Top 20 all-girls schools

TOP 20 ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS Growth of women’s game continues

Former England international Lydia Greenway refl ects on a huge summer for women and girls’ cricket

It has been a fantastic few months for the women’s game, which continues to grow in all areas – from grassroots and schools through to the very top level.

The recent professionalisation of the regional structure has begun to have a trickle-down effect onto the rest of the sport, while performances on the pitch have been steadily improving.

Sitting just below international cricket, The Hundred still has a massive role to play, with players being exposed to big crowds, TV cameras and pressure situations. This can only help in making the jump up to the England side considerably less daunting.

The Hundred has also had an incredible impact at grassroots level. I have worked at a lot of Hundred games this year and can see the crowd for a women’s game is very different to that for a men’s game. Parents are now getting involved taking their sons and daughters to cricket, while schools and clubs have been inspired by the competition and are running more girls and women’s cricket programmes than ever before.

Thankfully, the pandemic hasn’t set the women’s game back as some had feared. Professional women’s cricket was still played – albeit in a bubble, which admittedly was a less than ideal experience – and the players still performed.

Despite fears that all the progress made in women’s sport over the preceding years would be heavily impacted, we were still able to showcase the game and fulfi l fi xtures, which was important. The World Cup in New Zealand went ahead and was broadcast to millions across the world; crucially, the women’s game was still accessible, ensuring interest remained and the game continued to grow.

Key to the whole framework of our sport is the visibility of role models. Free-to-air live cricket on the BBC has a huge impact, while Sky Sports continue to provide their own fantastic coverage. Then there are other media outlets, websites, blogs and social media that champion the game and showcase these role models.

In addition, the ECB have launched a new account called We Got Game via Instagram. It is designed to elevate the profi le of women’s cricket and welcome more young women and girls into the game to drive greater gender balance. It unites a community of like-minded young women and girls to share their passions both on and off the pitch. Continuing this investment in the game is vital both from the regions and ECB, along with other key decision makers and stakeholders in our game.

Finally, attitudes to female broadcasters are evolving. If I am commentating on a men’s game there traditionally has been a subconscious bias. When the public hear a female voice, regardless of whether they know them or not, they might question it. I am pleased to say these opinions are shifting.

Male commentators work on women’s cricket so of course there is no reason why women should not commentate on the men’s game.

The increased coverage of the women’s game has opened up more opportunities for former pros like myself, and I feel incredibly privileged to broadcast on a sport that I love. Hopefully, as our sport continues to evolve, more and more women will get the opportunity to work in the media, creating role models off the fi eld and showing schoolgirls they do not have to be an outstanding cricketer to fi nd a career path in the game.

ABOVE Girls’ cricket at Repton School BELOW Eva Gray of Oval Invincibles

Greenway is making the game more accessible for girls through the Girls Cricket Club, a place for female cricketers, built by girls, for girls, to share knowledge, resources, inspiration and opportunities. For more information visit

www.girlscricketclub.com

BENENDEN SCHOOL

Benenden, Cranbrook TN17 4AA

Established 1923 Number of pupils 550 Head of cricket Emilie Ellston Coach Liam Cook Teams 13 – U12 ABC, U13 ABC, U14 ABC, U15 ABC/senior Brief history Started playing cricket in 2018. Last summer the school transitioned to a full cricket programme with weekly fixtures for all age groups. It now provides hardball training in its new indoor cricket centre, and links are being created with local clubs and county board Fixtures 35 last season. Closest is Cranbrook Facilities 4 softball grass pitches on 250 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, 1 astro pitch, 5 indoor nets Club/county affiliation Kent CCC, Benenden and Sissinghurst clubs Best prospect Ena Clarke – played junior county cricket What sets the school apart? A positive, fun atmosphere. Great equipment and facilities Finest moment on the field Winning first match of first season v Sutton Valence who are a wellestablished cricket school. The school has had a successful summer term winning 23 fixtures Recent progress The school now has a cricket professional supporting the head of cricket Future plans Laying some astro wickets so there are more facilities to practise hardball. Links with local clubs and hope to get pupils in the county programme in the future. Plan to have a senior 1st XI and junior 1st XI who will compete in hardball fixtures throughout the summer programme. They will have access to a full winter training programme with cricket professional

CHANNING JUNIOR SCHOOL

The Bank, London N6 5HF

Established 1885 Number of pupils 336 Head of cricket Caroline Bolton Teams 8 Brief history When Bolton joined in 2016, cricket was not taught and a club did not exist. Since 2016, the school has established good links with local clubs with several girls representing counties and more attending clubs Facilities 1 large astro (4 netball courts) at the junior school. Use of a smaller astro (1 netball court), and a sports hall with 3 indoor nets. Offsite facility with 2 grass wickets. Play matches at Highgate CC and surrounding clubs Club/county affiliation Highgate CC. Their head coach Johan de Silva (also Middlesex County Coach) hosts an ‘elite’ club one evening a week What sets the school apart Their thirst for learning. Lots of the girls haven’t played much cricket before but are beginning to join clubs and watch on the TV or attend local T20/Hundred matches Finest moment on the field One pupil hitting 10 sixes in a row at a local festival. Cricket has run as a club in every term Future plans Continuing to work with Highgate CC to build the programme. Further developing the offsite fields

