard Castle Schools. They hope to rearrange this tour for 2021

ROKEBY PREP SCHOOL // SEDBERGH PREP SCHOOL

SEDBERGH PREP SCHOOL Established 1976 Number of pupils 183 Master in charge Martin Speight Director of sport Rupert Bunday Teams U13ABC, U11AB, U9 Girls’ cricket Started in 2019/20 and had fixtures for the first time in the summer, only for the pandemic to prevent them from being played Lockdown initiatives The school set up training drills that all students – boys and girls – could access. They were also allowed to borrow tennis balls in order to practise How will cricket bounce back? Sedbergh already had winter nets and activities in place for children of all abilities throughout the year, and plan to get them up and running as soon as they are able to do so. The school is aiming for summer term fixtures as per usual Number of, and notable, fixtures The school plays between 45 and 50 fixtures each summer, depending on success in the Bunbury and IAPS Cups

keeper/batsman and is involved with Yorkshire at U12 level Cricketers of note One former pupil involved in the Lancashire Academy and one former pupil a professional with Lancashire CCC Cultural cricketers Sam Stuart (Newcastle), Josh Hodge (Exeter), Carwyn Tuipolotu (Scarlets), Will Hayden-Wood and Rob Farrar (Newcastle), Bevan Rodd (Sale) Brief history Qualified for the U13 Bunbury Cup National Rounds for the first time in 2011. Since then they have been in the National Rounds ever since, reaching the north final seven years out of the past nine. Only once have they gone further, losing to Warwick School at the semi-final stage in 2013. In 2011 Sedbergh were runners-up at the National 8-a-side Hardball Final, held at Repton School, losing to Rokeby School What sets the school apart? Sedbergh held a first- class county fixture on the main pitch last summer, Lancashire v Durham. There were more county games scheduled there this summer. The prep school has often played their big cup matches on the same pitch Finest moment on the field Beating

Facilities One grass square, two astro outdoor nets, one indoor net, use of a sports hall and a school astro for younger age-groups. The school also uses the senior school facilities Club/county affiliation Until the demise of Sedbergh Cricket Club, the prep school had a strong relationship with the club, providing players through the junior season, and gaining some local success Best prospect Harry Temperton is a

Millfield on tour in 2013. The game went to the wire; the boys held their nerve fielding with Chris Park-Johnson taking a fine catch on the boundary Recent progress Girls are now playing cricket during the winter Future plans Girls’ cricket as well as girls playing in the boys’ teams, additional facilities to cope Tours May 2019 to Somerset to play two club sides. May 2020 to Midlands to play two school sides (cancelled)

Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Cumbria LA6 2SG

ROKEBY PREP SCHOOL George Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7PB Established 1877 Master in charge Rob Williams Professional Andy Gannaway Teams At least two fixtures had been arranged for 44 different teams Girls’ cricket Rokeby Prep is an all-boys school but have hosted Holy Cross Girls Prep School, Kingston Lockdown initiatives The school put together a 12-week programme of coaching videos. A virtual match during half-term against Cranmore saw two cricket-related tasks set (one by each school). More than 140 Rokeby pupils participated in the win How will cricket bounce back? The school did not rule out playing in September and October, pending government guidelines. Efforts from pupils through lockdown suggests that no enthusiasm has been lost Number of, and notable, fixtures Since 2011 to the current day Rokeby have played 906 matches. Across the board, the school plays – on average – 160 per season, including block fixtures with Shrewsbury House, Parkside, Downsend and Danes Hill. In addition, on three tours to Sri Lanka, they have played against The Foundation of Goodness Academy three times. The most notable match-up is the annual block fixture with Cranmore School, East Horsley, where 24 matches take place over the course of a week. The two schools have been contesting The Phillips Travers Trophy for 12 years, although the fixture itself has been running for as long as Cranmore is old: 50 this year Facilities The school has a multipurpose hall which is used for indoor work and three astro nets based at the school site on George Road, where pre-school training takes place five days a week. At the school’s main

sports grounds, there are four squares, three of which have an astro pitch Club/county affiliation Surrey CCC and participates in all age-group Surrey Schools Cricket Association competitions. Local clubs including Wimbledon, Spencer, Sunbury, Esher, Teddington, Hampton Wick, NPL Teddington and Malden Wanderers Best prospects Dougie Beckett scored 350 runs in the 1st XI in 2019 as a year 7 pupil, while Ethan Patel, also in Year 7 in 2019, took 20 wickets Cricketers of note Joe Porter (Surrey), Luke Harrington-Myers (Cayman Islands) Cultural cricketers Oliver Reed, Richard Briers Brief history It was not until the school reached an agreement with Malden Wanderers in 1985 to use their pitches that cricket took off. Numerous competitions have been won, including the Charterhouse 6s, Wellington College 6s and Rokeby 6s. The 1st XI have won the Surrey Prep Schools Cup three times and the Surrey Schools Cricket Association Cup twice. The U11A XI have won the SPS Cup twice and the SSCA Cup once. They have also reached the national finals of the ESCA eight-aside competition three times What sets the school apart? Hosting of England Deaf and county deaf matches. A century bat records every hundred for Rokeby since 1994 Finest moment on the field In 2011 the U11 eight-a-side team won the national title out of over 330 schools Future plans To install electronic ‘smart’ scoreboards Tours They were due to Oliver Reed tour South Africa in March and April until the pandemic forced its delay

