Top 50 junior/prep schools

TOP 50 PREP/JUNIOR SCHOOLS

Young guns shine in the sun

The key takeaway for prep schools cricket in 2022 was opportunity.

Boys and girls enjoyed the chance to play all summer long with virtually no washouts, giving players of all abilities and aspirations a platform to pick up bat and ball, and discover a bond with the great game of cricket.

On the south coast, Bede’s Prep offer a year-round programme, with the staff working tirelessly to provide extra hours of contact time to ensure there will be no hangover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision to form new junior academies with an internal cricket award scheme will ensure the most passionate pupils can access specialist training from a very early age.

Up the A23 at Cottesmore School, every child plays cricket each afternoon in the summer term. The school has also invested £200,000 in a new pitch to increase on-site provision, which already includes hosting the Cottesmore Sixes tournament.

In London, Shrewsbury House School’s 4G pitch even allows for cricket to be played in the rain. The school staged over 150 fi xtures, with its pupils getting access to four indoor and two outdoor nets. The Almshouse Lane Sports Ground now boasts a £3.5m pavilion, and has played host to a variety of events, such as the Primary Festival of Sport for local primary schools, giving more children an introduction to cricket.

A commitment to investing in facilities and extracting maximum benefi t for both the school and wider communities sets many of the prep schools in this top 50 apart.

In the East Midlands, Nottingham Academy Primary may not boast prestigious surroundings, but this inner-city state school runs up to 30 fi xtures a year, using an outdoor net on the concrete playground for practice sessions.

The 900 pupils at the school, who speak more than 40 different languages between them, have a natural passion for cricket, so much so that cricket bats and balls, rather than footballs, are preferred on the playgrounds during the lunch break.

The commitment shown to cricket by the top 50 schools in these pages is second to none. With their continued efforts, future generations are falling in love with the game too.

ABOVE Pupils at Cottesmore School near Crawley

Jim Hindson

ABINGDON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Josca’s House, Kingston Road, Frilford, Oxfordshire OX13 5NX

Established 1956 Number of pupils 240 Master in charge Richard Sutton Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, 6th XI, 7th XI, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC, U8ABC Girls’ cricket An all-boys school Fixtures 80. Abingdon School, St Andrew’s Pangbourne, St Hugh’s, Chandlings School, Cothill, Moulsford, Cheltenham Prep Facilities Four grass pitches to host matches. Three indoor nets to facilitate year-round coaching. Three outdoor artifi cial nets. A multi-use astro-turf surface that can be used in all weathers. Pavilion with two changing rooms, toilets, a hospitality area for teas Club/county a liation Abingdon Vale CC, Oxford Downs CC, Kingston Bagpuize CC, Faringdon CC and Abingdon CC; Gloucestershire CCC and Oxfordshire CCC Best prospect Adhiraj Sharma, a talented legspinner and opening bat, who represents Oxfordshire CCC Cricketers of note Ben Gannon (Gloucestershire and Middlesex CC) Brief history Cricket has been played at the school since 1956. Recent developments have occurred since the merger with Abingdon School, including new all-weather outdoor nets on Cox’s Field. The new sports hall and a number of cricket coaches on the sta allow cricket to be played all year round, allowing winter training through weekly clubs to supplement the summer programme. Number of fi xtures has increased in recent years as a result of headmaster Craig Williams’ passion for the game Cultural cricketers Jim Rosenthal (right) What sets the school apart Inclusivity is the main driver, with a ‘sport for all’ ethos, although teams throughout the school have a good track record in terms of results. Ten-15 teams play regularly on Wednesday afternoons and there are Saturday matches and festivals. There is yearround coaching including small group sessions. They also host boys’ and girls’ county matches on Cox’s Field Finest moment on the fi eld Freddie Smith scoring three consecutive hundreds for the U11s Recent progress An increasing number of boys being selected for

Oxfordshire County Pathway

Cricket

Future plans Increased opportunities for smallgroup coaching sessions with talented sports coaches throughout the year. The school has recently installed a new astro wicket to complement the excellent grass squares Tours 1st XI participated in the inaugural Cambridge T20 Festival last summer