DENMARK ROAD HIGH SCHOOL

Denmark Rd, Gloucester GL1 3JN

Established 1883 Number of pupils 988 Head of cricket James Schofield Teams U12, U13, U14 and U15 softball; U15 and U18 hardball Brief history Cricket at Denmark Road is about giving girls of all levels a chance to play as much as possible. The most talented players play in the National T20 competitions against public schools, while the school also enters the Lady Taverners national indoor competition, as well as other softball participation-based events such as the Chance to Shine state school events Fixtures Lady Taverners indoor softball competition at U13 and U15; Chance to Shine outdoor softball competition at U13 and U15; School Sports Mag outdoor hardball competition at U15 and U18, playing Clifton, Wycliffe and Cheltenham Ladies College. Annual friendlies against local rivals King’s School, Gloucester Facilities A variety of spaces for cricket practice – a small sports hall, the tennis courts, and a field. A partnership with Kingsholm CC has been started for hardball matches Club/county affiliation Kingsholm CC, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation Best prospect Katie Jones is 16, and wicketkeeper/batter for the Gloucestershire U18 and women’s county teams. She scored more than 1,000 runs in 2022. She has also been selected as part of the Western Storm academy intake. Flo Hampton is a left-arm quick who is involved in the Elite Player Pathway at Gloucestershire What sets the school apart? Team spirit and the way the teams often have players from several year groups playing together Finest moment on the field Coming third in the country and being the only state school to make the National Finals at Lord’s in the Lady Taverners indoor softball competition in May 2019. This year the Under-15s won all their matches in the Lady Taverners indoor competition. They won all their games in qualifying for the county final, losing by just six runs in the final to Clifton College. In the outdoor hardball competition the girls made it to the last 32 of the National T20, where they lost again to Clifton College Future plans Building the relationship with Kingsholm CC and King’s School

DIDCOT GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Manor Crescent, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7AJ

Established 1958 Number of pupils 1,381 Head of cricket Avril Harris Professional Tim Haworth Teams U13, U15 Fixtures 15 a year Facilities Sports hall for softball during the winter. In the summer a grass wicket Club/county affiliation Steventon Ladies and Moreton Mavericks CC. Oxfordshire CCC Brief history Cricket was introduced at Didcot Girls’ School eight years ago What sets the school apart? Many of the girls play club and county cricket. “Women’s cricket needs more of a voice,” says Harris. “The more cricket we can provide for young girls the more it will grow and become more popular” Recent progress The improvement in skills and knowledge and development Future plans Increasing the number of fixtures, getting more game time. Progressing into bringing in hardball cricket Tour Planned trip to Lord’s

DOWNE HOUSE

Hermitage Rd, Cold Ash, Thatcham RG18 9JJ

Established 1907 Number of pupils 590 Head of cricket Tash Bott Teams 9 – U12AB, U13AB, U14AB, U15AB, Senior XI Brief history The Berkshire school established its cricket programme in 2018 and has been progressing rapidly Fixtures 22 per season. Most notable against St Edward’s, Oxford (played at Wormsley CC), U13 Schools Notices Cricket Tournament, U15 Schools Cup Tournament Facilities Flicx wicket. Space being sought for a grass wicket. Working on a five-year plan. Use of facilities at Thatcham Town CC Club/county affiliation Thatcham Town CC Best prospect Hetty Hack, a skilled wicketkeeper; Amelia O’Connor, an allrounder – a quick scorer in T20 matches, she has been involved in the county set-up Finest moment on the field The Senior XI taking to the field at Wormsley CC to play Teddies, Oxford in a T20. The school making the third round of the U15 schools cup competition Recent progress More hard ball matches. The upskilling of teachers Future plans Building of nets, both indoor and outdoor. More investment into equipment (bowling machine) and more kit for lessons and teaching. More numbers participating at Thatcham CC on a weekly basis

GUILDFORD HIGH SCHOOL

London Road, Guildford SGU1 1SJ

Established 1888 Number of pupils 900 Head of cricket Keely Harper (director of sport), Georgie Dustin (director of PE) Professional Ben Collins Teams U8ABCDE, U9ABCDE, U10ABCDE, U11ABCDE (softball); U12ABC and club, U13ABC and club, U14ABC and club, U15ABCD (softball and hardball) Fixtures Senior school: 40 a year (multiple teams playing for each); Junior school: weekly year-group fixtures Facilities 4 nets installed in sports hall. 2 squares with each containing 3 different lengths to suit junior school, U13 and U15 lengths. 2G Flicx Pitch. School uses Stoke Park CC. Bowling machine Club/county affiliation Cricket for girls – Lydia Greenway ran a holiday course for GHS girls over Easter. Surrey CCC. Blackheath, Esher, Guildford, Horsley & Send, Merrow CCs Best prospect Zara Iqbal (Year 6) talented all-round cricketer. Senior: Liv Tufts (Y8 plays for Surrey and Weybridge CC); Ellen Clarke (Y9, Surrey and Esher CC) Brief history Cricket has been an extra-curricular club for the eight years and from 2019 it has been a main curriculum sport. It has grown from one extra-curricular team to 26 What sets the school apart? A passion for the sport and desire to improve Finest moment on the field The U9s finishing 2nd out of 12 schools in the annual Surrey Starburst Festival; Winning U11 Surrey IAPS festival, and 13 out of 14 matches this summer; Senior School – Playing an U13A softball cricket match and taking five wickets in the first 10 balls; Winners of the Surrey Softball U13 League (final played in April 2022 for the season of 2021); Silver medallists in the U13 Surrey Festival (2022); runners-up in the Surrey Softball U13 League (2022); gold and bronze medallists in the U15 Surrey Festival (U14 champions beating the U15 who took bronze) Recent progress Now have a core of four cricket staff who have huge passion for the game Future plans To install 3 artificial outdoor nets Tours 2022: 24 cricketers across Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 took part in a threeday tour to Sussex, playing against Hurstpierpoint College, in internal matches and on Brighton beach; they also watched Sussex play a T20 at Hove