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TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS SHREWSBURY HOUSE 107 Ditton Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6RL Established 1865 Number of pupils 350, all boys Master in charge Danny Baker Teams 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th XIs, U11ABCDE, U10ABCDE, U9ABCDEF, U8ABCDEF Lockdown initiatives Online resources, including dedicated lessons and an array of instructional and challenge-led videos on Google Classroom. Live-streamed lesson to pupils and families How will cricket bounce back? Skill awards, junior award, senior pupil-led delivery and extended house cricket for 2021. Pupils played in September, including intra-school games Number of, and notable, fixtures More than 150. Notable match-ups include games against Whitgift, Trinity, St Paul’s, King’s College Wimbledon and Danes Hill. Tournaments at Winchester, Tonbridge, Wellington, Harrow, Reeds and Charterhouse Facilities The school site has a 4G

SPRATTON HALL Smith Street, Spratton, Northamptonshire NN6 8HP Established 1951 Number of pupils 385 Head of boys’ games Gareth Barnard Head of girls’ games Sarah Blason Teams 13 boys’ teams; 11 girls’ teams Girls’ cricket Now in its third year as the major summer sport for girls:11 teams play around 60 matches; girls start playing in Year 2 with matches from Year 4. The U13 girls’ 1st team won the Lady Taverners indoor county finals held at Northamptonshire CCC in March Lockdown initiatives The school

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all-weather-surface, as well as four indoor and two outdoor nets. At the sports ground there are five outdoor nets and a main field, which is also used by Wimbledon CC Club/county affiliation Strong links with Surrey CCC and Wimbledon CC, as well as Chessington CC (who use the indoor nets to train) and Maori Oxshott CC (who use the fields) Best prospect Year 5 pupil Charlie Hulme is a left-arm quick, while George Hennessey is an allrounder. Joshy Wight, who like Hennessey is in Year 8, is an accomplished leg-spinner Cultural cricketers Lord MacLaurin, Stirling Moss Brief history Cricket has been played at the school since at least 1897. In 1899, an old boy of the school, Claude Jupp, played for Surbiton CC against MCC and was caught off the bowling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The first interschool match was played on June 2 1897 against Sydenham School. Cricket continued during the wars. During World War II, when half of the school moved to Devon and half remained in Surbiton, the ‘two schools’ played against each other. Cricket continued to grow at the created a bank of tasks and challenges for pupils to watch online then practise and try at home. Pupils were also encouraged to design games How will cricket bounce back? Correspondence with other schools has been maintained to ensure that there will be future fixtures and areas to practise. Festivals will be arranged for pupils where they can compete within year groups and between houses to maintain competitive spirit Number of, and notable, fixtures Boys play 90 including Witham Hall, Winchester House, Bilton Grange and Oakham. Among the 60 played by girls’ teams are v Wellingborough, NHS, Beachborough, Winchester House Facilities 12 grass wickets, two

SHREWSBURY HOUSE // SPRATTON HALL

school through the 1970s and 80s and one of the biggest wins came in 1986 when SHS scored 130 for 4 against Rokeby then bowled them out for 11 What sets the school apart? The school was involved in one of the first ever interschool prep school matches, played in 1897. All pupils play competitive interschool matches during their time at Shrewsbury House; this is reflected in their tours as well. Every other year, senior boys can opt in on a tour to the Caribbean, which is never selected but rather open to any pupil who wants to join Finest moment on the field The school won the Winchester College U12 tournament in 2017 and 2018.

They are also eight-time winners of the Surrey Prep Schools Cup, fourtime winners of the Surrey Watcyn Evans Cup, four-time winners of the Tonbridge U11, and three-time winners of the Wellington U11 Recent progress Baker, who has previous coaching experience with Israel, Afghanistan, Cuba and England’s blind team, has brought a new energy to cricket at the school Future plans Playing surfaces, nets and other areas have all been refurbished. In 2021 work on a new pavilion will begin Tours At least two teams of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils are booked to tour St Lucia in the spring of 2021