ALDRO

Lombard Street, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS

Established 1898 Number of pupils 209 (167 boys, 42 girls); 2021 saw the fi rst girls join Aldro Master in charge Guy Drayton (Director of sport & enrichment) Teams Boys 5 x U13, 2 x U11, 3x U10, 3x U9 and 3x U8; Girls 1 x U13 2x U10, U9 and U9 Girls’ cricket Cricket is the main sport for girls in the summer term Post-pandemic changes Yes, they have retained their programme and introduced the girls’ programme to run alongside. The 1st XI tour to Kent took place and the school is now looking at bringing back an international cricket tour to South Africa Fixtures 1st XI have played 12 and some six-a-side tournaments. Cranleigh Prep remains the ‘derby’ match of the season, although the school also play Lambrook and Ludgrove Facilities Sports hall with three nets and specifi c lighting and fl ooring for cricket. A three-bay nets outdoor artifi cial net facility recently opened by Martin Bicknell. Three bay nets artifi cial for U11s outdoors. Three main squares, a Flicx and use of the local cricket club on a daily basis; Shackleford CC Club/county a liation Partnerships with Shackleford CC, Elstead CC & Surrey CCC Best prospect This year the 1st XI was a good solid all-round team Brief history Aldro has had a rich history of prep school cricket. Set in the quintessential English village of Shackleford in the heart of Surrey, Aldro has been hosting schoolboy cricket matches on beautiful grounds since 1940. The unique grounds were cleverly developed around a lake which hosts plenty of wildlife as well as sailing and rowing. Boys and girls at Aldro play cricket every day of the week maintaining a traditional love of the sport, developing young cricketers and hosting regular interschool fi xtures on a very strong prep school circuit here in Surrey Finest moment on the fi eld Girls’ cricket which has been successful in its fi rst year Future plans The Martin Bicknell Cricket Academy is based at the school in the winter terms and trains boys and girls for the season Tours 1st XI went to Kent on their annual tour and the school is now looking to take a group of youngsters to South Africa

AYSGARTH SCHOOL

Bedale, North Yorkshire DL8 1TF

Established 1877 Number of pupils 162 in prep, 60 in pre-prep Masters in charge Alex Lane (director of sport, Herefordshire CCC), James Alderson (head of cricket, represented Durham CCC as a junior and academy), Paul Grayson (England, Yorkshire and Essex) Teams 17 U8-U13 – Mixed U8ABC, Boys U9AB, U10AB, U11ABC, U12ABC, U13ABCD Girls’ cricket All-boys school at prep Fixtures 187 across age groups and abilities. Most competitive fi xture is usually against RGS Newcastle, Caldicott, Summer Fields, Harrow Wanderers, Old Aysgarthians. Tour to Buckinghamshire; U13 IAPS competition and Bunbury Cup Facilities Four indoor nets, seven outdoor grass nets, fi ve outdoor pitches and squares Club/county a liation School hosts the county round (Yorkshire) for the English Schools U11 8-a-side hardball competition; Richmondshire CC; North Yorkshire matches and trials; Crakehall CC, Newton-leWillows CC, West Tanfi eld CC, Newton-le-Willows CC Best prospect Many boys across age groups who represent Yorkshire and North Yorkshire Brief history Cricket has been played in some form since 1877 when the school was founded. During the 16 years that Frank Joy was headmaster (1919–36), cricket was one of his passions. He was a prominent bowler. He oversaw the building of a small pavilion with the profi ts of the school tuck shop. In 1927 the existing pavilion was constructed. The unique, cricketbased game of COW is still a mainstay of school life Cultural cricketers Matthew Pinsent, Jonathan Ru er (philanthropist) Robert Swan (polar explorer) What sets the school apart Grounds nestle on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Visually impaired coaching available by Lois Turner, captain of British Women blind team Future plans Expand coaching workforce, improving the quality of the outfi eld squares and practice areas and strengthening fi xture list Tours Oxford/Buckinghamshire every year. Caldicott and Summer Fields visited in 2022

BEAUDESERT PARK PREP SCHOOL

Minchinhampton, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 9AF

Established 1908 Number of pupils 450 Master in charge Johnny Gri ths (director of sport); Stuart Houghton (Level 4 coach, on the Gloucestershire pathway team) Teams 32 (U8–U13 boys and girls) Girls’ cricket Popular and developing with more hard-ball matches – “rounders a distant memory” Fixtures 230. Most Wednesdays. Notable fi xtures Clifton, Pinewood and Cheltenham College forming major Saturday blocks Facilities Two indoor nets, four new outdoor all-weather nets opened last summer, two grass nets. Four squares and space for 11 matches at any one time Club/county a liation Frocester, Stroud and Cirencester CCs; Gloucestershire Cricket Board; Gloucestershire Cricket Board U10 district festival Best prospect Numerous players across the school have been selected for district and county squads. Herbie (now in Year 8) represented

Gloucestershire Under-12s last year and is a big hitting allrounder with a bright future

Brief history Cricket has been played at Beaudesert for as long as the school has been at its current site (1918). The playing fi elds are a short trip across Minchinhampton Common. The school has traditionally played on a strong south-west circuit of other prep schools and senior schools Cultural cricketers Rugby player Nick Abendanon (Bath, Clermont and England) was a key player in the school’s 1st XI in the late 1990s. Olympic marathon runner Dan Robinson is also a notable name. He recently celebrated his 20th year as a coach at the school What sets the school apart The school has a strong ‘sport for all’ ethos with opportunity for pupils being more equal than ever. No matter what team a child is in, they will receive a similar number of fi xtures over the season and a fair exposure to quality coaching. The excellent, fast draining and well-maintained sports fi elds on Minchinhampton Common stand out Finest moment on the fi eld Success in the IAPS Cricket Cup saw Beaudesert 1st XI gain a place in the fi nal and quarter-fi nals in recent seasons; the sheer amount of keen cricketers Future plans The recent redevelopment of net facilities has made it an ECB accredited practice facility. Stuart Houghton is involved at Gloucestershire and Worcestershire CCC and has completed his Level 4 coaching qualifi cation Tours Plans being actively considered