HEADINGTON SCHOOL

Headington Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TD

Established 1915 Number of pupils 1,064 Heads of cricket Sarah Huggins, Laura Smith and Rosalyn Porter Teams 14 – U15AB; U14AB; U13AB; U12AB, U11ABC, U10ABC Brief history Cricket has been growing over the last 20 years at Headington School, but in the last three years it has become one of the major summer sports. Matches and tournaments begin at U10 level. The senior school has several clubs and fi xtures that run each week and have begun to introduce hardball matches for the experienced cricketers Fixtures 25 to 35 a year. These include the Lady Taverners tournaments. The most notable fi xtures last year were hardball matches v St Helen’s and St Katharine’s. The inter-house tournament is popular. At the Prep School the girls have weekly fi xtures Facilities A wide range of outdoor spaces, a sports hall and Astro-turf surface. For matches, two pitches on the school fi eld for softball cricket. Access to Oxford Brookes University’s indoor nets and hire of Exeter College’s pitch Club/county a liation Oxfordshire Cricket Board runs the school’s cricket masterclass

major summer sports. Matches days. Many of the pupils and tournaments begin at U10 play for Oxfordshire level. The senior school has county squads several clubs and fi xtures that What sets the school run each week and have begun to apart? Many pupils introduce hardball matches for play club and county the experienced cricketers cricket. The team spirit 25 to 35 a is exemplary Finest moment on the fi eld The U13s won the Lady Taverners tournament in tournaments. The most notable Oxfordshire in 2020 fi xtures last year were hardball Recent progress matches v St Helen’s and St Hardball was Katharine’s. The inter-house introduced to the tournament is popular. At the school in 2021 Prep School the girls have Future plans To weekly fi xtures develop facilities to A wide range of support developing more outdoor spaces, a sports hall players for hardball. Cricket and Astro-turf surface. For masterclass days have been a matches, two pitches on the success. Looking to increase school fi eld for softball cricket. range of facilities (cricket Access to Oxford Brookes nets and grounds). University’s indoor nets and hire Strengthening of Exeter College’s pitch partnerships Club/county a liation with local Oxfordshire Cricket Board runs universities, the school’s cricket masterclass clubs and grounds

days. Many of the pupils play for Oxfordshire county squads What sets the school apart? Many pupils play club and county cricket. The team spirit is exemplary

Finest moment on the fi eld The U13s won the Lady Taverners tournament in Oxfordshire in 2020 Recent progress Hardball was introduced to the school in 2021 Future plans develop facilities to support developing more players for hardball. Cricket masterclass days have been a success. Looking to increase range of facilities (cricket nets and grounds). Strengthening partnerships with local universities, clubs and grounds

LOUGHBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

Burton Walks, Loughborough LE11 2DU

Established 1850 Number of pupils 524 Head of cricket Alice Quemby Teams U12AB, U13AB, U14AB, U15. A senior team planned for next year Brief history In recent years the transition has been made from rounders to cricket. It continues to grow with regular numbers at extra-curricular clubs across all age groups. The school now has block fi xtures compared to the odd fi xture a few years ago. There are also inter-house competitions, and indoor cricket during the winter. Links with the other schools in the foundation allow progression from prep up to senior level. Some training sessions with the boys Fixtures Most Saturdays, as well as regular midweek for all age groups during the summer term Facilities Indoor sports halls, indoor nets, outdoor nets, 5 pitches at the Quorn facility as well as the use of Loughborough Town CC Club/county a liation Loughborough Town CC – use of training ground and signposting girls to club sessions. A liation with Leicestershire CCC Best prospect Prisha Thanawala (Year 10, Loughborough Lightning academy player, Leicestershire CCC Under-15s captain and Under-18s) Finest moment on the fi eld First fi xtures played at Quorn grass pitches, a huge step Recent progress Introduction of indoor cricket. For the fi rst time the school was county indoor champions and regional indoor cricket fi nalists at both U13 and U15 Future plans A teams playing hardball. Investing in more hardball equipment. Working closely with Loughborough Town CC Tours In the pipeline

MAYFIELD SCHOOL

The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH

Established 1872 Head of cricket Emily Starr Teams U12ABC, U13ABC, U14AB, U15AB, 1st XI Facilities artificial strip, 2 outdoor nets, use of Mayfield CC Club/county affiliations Mayfield and Bells Yew Green CCs Best prospect Jessica Jolley (Sussex Under-14s, right-arm opening bowler, middle-order batter) What sets the school apart? One of the few schools in the area where girls play hardball cricket, including fixtures for the majority of girls who would like to play. An inter-house competition for all girls from years 7–10 Finest moment on the field Being invited to play against MCC for a second year and two year 10s putting on a 50-run partnership. Finally being able to introduce hardball cricket to all age groups due to the introduction of nets this year. These were delayed due to the pandemic Recent progress Introduction of two outdoor nets this year. Running batting and bowling academies has enabled school to stretch the top players and work on more technical aspects of the game. For the first time this year the school ran a Year 5+6 primary/ prep school tournament with seven other schools Future plans Creating a square Tours Dubai 2023

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

For a school that has only been playing cricket for five years, it is no small feat that Mayfield has been selected once again for this year’s Schools Guide.

Now in her sixth year at the school, head of cricket Emily Starr appears to have made a considerable impact.