wickets on the hockey astro pitch, four artificial wickets, three grass cage nets, eight artificial nets Club/county affiliation Spratton Hall has links with Northamptonshire CCC and Leicestershire CCC via their coaches, and pupils playing for county teams. Pupils represent a number of different clubs outside of school Best prospects Edward Green is a promising seamer and middle-order batsman, while Year 8 allrounder Emily Beaumont is another to watch Cricketers of note Rob White (Northants) Cultural cricketers Tenniel Evans (actor), Mark Haddon (author), Michael Ellis (MP), Harry Mallinder, Robbie Povey (both rugby) Brief history Boys’ cricket has been played since 1951, with girls’ since 2018. Competitive matches start in Year 4 where pupils play pairs cricket, and this continues on to the hard ball. All pupils compete in matches, which is part of their philosophy of cricket for all. Spratton have always produced players who have represented their county through different age-groups What sets the school apart? The school encourages excellence, with

eight main coaches between girls and boys. Their facilities are exceptional and are regularly used by junior county age-groups for their matches Finest moment on the field The boys’ 1st XI went unbeaten in 2017, winning 10 out of 10 matches. The first-ever Spratton Hall girls’ 1st XI went unbeaten in 2018 Recent progress There is great pride from the school in the success of their girls’ programme and the subsequent success of the 1st team in becoming U13 county champions. Boys’ and girls’ cricket is equally resourced and they also now practise together, resulting in both being selected for county and district teams. Spratton also run a popular after-school club Future plans Spratton plan to work with local schools to allow them to use their facilities and coaching. They also want to add more T20 games to encourage more reluctant players, as well as intending to hold cricket festivals for their C and D teams Tours The boys’ 1st XI toured Norfolk in 2019, playing Beeston Hall and Greshams. The girls’ equivalent toured Notts, playing Nottingham High School and Loughborough High

ST ANDREW’S PREP, EASTBOURNE

ST ANDREW’S PREP, EASTBOURNE Meads Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 7RP Established 1877 Number of pupils 360 Master in charge Mark Tomsett Professionals James Tredwell (Kent, England) and Rob Ferley (Kent, Notts) both coach at the school Teams 13 boys’ teams; nine girls’ Girls’ cricket The main summer sport for girls, with weekly fixtures and games lessons. The school has followed the Cricket for Girls programme, establishing nine teams in the process. They have two county players and are developing links with local clubs. Within the next two years it is hoped that the 1st XI will progress onto hardball cricket

Master in charge Mark Tomsett

Lockdown initiatives St Andrew’s Prep put together online cricket challenges, with coaching points offered on a weekly basis. It also offered pupils cricket-specific fitness videos to complete How will cricket bounce back? The winter programme is being offered ahead of a return to normality in the 2021 summer Number of, and notable, fixtures 70 for boys; 50 for girls – all on a competitive list against other leading cricket prep schools in the South East Facilities St Andrew’s forms part of Eastbourne College Incorporated. As a result, facilities are shared across both schools. It boasts eight indoor nets across the two sites, eight astro outdoor nets, three grass wicket pitches on St Andrew’s school site and four further grounds at Eastbourne College Club/county affiliation The school has close links with Eastbourne CC as a number of pupils play for them. They also have links with Sussex Cricket Foundation, while they sponsor East Dean CC – a small, local club which focuses on junior development Brief history Cricket is the main summer sport played at St Andrew’s Prep. With the introduction of girls’ cricket last year, they now field 22 teams in 130 fixtures per season.

Their boys’ team were Sussex U12 Champions in 2017. In 2018, as a result of winning the Sussex Cup, the school was entered into the Bunbury U13 National Cup as the Sussex representatives. In 2019, the 1st XI finished third in the U13 IAPS National Knockout Cup, also winning the U13 Sussex Cup Finest moment on the field

The two standout moments from the recent past are the U12 boys becoming county champions in 2017 and, two years later, finishing third in the IAPS National Knockout Cup Recent progress The development of girls’ cricket acts as a key sign of recent progress, as well as on-field results for boys and girls alike in 2019

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ST ANDREW’S SCHOOL, PANGBOURNE // ST FAITH’S SCHOOL

ST ANDREW’S SCHOOL, PANGBOURNE

autumn term, along with a winter net preparation in games lessons during the spring to prepare players for the summer Number of, and notable, fixtures The school plays nine weeks of fixtures, with teams playing between nine and 12 games each. Most notable match-ups come against St Piran’s, Abingdon, Horris Hill, The Oratory Prep and Sunningdale. In a normal year St Andrew’s also host a game involving old boys and teaching staff. Facilities In June 2018 St Andrew’s officially opened its new £4m Sports Centre, accommodating a sports hall large enough for a full size tennis court, netball court, four badminton

courts or a 5-a-side football pitch and with retractable cricket nets and access to all relevant posts. The school has seven grass pitches and, on occasions, the younger teams play on the astro pitch. There are four nets in the sports hall and two outdoor Club/county affiliation St Andrew’s supports local primary schools and clubs through the sharing of resources and facilities. They are also working to establish links with local clubs to improve sport locally. These clubs include Bradfield CC and Pangbourne and