Having represented England at the Indoor Cricket World Cup in Brisbane in 2009, the MCC, Loughborough University and the England Regional Development squad, Starr has had plenty of experience to call on when molding the school’s cricket programme.

And it has paid handsome dividends.

“It’s a great achievement for a school that is only in its infancy of playing cricket. The infrastructure we have managed to put into place in a short period of time has been

fantastic and to compete with some of the schools that we have competed with, we are very proud of as a school,” Starr said. With no indoor facility and having only been able to introduce nets last year, the school has been punching above its weight for some time. “With the new nets only recently introduced, we have been able to start building up Head of cricket Emily Starr earlier which means we are hitting the ground running as the cricket season starts,” Starr said. “We have bowling and batting workshops enabling us to push all girls of all abilities access to play cricket and develop those skills, which is what it’s all about. “We are able to offer more hard-ball sessions now for those girls who want to progress to county level, due to having more space and time - which was one of my biggest bugbears over the last few years. It is great that all our A-teams now have exposure to hard ball, with most of our B-teams getting that same exposure too.”

With rounders having been taken off the curriculum and the women’s game expanding, the trajectory of the programme has dovetailed smartly.

“The women’s game has grown rapidly; it’s great the girls can now choose cricket as GCSE and A-Level options. The Hundred has been fantastic at getting bums on seats and getting people watching cricket – the Commonwealth Games also helped with quite a number of our girls having gone to watch the women’s cricket on offer,” Starr said.

The Cricketer has previously featured seam bowler Lizzie, who has gone from their best and brightest prospect to making her first-team Sussex debut in the summer. Having only started playing five years ago, Lizzie is symbolic of a thriving programme at Mayfield School.

www.mayfieldgirls.org • Admission contact: Shirley Coppard, Registrar 01435 874642 registrar@mayfieldgirls.org

NOTTING HILL & EALING HIGH SCHOOL

2 Cleveland Rd, London W13 8AX

Established 1873 Number of pupils Junior school 310, senior 600 Head of sport Sophie Nicholas, plus Ealing CC coaches Juan and Mikhail Henri Teams 15. Softball 13. Weekly training for Year 4 (U9), development group and squad. Weekly training/fixtures for U10ABC, U11ABC, U12ABC, U13ABC, U14AB, U15AB. Hardball U13 and U15, plus senior (Year 13) who play for GDST Select 1st XI Fixtures In softball, each team has about 4 a year, plus tournaments: U11/U12/U13/U15 Lady Taverner’s Indoor, U13 and U15 Ealing Schools indoor, U12/U13 Godolphin and Latymer and U15 GDST. In hardball, the School Magazine Cup for U15s plus two fixtures. U18 play as part of the GDST Select XI who this season played MCC. Two students have captained this: Hannah Leathem in 2019 and Jenny Dawson in 2022 Facilities Large astro enables softball. Inside large indoor sports hall with 2 indoor nets. Ealing CC. Ealing Trailfinders Brief history The earliest team was recorded in 1887 when a student, Georgina Walrond, convinced the headmistress to allow students to play cricket. That first all-female team won their debut game against Princess Helena College. A huge investment in the sport was made in September 2017 with introduction of all-year-round training sessions. In the winter focus on indoor softball and since 2017 have competed annually in the Lady Taverners tournaments with success (U11, U12, U13, U15). In the summer, pupils play softball and hardball Club/county affiliation Strong links with Ealing CC have enabled a pathway for pupils outside of school and a sharing of coaching expertise. Indoor nets installed September 2021 Best prospects Manpreet Gill (Ealing CC & Middlesex U11), Sofia Younis (Richmond CC & Middlesex U15), Jenny Dawson (Year 13, Wimbledon CC, Surrey U15-18s and Lancashire U11–13s). She opened the bowling and captained the first women’s match at Wimbledon, taking 4 wickets and scoring 60. She is opening bowler for Surrey U18s Finest moments on the field U11 London Schools Indoor Lady Taverners 1st in 2018 and 2019, third in 2022; U12 London Schools Indoor Lady Taverners: NHEHS has been unbeaten at this age since 2018. NHEHS won 2018, 2019 and 2022; U13 London Schools Indoor Lady Taverners 2nd in 2018 and 2019, and 2022; U15 London Schools Indoor Lady Taverners: 2nd in 2018 and 2019, 1st in 2022; Middlesex Lady Taverners in 2022 and represented Middlesex at regional finals; GDST Tournament: 1st 2018, 2nd 2019 and 2nd 2020. The school runs a community-based initiative on Fridays for all local girls in U15 or U13 in conjunction with Jo Valks. An U13 team was selected from the sessions to represent Ealing at the London Youth Games. The team came second, losing the final by one run Tours Bournemouth (in July) and Liverpool (August)

PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL

35 Putney Hill, London, SW15 6BH

Established 1893 Number of pupils 540 (1,075 including junior school and sixth form) Teacher in charge Emma Fraser (director of sport) Professional Alastair Fraser (Middlesex, Essex) Teams Hardball – U18, U17, U15A, U14A, U13AB, U12AB. Softball – U15A, U14AB, U13ABCD, U12ABCD Post-pandemic changes Hardball cricket was introduced last year and this transition had a massive impact on cricket at Putney. They also had two indoor cricket nets installed, to enable hardball cricket to continue year-round and on-site, something which is not a given for a central London school. This new element has greatly improved our facilities and the ability of our students Fixtures Fixtures weekly over the summer term. Cricket is still in its relative infancy at Putney and so all fixtures are notable and pupils treat every fixture as just as important as the last Facilities Two indoor cricket nets allowing for hardball cricket to be played year-round and they also train at Wimbledon CC, a top-class cricketing facility Club/county affiliation Access to local cricket facilities, working around London school limitations. They have used cricket facilities at Barn Elms, Roehampton Playing Fields and Wimbledon CC. They have had the opportunity to use the first-team hybrid cricket pitch at Wimbledon for our cup matches – an excellent opportunity for pupils Best prospect No Putney athlete could be ruled out on any field. An increasing number of girls in the Surrey and Middlesex programmes What sets the school apart? A strong sporting reputation across the board means Putney athletes are known around the country as always being contenders. Students make strong sporting bonds with each other, and encourage and support team-mates Recent progress The addition of indoor cricket nets has enabled pupils to train all year round and at break and lunchtimes. This uninterrupted access to cricket has improved the technique of many players, the benefits of which have started to be seen. Putney U13s have just become U13 Surrey hardball champions Future plans For more students to be playing at county level and in clubs outside of school

QUEENSWOOD SCHOOL

Shepherd’s Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 6NS

Established 1894 Number of pupils 440 Teacher in charge Jo Wakeley (director of sport) Teams U18, U17, U15AB, U14, U13, U12 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 years with success in the Lady Taverners competitions. Girls have progressed on to playing hardball cricket and are at the beginning of their journey with this aspect of the game Fixtures Weekly friendly fixtures in the summer term for most teams. Expanded the hardball programme to develop girls’ understanding of the game. Haileybury, Ipswich and Berkhamsted have been the most notable fixtures and are a good challenge for the girls Facilities In winter the girls train in a state-of-the-art double-sided sports hall, where they practice skills for indoor competitions. In summer the girls make use of the 150-acre site with temporary softball wickets and a full-size astro where hardball cricket can be rudimentarily practiced Hardball/softball Softball cricket is Queenswood’s main form of the game due to no historical hardball facilities. Wakeley is working to put together a facility development plan to enhance the provision of hardball cricket Club/county affiliation Hertfordshire CCC Best prospect Lucienne Mercier (Year 8) is in the Middlesex Development Squad, and has best figures 5 for 11. Lottie Ross (Year 9) plays for Buckinghamshire CCC and has trained with MCC. Evie Killigrew (Year 9) Bucks What sets the school apart? The school has been creative with its facilities and provision of cricket. The girls at Q are very supportive of each other and we regularly field sides with a mix of year groups. The girls have embodied the spirit of the game and continue to show resilience, determination and sportsmanship on the field Finest moment on the field 2022 U13 County Finalists, 2020 U15 County Finalists Recent progress Staff are now developing their knowledge and skills of the game. Inset has been delivered on how to score full games and also batting and bowling masterclass sessions Future plans A proposed facility development plan has been drawn up waiting for approval. This would feature a lane of nets and an astroturf wicket

ROEDEAN SCHOOL

Roedean Way, Brighton BN2 5RQ

Established 1885 Number of pupils 710 Teacher in charge Mike Smethurst Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABCD Brief history Records of cricket at Roedean exist from 1889, and it was the school’s dominant summer sport Post-pandemic changes Introduced more tactical elements into sessions as a result of success during online learning Fixtures 60 outdoor fixtures in summer 2022, plus the U13 and U15 Lady Taverners indoor tournaments each February. Additional softball fixtures will be added for 2023 for C and D teams Facilities Training – three indoor nets, two outdoor astro wickets with cages, six grass nets (new for summer 2022) and one grass square. Fixtures – two astro wickets, one grass square plus we host softball fixtures on the hockey astro Hardball/softball All A and B teams train hardball and play hardball when opposition is willing. They would like to increase the number of hardball fixtures for both A and B teams so they are exclusively playing hardball within the next couple of years Club/county affiliation Sussex CCC. St James Montefiore CC use Roedean’s indoor facilities through the winter and lots of girls train with them. Involved in discussions regarding an Urban Cricket Plan for Brighton, to offer facilities to additional groups from outside the school Best prospect Grace Hepburn (Year 8) – Sussex cricketer, accurate seam bowler, hard hitting batter and very powerful throwing arm Cultural cricketers Celia Robinson coached cricket at Roedean between 1949 and 1981 and toured Australia with the England women’s cricket team in 1963/64. Angela Eagle MP, plus dozens of other members of the houses of Lords and Commons What sets the school apart? A strong contender for the best view of any cricket ground in the country, overlooking the English Channel Finest moment on the field The once annual Lords v Commons fixture used to take place at Roedean Recent progress An additional three members of staff now have their ECB Level 2 cricket coaching qualifications. More girls playing cricket than in 2021 Future plans Looking to arrange a ‘bottom up’ tournament to give opportunities to girls who don’t usually get to play fixtures