Whitchurch CC, who both use the school’s facilities. A number of the pupils also play county age-group cricket for Berkshire Brief history Cricket has been played at the school since its opening in 1934 and enjoyed a rich history of cricket tradition. The school has always consistently produced strong cricket sides and certainly punched above its weight for many years Recent progress The school was disappointed that the pandemic meant the postponement of the annual girls’ Super 6s tournament hosted by the school since starting in 2018. However, they have been pleased with the level of uptake and commitment to weekly cricket challenges set out in the remote learning programme during lockdown Future plans The school has plans to engage in a community outreach initiative with local primary schools to access the facilities and provide new sporting opportunities that they might not necessarily access during their normal school day

sessions being put on. They were also encouraged to send videos of their practice to coaches, for feedback Trumpington Road, Cambridge How will cricket bounce back? CB2 8AG Furthering relationships with clubs and local primary schools, as well as Established 1884 organising holiday camps alongside Number of pupils 550 extra sessions on Saturday mornings Master in charge John Welch Number of, and notable, fixtures Teams Boys: U12/U13 (mixed) All boys and girls from Years 3 to 8 play ABCD, U11ABC, U10ABCD, fixtures. Each U11/12/13 team – boys U9ABCD, U8ABCD; Girls: U12/ or girls – plays between 8–12 games a U13 (mixed) ABCD, U11ABCD, season. In Year 5 teams play between U10ABCD, U9ABCD, U8ABCD 3–5 matches, with 3–4 in Year 4. In Girls’ cricket Every girl can play from Year 3 pupils play 1–2 games: Bedford, Year 1 to Year 8; matches from Year 3 Culford, Felsted, Bishop’s Stortford, upwards. The school was the first in New Hall, The Perse, St John’s, its area to fully convert from rounders King’s College School, Stamford and to cricket six years ago. Since then the Wellingborough, as well as cups girls’ 1st XI have lost just three games, Facilities 10 outdoor nets, 2 indoor, while the U11 girls have been county 8 Kwik Cricket pitches, champions for five years 4 grass, 4 badminton Lockdown initiatives court-sized sports hall Any pupil from Year pitches 3 could take home Club/county affiliation equipment so they could Cambridgeshire CCC, practise at home. Every Cambridge CC, First pupil in the school was Choice Coaching also able to join online Cricket Company weekly live ‘cricket Master in charge Cricketers of note active’ sessions, as well Justin Benson (Ireland) as weekly online tactical John Welch

Cultural cricketers Sir Christopher Cockerell, Professor Lord Robert Mair, Sir John Tusa, Tom Williams, Alastair Bruce-Ball, John Maynard Keynes, Professor David Thouless, John Storey, John Peake, Alex Goode, Tessa Howard, Katie Curtis Brief history Ranjitsinhji came to the school to acclimatise before heading onto Cambridge University What sets the school apart? Investment ensuring every boy and girl in every team is taught by a specialist. It has also organised County Cup A and B team tournaments Finest moment on the field The

unbeaten South Africa 2009 tour Recent progress The U11Bs won the Cambridgeshire Kwik Cricket competition, while the boys’ 1st XI reached the last 16 of the IAPS National Knockout. The girls’ U11 A team won the County Cup. U13 girls’ indoor side qualified for the regional finals. U11 boys came second in last year’s ESCA National Competition Future plans Year festivals for local primary schools. Inset programmes for local teachers to share ideas Tour A sporting (including cricket), musical and cultural tour of South Africa in spring 2021

Buckhold, Pangbourne, Reading, Berkshire RG8 8QA Established 1934 Number of pupils 290-300 Director of sport James Mortimore Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, Colts ABCD, U9AB, U8AB; Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U11AB, U10AB, U9AB, U8AB Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket is offered at St Andrew’s and was introduced into the summer games timetable in 2019, complementing netball, lacrosse, hockey, athletics, tennis, climbing and swimming Lockdown initiatives Weekly cricketing challenges were provided by the cricket department. The challenges had different levels including a Super Six, Fantastic Four, Daring Double and Solid Single. The pupils then recorded their achievements on their Test Challenge scorecard How will cricket bounce back? A strong emphasis was placed on cricketing skills in PE lessons in the

ST FAITH’S SCHOOL

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TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

ST PETER’S, YORK 8-13

ST PETER’S, YORK 8-13 Clifton, York, Yorkshire YO30 6AB Established 627 AD Number of pupils 1,100 Master in charge Gareth Sharp Teams Boys: U13ABC, U12ABC, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC Girls’ cricket U9–U11, with senior programme also running. All teams have fixtures and take part in tournaments. The inaugural six-team Kia Summer Smash was held in 2019, featuring coloured kit and pink balls Lockdown initiatives Drills, games and fitness exercises online. Dice Cricket took the place of Saturday fixtures, run by the pupils via Zoom. Captains from every year group organised their teams How will cricket bounce back? A programme for pupils aged eight to 18, with prep and senior school training, intra-school tournaments and competitive inter-school fixtures with MCC, Yorkshire Gentlemen, the old boys etc Number of, and notable, fixtures Between 20 and 25 fixtures a week from U9 through to U18.