SHERBORNE GIRLS

Bradford Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3QN

Established 1899 Number of pupils 491 Teacher in charge James Bell (head of cricket) Teams Hardball – U18AB, U15, U14, U13 prep; Softball – senior, junior, Prep ABCD; U15 indoor Brief history Cricket started fully five years ago, then was interrupted by Covid, but the school have fully transitioned to cricket as a summer sport. Cricket has moved on to the main top playing fields, taking pride of place at the centre of school Post-pandemic changes An increased programme running cricket across three terms. Term one contains an indoor nets session joint with Sherborne School (boys) looking at technique and shot selection. During term two they maintain nets with Sherborne School but introduce a session for girls to play both indoor cricket ready for tournaments, while nets session take place for a wider audience Fixtures 49. With 1st XI and U15 teams playing eight matches each, as well having seven indoor matches alongside these. Most notable against Ryde’s School with Upper Chine (Isle of Wight) where the school had to catch the ferry Facilities Four grass wicket pitches, two grass batting cages (grass wickets with county-style side nets, two batting cages and access to five others during the week at the boys’ school) Hardball/softball Transitioned predominantly towards hardball, with all junior and senior teams playing hardball matches and exposed to it as early as possible Club/county affiliation Sherborne CC, Compton House CC, Hardington & East Coker CC Best prospect Mabel Martin opens both batting and bowling and captains both 1st XI and U15 What sets the school apart? Working collaboratively with girls to allow them to steer their learning Finest moment on the field Qualifying to the semi-finals of the county indoor cup competition. Not long ago cricket was played on the bottom fields in uncut areas with a small number of girls. This year they had almost 30 in each age-group wanting to play matches, getting two batting cages, with county-system nets Recent progress Head of Cricket course with Cricket for Girls. The use of Coach’s Eye app allows teachers to compare videos, which can be sent to the girls to review themselves. The development of the school site – within the last 12 months – has increased numbers by twice the amount, provided two batting cages and support netting, two new grass wickets added Future plans Set up and run their own primary and prep school pairs cricket tournament, alongside hosting the U12 Dorset Chance to Shine tournaments. The development of two batting cages, with county-system nets, along with ordering new hardball equipment for the girls including bats, pads and helmets. The school have been looking into girls’-specific cricket clothing

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Sherborne Girls did not have a cricket programme two years ago. Now they are celebrating inclusion in The Cricketer’s top 20 all-girls cricket schools in the UK.

It is a fine achievement for the institution and its head of cricket, James Bell.

Bell brings a refreshing approach to the development of cricket at Sherborne, where year-round training numbers have leapt from nine to 30.

“We have created a holistic approach of everyone working together; the year sevens and eights working with the 16, 17 and 18 year olds, encouraging them to work and learn from each other,” he said.

“We have given ownership to the girls who are mad about cricket, giving them responsibility in creating the kit that we wear, right down to the material used. “The school has taken note of the interest, investing in the best gear and equipment available and setting up fixtures wherever we want. We have an excellent relationship with Sherborne School, where we play against their boys’ teams, exposing the girls to faster bowlers and more physical batters. “We started off playing fixtures locally but went to the Isle of Wight for a game, which the girls referred to as a tour and, why not? Let’s encourage them and let them enjoy it.”

The girls’ opportunity to play regularly has clearly paid dividends, and in 2022 they took

their fixture against Sherborne’s boys to the last over, only to lose by four runs - as opposed to the one-sided contest of last year. Bell said: “The girls were thinking far more technically and our bowling improved vastly. I showed them the bowling statistics after the game where we only gave away 10 extras, whereas they gave away 30. You could see the surprise on the boys’ faces when they were facing some tough balls whilst also being hit around the park.” The school has invested in bespoke bats that are easier to pick up but still have a meaty middle, ensuring players can get the most out Head of cricket James Bell of their strokeplay. With nets, two batting cages, access to a sports hall and BOLA bowling machines, the girls have scope to improve all year round. Perhaps a good gauge of where Sherborne is at already is seen through the increase in the number of girls wanting to apply for sports scholarships.

www.sherborne.com • Admissions: +44 (0)1935 818224 admissions@sherborne.com

ST CATHERINE’S, BRAMLEY

Station Road, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0DF

Established 1885 Number of pupils 900 Teacher in charge Tamsyn White Teams U17A hardball, U15A hardball, U13A hardball, U15AB softball, U14ABCDE softball, U13ABCDE softball, U12ABCDE softball Brief history St Catherine’s started cricket in 2019 having always previously taught rounders. They have since entered teams in the U17 Surrey Star Burst, U13 SSCA Hardball, U15 SSCA Hardball, U13A Surrey Softball League, U13B Surrey Softball League, U15A Surrey Softball League, U15B Surrey Softball League Post-pandemic changes External let (Blackheath CC) providing opportunities to pupils through the autumn term using St Catherine’s facilities Fixtures U15 softball qualifying for the Softball league semi final Facilities Use of local facilities including Bramley CC and Blackheath CC Hardball/softball Hardball at U13, U15 and U17 and softball at U12, U13, U14, U15 Club/county affiliation Blackheath CC and Bramley CC Best prospect Abigail Thompson (Year 10) What sets the school apart? Teams for all abilities and are inclusive relating to ability and/or experience Finest moment on the field U13A hardball progressing through to the quarter finals in the SSCA Hardball competition Recent progress Developing a team of five staff who are passionate about delivering fun and engaging lessons Future plans Develop further hardball teams within the school

ST HELEN & ST KATHARINE

Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1BE

Established 1938 Number of pupils 714 Teacher in charge Charlotte Barras (director of sport), Sam Herbert Teams U18, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC, U11AB, U10AB Post-pandemic changes Cricket has exploded at SHSK from playing a handful of softball fixtures prepandemic to over 100 scheduled fixtures (indoor, outdoor, soft and hardball) from U10–U18. This year, for the first time, SHSK ran indoor training throughout the winter, which made a vast difference. Extracurricular cricket clubs are hugely popular across all age groups Fixtures 2022 was the first year of a full programme of Saturday block fixtures. The most notable of these were with Haileybury, Bradfield and Berkhamsted. Have played Clifton College several times in School Sport Magazine Cup competitions Facilities Biggest outlay this year was on three lanes of indoor nets, used daily. They have softball wickets on site, but use close links with Abingdon School to use their pitches for hardball fixtures. The school occasionally use local club pitches Hardball/softball U14A, U15A and U18A teams all play hardball. Below those age groups it varies according to opposition preferences. For instance, the block fixture with Berkhamsted (U12AB, U13 AB, U14AB and U15) was entirely hardball Club/county affiliation A large percentage of the school’s cricketers play club and county cricket (mostly for Oxfordshire). They signed a formal partnership with Oxfordshire Cricket (from autumn 2022) to be the main indoor training hub for women and girls’ cricket in the county. Matches against Oxfordshire Falcons, a state-school squad and hosted Oxfordshire Cricket’s indoor Chance to Shine tournament, while close links with Abingdon School provides pitches Best prospect Honor Murray (U15 captain), Georgia Prestedge and Sophia Hanson, who have all played up for Oxfordshire U18s, along with talented young prospects Nicole Harper (Year 8) and Niamh Rogan (Year 7) What sets the school apart? Sporting values. In an SSM cup fixture, the umpire gave a batter out, caught off a bump ball. The SHSK captain withdrew the appeal to overturn the umpire’s decision Finest moment on the field Both U13 and U15 teams reached their respective ECB Schools National Indoor Finals at Lord’s last May Recent progress The introduction of indoor nets (funded by the supportive Parents’ Association), employment of a specialist cricket coach, all year-round CPD sessions for all PE teachers. Their own enthusiasm for the game has increased significantly and some have even taken the game up themselves Future plans Create a hardball wicket, plus indoor nets. Also in discussions with Southern Vipers as a training base for their Oxfordshire players Tours The school hope to run their first ever overseas cricket tour to Barbados or South Africa during 2024/25

STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Brazenose House, St Paul’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2BE

Established 1877 Number of pupils 600 Teacher in charge Michael O’Connor (head of girls’ cricket) Teams 10 (1st XI, U15A, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC) Brief history Cricket only fully adopted since 2019. The school stopped playing rounders and made cricket a full option in games lessons along with tennis: immediately 35-50 per cent of Years 7 to 9 took the option. Since 2022 and the arrival of O’Connor, the programme has sky-rocketed, with training sessions and fixtures played every week in the summer season backed up with a strong winter net programme to help the players excel in cricket How has cricket bounced back More than 170 girls signed up to the programme in 2022 with more taking up hardball cricket. They play over 25 hours of cricket each week in season, which excludes Saturdays and midweek fixtures Post-pandemic changes Try to limit the use of changing rooms, having the players arrive in their kit Fixtures More than 110 games in 2022, due to increase year on year. County, regional and national final were standout fixtures Facilities Two artificial wickets, four cut-out strips on a main field, three concertina nets on an artificial surface plus the use of two Flicx wickets on a third of a hockey astros, excellent for softball tournaments Hardball/softball Hardball is played in all age groups for the A-team but hardball also introduced into the B teams and all out-training sessions. There is still a lot of softball cricket though, so that players feel comfortable Club/county affiliation Several local clubs plus Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Huntingdonshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire. Also a member of Cricket for Girls Best prospect Faith Teekasingh is a pace bowler, Ruby Wright a wicketkeeper, Annabel Anslow a consistent spinner who produces a lot of turn. Allrounders Annie Bennett, Liv Portlock, Carys Price What sets the school apart? A cricket programme based on inclusivity, progressive across all the principles, focusing on skill acquisition and performance in a fun environment. Trust is the glue that holds the teams together Finest moment on the field Indoor national final at Lord’s Recent progress Grads and teachers supported with detailed session plans plus huddles, openended questioning, freeze-frames and replays plus reflection tools for learning acquisition Future plans Four-lane new netting system and plans to gain more grass areas to play for 2023. An additional hockey astro will create more space to play matches using Flicx wickets Tours Took 12 girls on a tour to Sri Lanka. This was the first time in the history of the school for both boys and girls together. It will become a biannual tour aimed at Years 9 and 10

THE GODOLPHIN & LATYMER SCHOOL

Iffley Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0PG

Established 1905 Number of pupils 820 Teacher in charge Ellen Elfick (director of sport), Mark Mason, Buddy Mason and Ian Tabor Teams 9 – U12 ABC, U13 ABC, U14, U15, U18 Brief history The extra-curricular cricket club launched in 2005 with 30 girls and one coach, and now has more than 120 girls attending each week, with an elite academy. In 2017 cricket introduced to the summer term curriculum, replacing one unit of rounders. The school won the Lady Taverners U13 in 2011, were runners-up in 2017 and for the last eight years have represented Middlesex at the regional finals Post-pandemic changes Now have inter-house cricket instead of rounders for Years 7 to 9. All years across the school have either compulsory or optional cricket sessions Fixtures More than 65, mainly in the summer term. The Lady Taverners competition and also the School Sport Magazine T20 are the most notable fixtures, in particular the T20 hardball as the school do not have on-site facilities to train Facilities 4 nets in a sports hall, 3 astro pitches for softball/one indoor pitch onsite, a junior BOLA bowling machine, use of Kings House sports ground for hardball training and fixtures Hardball/softball The majority of cricket is softball but there are also weekly hardball training sessions. The school have a few friendly fixtures, as well as still participating in the SSM T20 U15 competition Club/county affiliation Richmond CC and Spencer CC. Coaches Mark and Buddy Mason have run the London Schools Cricket Association girls’ section for the past six years, giving many girls the opportunity to play competitive hardball cricket and train indoors at Lord’s throughout the winter. A number have played county cricket for the LSCA and for counties Best prospect India Payne (Surrey U13), Paloma Wright (Middlesex U13), Kyra Gulamhuseinwala (Warwickshire U15), Sophia Williams (Surrey U16), Alessia Soso (Middlesex U16), Georgie Waight (Surrey U18) Cricketers of note Gayatri Gole (Sunrisers), Shimako Kato (Japan Women) What sets the school apart? Scant facilities but the girls’ passion and commitment is what inspires them to turn up to club each week Finest moment on the field Winning the 2011 Lady Taverners indoor finals and getting out eight batters from Millfield in the 2019 quarter-finals of SSM T20 Recent progress Upskilling teachers so they feel confident to umpire a softball fixture, and also the uptake from the girls to do hardball training. It is the biggest extracurricular club and has over 120 girls in it, with a better retention rate in the middle school than ever before Future plans Develop hardball on-site