Notable fixtures include Sedbergh, Ampleforth, Durham School, Worksop, MCC and Yorkshire Cricket Academy Facilities Two sports halls, eight bowling machines, eight-lane artificial net area, 10 grass nets, three turf cricket grounds – all with covers, one artificial ground. Coaches are qualified at ECB Level 4, 3 and 2 level Club/county affiliation Yorkshire Diamonds, Yorkshire CCC, York CC

Best prospect Wills Benninson opens the batting and bowls leg spin Cricketers of note Jonny Bairstow (England, Yorks), Norman Yardley (Yorks, England), Stephen Coverdale (Yorks, Northants), Frank Mitchell (Yorks), David Kirby (Leics) Cultural cricketers Guy Fawkes, Frank Pick (administrator), Harry Gration (journalist), Greg Wise (actor) and John Barry (composer) Brief history “Older than the

House of Commons, older than the Universities, older than the Lord Mayoralty, older even than the throne or nation itself,” Arthur F Leach, November 1892.The first recorded game of cricket played at St Peter’s was in 1853 when the School XI played Pocklington. Cricket lies at the centre of the sporting calendar in the summer term throughout the school. The 1st XI play their games under the watchful eye of York Minster, with all junior grounds idyllically situated on the banks of the River Ouse What sets the school apart? Yorkshire Diamonds use St Peter’s as their training base for six weeks in the summer. The Kia Summer Smash Northern Festival was held at the school in 2019, but cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 Finest moment on the field The U13 team have been IAPS Cup finalists in nine of the last 10 years, winning on three occasions. Ben Lodge struck 6 sixes in an over in 2018, while Matthew Roberts hit 108 not out off 45 balls in a T20 in 2019 Recent progress St Peter’s Super8s Future plans New pavilion in 2022/23 Tours South Africa October 2019

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We love sport and we’re proud of what our boys achieve from team to more individual sports – fitness, fun and for all. Many compete at county and national level with four former pupils currently representing England or GB. We offer a wide range of sports to enjoy with great coaching and outstanding facilities: all-weather pitch, playing fields, sports hall and swimming pool. Something for everyone!

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newbeacon.org.uk The New Beacon, Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2PB

TAUNTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL // THE NEW BEACON

TAUNTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD Established 1990 Number of pupils 305 Master in charge Peter Sanderson Professional Marcus Trescothick Teams Boys: 1st, 2nd XIs, U13ABCD, U12ABC, U11ABC, U10AB, U9AB; Girls: U13ABC, U12ABC, U11ABC, U10AB, U9AB; U8 play in mixed 7-a-side matches Girls’ cricket Cricket is now the major summer game for girls: 15 are in the Somerset pathway programme Lockdown initiatives A varied online programme including virtual team/group discussions, tactical scenarios, debates on cricketing formats such as The Hundred and world best XIs. Drills, skill challenges, quizzes and mental training skills. Trescothick and other cricketing staff were involved How will cricket bounce back? They see no issues with the cricket programme going forward, given how great a part of the school cricket is

THE NEW BEACON Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2PB Established 1863 Number of pupils 333, all boys Director of sport Ian Buchanan-Dunlop Teams U13, U11, U10, U9 – at least four teams in each age-group Lockdown initiatives Video demonstrations for PE lessons and daily challenges were sent for pupils to attempt How will cricket bounce back? The school plans to carry on from where it left off; several of its pupils play for

Headmaster Mike Piercy

Number of, and notable, fixtures King’s Hall, Millfield Prep and Hazlegrove. They also play visiting schools from Moulsford, St John’s Leatherhead, Abingdon, Bromsgrove, Reigate and St Michael’s Jersey Facilities Shared school facilities means that all pupils in the different schools can practise on grass. 12 grass net pitches which are split into 4 bays, 15 artificial nets including 7 indoor lanes. The main hall can be used for hardball indoor matches. The school has six main squares but they also play on extra pitches created by

groundstaff on other sports pitches; these are called ‘Rabbit’ pitches. Across these different net facilities, there is access to use three bowling machines, including a Merlyn Club/county affiliation Somerset CCC and CB; Cornwall and Devon CCC; Western Storm Best prospect Among the 41 players from the school in the county pathway programme, U13 bowler Kian Roberts is seen as the brightest prospect – he plays in the age-group above his own and is on the Somerset CCC junior academy and bowling programme

Cricketers of note Tom Abell, Adam Dibble, Ricky Bartlett, Nick Pringle, Alan Marshall, Piran Holloway (all Somst), Jodie Dibble (England, Somst, Western Storm), Aftab Habib (England & Leics), John Jameson (England & Warks), Tom Jameson (Warks), John Cameron (West Indies), Jack White (England, Somst) Cultural cricketers Geoffrey Cox (MP), Alan Gibson (cricket writer), Jeremy Wright (Attorney General) Brief history Cricket is a central part of life at the school. International and county players have been produced; the best known is Abell, a regular visitor to the school. In 2016 Taunton School made the decision to appoint a director of cricket in Peter Sanderson. He runs cricket throughout from Year 3 to senior sides What sets the school apart? The links to Somerset and the leadership from Sanderson and Trescothick Recent progress The county pathway players from Somerset, Cornwall, Devon and Hong Kong have increased to 63 Future plans Upgrading outdoor nets; possibility of an indoor centre Tours Overseas tour/Cornwall

local clubs and at district level Number of, and notable, fixtures On average teams play 10 fixtures per age-group, plus knockout competitions at national and county level. The school travels some distance to have a full, competitive fixture list Facilities Four all-weather cricket nets, one grass wicket, three allweather wickets, one all-weather pitch, one sports hall for indoor cricket Club/county affiliation The school has close connections with The Vine CC, Holmesdale CC, the Sevenoaks District and Kent CCC Cricketers of note Sam Billings, Zak Crawley (both Kent & England) Cultural cricketers Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles (diplomat), Sir Patrick Mayhew (politician), Sir Tim Laurence (Royal Navy), Siegfried Sassoon (poet) Brief history A 1901 team photo shows Sassoon playing for the 1st XI and cricket has continued to be a strength of the school. Over the last 40 years, The New Beacon has become one of the leading cricket schools in Kent. The school has won the former JET National Cricket Cup

and has been to Finals Day on two occasions, beating Millfield in the final in 2007. The school has also won the U11 and U12 Kent Cup on many occasions, with the U11 side in the final every year since 2000 What sets the school apart? The school possesses a terrific wicket, a beautiful setting and a newly refurbished pavilion. On top of that, two former pupils are currently playing for England and Kent Finest moment on the field

Winning the JET National competition, beating Millfield in the final in 2007, was one highlight. The U11 side making it to the Kent Cup final every year for the past 20 years is a remarkable achievement. They have won the last nine Recent progress The school is proud to have maintained the high standard it set decades ago Future plans A newly refurbished pavilion has been completed, but is awaiting its first use thecricketer.com | 145

TOP 50 JUNIOR/PREP SCHOOLS

WELLINGTON PREP SCHOOL // WESTBROOK HAY PREP SCHOOL

WESTBROOK HAY PREP SCHOOL London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 2RF

WELLINGTON PREP SCHOOL Wellington, Somerset TA21 8NT Established 1999 Number of pupils 203 Director of sport Nigel Renyard Professionals Steffan Jones (Somerset, Northants, Derbyshire, Rajasthan Royals bowling coach), Paul Lawrence, Caroline Foster (England Women) Teams Boys: U11ABCD, U10ABCD; Girls: U11ABC, U10ABC; Mixed: U9ABCDE, U8ABCD Girls’ cricket Girls train and play alongside the boys. The school only plays cricket rather than rounders, so the girls receive the same training. Caroline Foster, who played for England Women and is a member of the coaching staff, is an inspirational role model for the girls Lockdown initiatives The school posted online cricket skill challenges for pupils to keep themselves engaged with the summer sports

programme during lockdown. They were then able to send in video clips of themselves doing the activities How will cricket bounce back? Wellington Prep offers year-round training for cricket and this will continue next year. They were also considering playing cricket in September and October, depending on government and ECB 146 | thecricketer.com

official guidance Number of, and notable, fixtures The number of fixtures varies from year group to year group. The U11 sides typically play 10 games in a season, with their most notable match-ups coming against Blundell’s Prep School Facilities Sports hall with three full size indoor nets, 10 grass nets, three cricket grounds. At Prep School level, there can be six matches going on at any one time. Club/county affiliation Close links with Somerset CCC, as well as local clubs. These include Wellington CC, Taunton St Andrews CC and Tiverton Heathcoat CC Cricketers of note Alisa Scantlebury (West Indies Women) Brief history Cricket was first played at Wellington Prep School when it first opened its doors in 1999. Since then, the game has grown in popularity, with more children playing from year to year. As a Prep School, they pioneered the introduction of girls’ cricket, hosting coaching courses for female sports coaches from the local area to introduce them to coaching cricket What sets the school apart? They host a number of schoolboy county matches, supporting the player development of counties such as Cornwall. The school has also hosted a charity match for Lashings, raising money for good causes Finest moment on the field The school is proud of giving girls the opportunity to play alongside their male classmates in training and in matches. They simply select the best 11 players Recent progress Pupils remained engaged during the remote learning cricket coaching Future plans They are looking to enhance links with Wellington CC, Taunton St Andrews CC and Tiverton Heathcoat CC Tours The school is looking to run a domestic tour in 2021