THE MARY ERSKINE SCHOOL

Ravelston, Edinburgh EH4 3NT

Established 1694 Number of pupils 956 Teacher in charge Nichola Aitchison (head of PE), Gillian Carnie, Pippa Johnstone, Tom McBratney Teams 8 Brief history Cricket started as a lunchtime club run by one member of sta . It is now a lunchtime and after-school activity that runs all year with 11 sta involved. In conjunction with Cricket Scotland – who are based on the campus – the school developed a programme for junior pupils. Mary Erskine School responded to Scotland’s new performance pathway and have pupils involved at all levels, from the senior women’s national team to age group district teams Post-pandemic changes A conscious e ort to ensure all pupils that wish to represent the school in cricket can do so. This inclusive approach helps cement a love for the sport. It has involved increasing the fi xture list for all teams and entering multiple teams into local competitions Fixtures 24 in 2022. The 1st XI hardball team competing in the Scottish Schools Cup for the fi rst year this year Facilities One indoor hall with cricket nets, two astroturf pitches for softball matches, use of Stewart’s Melville College pitches for hardball matches Hardball/softball Softball cricket in the curriculum for every pupil in S1 and

S2. Indoor extra-curricular softball sessions during the winter. High performing girls are also invited to winter nets with pupils from Stewart’s Melville. In the summer term softball and hardball cricket clubs and matches Club/county a liation A very strong partnership with Stewart’s Melville FP CC. Coaching at primary games and extracurricular club sessions and a pathway for pupils who wish to pursue their cricket career beyond school. They help us to elevate our standard of play and provide excellent role models by sharing the expertise of their professional players. Cricket Scotland often use the school to test pilot programmes Best prospect Katherine Fraser is a current Scotland Women’s international in the squad since 2019, and has taken 32 international wickets to date What sets the school apart? The number of pupils who participate and the number of teams, as well as the high quality of coaching Finest moment on the fi eld approach helps cement a love for Runners-up in Scottish Schools the sport. It has involved Finals in June 2022 increasing the fi xture list Recent progress Increase in fi xtures for all teams and entering as well as the inclusion of high multiple teams into local performing girls in boys’ winter nets, and Katherine Fraser 24 in 2022. playing for the Stewart’s The 1st XI hardball Melville College 1st XI. team competing in the Lucy Forrester Smith Scottish Schools Cup (S4 pupil) is the lead for the fi rst year this year activator for the One indoor Stewart’s Melville All hall with cricket nets, Stars programme two astroturf pitches for Future plans In softball matches, use of talks with Cricket Stewart’s Melville College Scotland to improve pitches for hardball outdoor facilities and to make Mary Erskine School Hardball/softball Softball the hub for women’s cricket cricket in the curriculum in Scotland. More hardball for every pupil in S1 and games with younger pupils

Runners-up in Scottish Schools Finals in June 2022 Recent progress as well as the inclusion of high performing girls in boys’ winter nets, and Katherine Fraser playing for the Stewart’s Melville College 1st XI. Lucy Forrester Smith (S4 pupil) is the lead activator for the Stewart’s Melville All Stars programme Future plans talks with Cricket Scotland to improve outdoor facilities and to make Mary Erskine School the hub for women’s cricket in Scotland. More hardball games with younger pupils

WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL

Mansel Rd, London SW19 4AB

Established 1880 Number of pupils 900 Teacher in charge Catriona CouttsWood (director of sport), Kasha Hussain (head of junior PE) Teams U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, with multiple teams within age groups often U12 A-D Brief history Cricket only emerged as a sport across the last fi ve years so the school hope they are making history now Post-pandemic changes Retained all previous players and recruited more Fixtures Fixtures on some Saturdays as well as midweek and U13, U15 and U17 cup competitions Facilities Three mobile nets, full size astroturf pitch for matches Club/county a liation Wimbledon CC and Spencer CC. Strong school partnership programme with local state primary – yet to include cricket coaching but it’s in the pipeline Best prospect Caitlin Harris (U11), Alicia Adams (U13), Eve Hitchcock (U14, but has played up in U18 GDST select XI), Molly McEvoy (U15, has played up in GDST select XI) What sets the school apart? The home of Wimbledon High School sport is at the old All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet ground, so not a cricket site but a historical sporting site for pupils to be inspired by Finest moment on the fi eld U12 Jessica Marshall scoring our school’s fi rst hardball half-century in our annual Cricket Festival, where she was playing against the year above Recent progress Ensuring we have a fi t for purpose curriculum o ering that caters for all abilities and increasing pupil engagement in co-curricular Future plans Secure a bowling machine Tours Under consideration