Established 1892 Number of pupils 352 Masters in charge Stuart Stedman, Peter Makower, John James Teams Three U13 teams; Boys: U11ABCDEF, U9 ABCDEFGH; Girls U11ABCD, U9ABCD; also play mixed cricket Girls’ cricket Girls play with boys and also in their own sides Lockdown initiatives Coaches ran one or two cricket specific lessons per week online through Google Classroom and Zoom. This included using videos from Cricket for Girls and Chance to Shine among others, plus live demonstrations from staff members How will cricket bounce back? They plan to run an intensive afterschool cricket programme in the spring term for pupils from Year 3 to Year 8. John Neal, head of coach development at the ECB, is a former teacher at the school. The school have started to link up with him about how to develop the game further. It is hoped that he might be involved in the first week of the 2021 summer term, as had been planned in 2020. In the meantime, they are pressing ahead internally, mixed in with athletics and swimming. Nets have been set up, as well as the school’s three main squares. They plan to continue playing for as long as the weather holds Number of, and notable, fixtures The number of fixtures ranges per team with senior sides playing up to 10

matches. The most notable fixture is the local derby against Lockers Park. Facilities Two main grass pitches, one Astro wicket, four junior wickets, three Astro nets (all outside). There are also two indoor nets Club/county affiliation They have links to the Herts Schools’ Cricket Association Best prospect Charlie Brett, currently in Year 6, has been signed up to Northamptonshire’s Academy programme. He is a stylish allrounder and would have captained the U11A side in 2020 Cricketers of note Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire, England) Cultural cricketers Luke O’Nien (footballer), Raef Bjayou (entrepreneur, television presenter), Deji Olatunji (YouTuber) Brief history The school has two picturesque grounds and a dedicated staff who believe cricket should be available for all, meaning that every pupil represents the school in matches. Pupils are regularly part of the county squad, while recent success has been seen in winning the U11 County Cup in 2012, 2014 and 2015 What sets the school apart? Cricket is played on four days a week during the summer term, with indoor and outdoor facilities always in use Finest moment on the field The school has won the County Cup three times in four years in recent years. Recent progress The development of the girls’ cricket programme has been particularly good to see, with more taking the game up outside of school too Future plans There are plans to play more mixed cricket; given the success of girls’ cricket, they hope to develop the coaching side as well

HIGHLY COMMENDED

The following schools entered a submission to The Cricketer Schools Guide 2021 but unfortunately just missed out on the top 100 or top 50. However, their cricket programme has been highly commended and we look forward to hearing of their progress in the future.

Senior schools

Aldenham School Bedford Modern School Beechen Cliff Bolton School Bradford Grammar School Bryanston School Canford School Cheadle Hulme School Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School Christ’s Hospital Colston’s School Culford School Dauntsey’s School Denstone College Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Eltham College Ernest Bevin College George Watson’s College Giggleswick School Hampton School King Edward VI School, Southampton King Edward’s School, Birmingham Langley Park School for Boys Latymer Upper School Leicester Grammar School

Loretto School Loughborough Grammar School Magdalen College School Milton Abbey Mount Kelly Norton Knatchbull Grammar School Norwich School Pocklington School Prince Henry’s High School Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield Queen’s College, Taunton Ratcliffe College Reading Blue Coat School Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe Royal Grammar School, Newcastle Seaford College Sherborne School Solihull School St Albans School St George’s College, Weybridge St Paul’s School Stewart’s Melville College Sutton Valence School The Cathedral School, Llandaff The King’s School in Macclesfield The Perse School

The Royal Hospital School, Ipswich Trinity School, Croydon University College School Uppingham School Wallington County Grammar School Wellingborough School Wells Cathedral School West Buckland School Wilmslow High School, Cheshire Wilson’s School Woodbridge School Wrekin College Wycliffe College

Prep/junior schools Aldro Ashford Prep School Berkhamsted Prep Blundell’s Prep Cheam School Cranleigh Prep School Cumnor House, Sussex Dorset House School Fairfield Prep School Felsted Prep Feltonfleet School

Hall Grove School Holmewood House Latymer Prep Lockers Park Newland House School Orwell Park Papplewick School Pinewood School Prospect House School Royal Grammar School, Newcastle Junior School Saint Ronan’s St Hughs St Johns’ Beaumont St Paul’s Juniors Stamford Junior School Stroud School Sunningdale Prep The Elms Twyford School Wellesley House Wellingborough Prep School West Hill Park School Westbourne House Wetherby Prep Witham Hall School Woodcote House School

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INDEX Top 100 senior schools

20 21 21 22 24 26 27 29 29 30 31 33 33 34 35 37 37 38 40 40 41 41 42 42 43 46 46 47 47 49 49 50 50 51 51 52 52 53 53 54 54 55 55 56 58 58 59 59 60 60 62 62 63 65 65 66 66 67

Abingdon School Ashford School Bede’s School Bedford School Berkhamsted School Birkenhead School Bishop’s Stortford College Blundell’s School Bradfield College Brentwood School Brighton Aldridge Community Academy Brighton College Bromsgrove School Burford School Caterham School Charterhouse Cheltenham College Clayesmore School Clifton College Cranleigh School Dollar Academy Dulwich College Dunottar School Durham School Eastbourne College Elizabeth College, Guernsey Ellesmere College Emanuel School Epsom College Eton College Felsted School Fettes College Forest School Framlingham College Gresham’s School Haileybury Harrow School Huddersfield New College Hurstpierpoint College Kimbolton School King’s College School, Wimbledon King’s College, Taunton Lancaster Royal Grammar School Lancing College Lord Wandsworth College Malvern College Marlborough College Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood Millfield School Monmouth School for Boys Myerscough College New Hall School Newcastle-under-Lyme School Oakham School Oundle School Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall Radley College Reed’s School

67 68 68 69 70 71 71 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 78 78 80 80 81 82 84 86 86 87 88 90 90 91 91 92 92 93 93 94 94 95 95 96 96 97 97

Reigate Grammar School Repton School Royal Grammar School, Guildford Rugby School Sedbergh School Sevenoaks School Shenfield High School Shrewsbury School Simon Langton Grammar School South Dartmoor Community College South Gloucestershire and Stroud College St Edward’s School, Oxford St Joseph’s College, Ipswich St Lawrence College St Peter’s School, York Stamford School Stowe School Taunton School The Bishop’s Stortford High School The Canterbury Academy The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School The John Lyon School The Judd School The King’s School, Worcester The Leys The Manchester Grammar School The Oratory School The Portsmouth Grammar School The Skinners’ School Tiffin School Tonbridge School Trent College Warwick School Watford Grammar School for Boys Wellington College Wellington School Whitgift School William Perkin School Winchester College Woodhouse Grove School Worksop College Worth School

Top 20 all-girls schools 100 101 101 102 103 105 105 106 108 108 109 109 110 110

Benenden School Chelmsford County High School for Girls Denmark Road High School for Girls, Gloucester Didcot Girls’ School Guildford High School Lady Eleanor Holles School Loughborough High School Mayfield School Old Palace of John Whitgift School Queenswood Roedean School St Catherine’s, Bramley St Helen and St Katharine St Swithun’s School, Winchester

111 111 112 112 113 113

Stamford High School Surbiton High School The Godolphin & Latymer School The Stephen Perse Foundation Wallington High School for Girls Wimbledon High School

Top 50 prep/junior schools 116 116 117 117 118 118 119 120 120 121 121 122 122 123 125 125 126 127 129 129 130 130 131 131 132 132 133 133 134 134 135 135 136 136 137 137 138 138 139 139 140 140 141 143 143 144 145 145 146 146

Abingdon Preparatory School Aysgarth School Beaudesert Park School Bedford Preparatory School Bilton Grange Birkenhead Prep School Bishop’s Stortford College Prep Brentwood Prep Brighton College Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School Bromsgrove Preparatory School Caldicott School Cargilfield School Cheltenham College Prep School Clayesmore Prep Cothill House Cranmore School Cricklade Manor Cumnor House School for Boys Downsend School Dragon School Eagle House Elstree School Fettes College Prep Great Walstead School Gresham’s Prep School Highfield and Brookham Schools Hurstpierpoint College Prep School King’s Hall School Lambrook Ludgrove School Merchant Taylors’ Prep Millfield Prep Moulsford Nottingham Academy Primary Orley Farm School Packwood Haugh Prestfelde Prep School Repton Prep Rokeby School Sedbergh Prep School Shrewsbury House Spratton Hall St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne St Andrew’s School, Pangbourne St Faith’s St Peter’s, York 8-13 Taunton Preparatory School The New Beacon Wellington School Prep Westbrook Hay Prep School

Inclusion in the guide: every year we invite schools across the country to submit their entries. Having collated the entries the judging panel scrutinises the schools against a number of criteria including facilities, fixture programmes and coaching set-up to determine which should be included in the top 100 senior schools, top 20 all-girls schools and top 50 prep and junior schools. We can, of course, only include the schools who submit an entry – so if you believe your school is worthy of consideration please do make sure you submit via www.thecricketer.com/schoolsguide or by emailing us at magazine@thecricketer.com 148 | thecricketer.com

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Recently completed projects by Durant Cricket Durant Cricket install a wide range of products across the UK. Our most recent work includes:

Bradfield College The installation of a five-bay retractable netting system, surfacing and exterior fencing

The Perse School The re-levelling of artificial nets, the installation of netting and delivery of three liveried cover units

Winchester College The supply and installation of Gerflor Taraflex Performance surface and court markings along with a four-bay netting system

St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College The installation and surfacing of a four-bay fully enclosed netting system, and the installation of an LED electronic scoreboard

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

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