BEDE’S PREP

Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 7XL

Established 1895 Number of pupils 400 Masters in charge Alan Wells (Sussex, Kent and England, director of cricket; Neil Lenham (Sussex), Sarah Taylor (England), Petch Lenham; Kash Ibrahim (Pakistan A) Teams Boys – U13ABCDE, U12AB, U11ABCD, U10AB, U9A U8A. Girls – U13ABCD, U12AB, U11ABC, U10A, U9A, U8A; Years 3 and 4; Years 1 and 2; Reception Girls’ cricket Has been o ered for many years at Bede’s Prep. Alongside running bespoke girls’ teams, girls are invited to represent the school in mixed teams. Girls’ training takes place on Monday and Thursday evenings at the Prep and Senior Schools respectively with additional fi xtures, practice during games lessons and Saturday training. Bede’s U13 Girls won the Lady Taverners Indoor Sussex County Cup, and came third in this year’s regional tournament Fixtures 1st and 2nd XI, A and B teams play 10 fi xtures, plus cup fi xtures. Most notable are Hurstpierpoint and Brighton College Facilities Four bespoke indoor nets, upgraded lighting and an external astro.

Prep pupils also regularly use senior school facilities, including 8 artifi cial nets, 6 indoor nets, 4 grounds and specialist pavilion

Club/county a liation Feeder to Bede’s Senior; Sussex CCC and Eastbourne CC

Best prospect Rudy Northcott (Year 7), a batsman on the Sussex

Junior Pathway

Cricketers of note Sarah Taylor (England), Callum Jackson (Sussex & Kent), Ollie Rayner (Sussex &

Middlesex), Luke Wells (Sussex & Lancashire), Joe Sarro (Sussex), Ali Orr (Sussex), Archie Lenham (Sussex & current Bede’s Senior pupil, left), Oli Carter (Sussex) Brief history Three times National Champions (the old JET Cup). The school has also won the County Cup multiple times across age groups Cultural cricketers Eddie Izzard, Peter Cook What sets the school apart The school o ers a unique, bespoke cricket programme for all Future plans Forming junior academies throughout the prep school and introducing an internal

400 Alan Wells (Sussex, Kent and England, director of cricket; Neil Lenham (Sussex), Sarah Taylor (England), Petch Lenham; Kash Ibrahim

cricket award scheme based on the development of skills. This will ensure U11ABCD, U10AB, U9A that those pupils passionate about U8A. Girls – U13ABCD, cricket will have the opportunity to U12AB, U11ABC, U10A, access specialist training from an U9A, U8A; Years 3 and 4; early age, building a strong foundation Years 1 and 2; Reception for when they progress to senior Has been school level and beyond. Continued o ered for many years at development of girls’ cricket, Bede’s Prep. Alongside celebrating many youngsters going running bespoke girls’ into the Sussex pathway, and providing teams, girls are invited extra hours of contact time with pupils to represent the school in post pandemic to make up for lost time mixed teams. Girls’ training and build their enthusiasm for the sport takes place on Monday and Tours Being reintroduced now after Thursday evenings at the Prep the pandemic

Cup, and came third in this year’s regional tournament Fixtures A and B teams play 10 fi xtures, plus cup fi xtures. Most notable are Hurstpierpoint and Brighton College Facilities indoor nets, upgraded lighting and an external astro.

Prep pupils also regularly use senior school facilities, including 8 artifi cial nets, 6 indoor nets, 4 grounds and specialist pavilion

Club/county a liation to Bede’s Senior; Sussex CCC and Eastbourne CC

Best prospect (Year 7), a batsman on the Sussex

Junior Pathway

Cricketers of note (England), Callum Jackson (Sussex & Kent), Ollie Rayner (Sussex &

Middlesex), Luke Wells (Sussex &

BEDFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

De Parys Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 2TU

Established 1552 Number of pupils 450 Master in charge and professional Gary Steer (Derbyshire) Teams U13 ABCDEFG, U12 ABC, U11 ABCDE, U10 ABCD, U9 ABCDE, U8 ABCDE Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school Fixtures Approximately 230 fi xtures in the season with the most notable opponents being Caldicott, Stamford, Merchant Taylors’ Northwood, Haileybury, London Schools and various county teams Facilities 8 grass nets, 10 artifi cial nets, 6 indoor nets Club/county a liation Bedfordshire Cricket, Bedfordshire Schools Cricket Association, Northamptonshire Best prospect Bedford Prep School has two outstanding young cricketers, who if they continue to develop, could have very bright futures in the game. Danny Chapman is a toporder batsman and also a frontline leg-spinner. For a boy of just 12, his legspin is accurate and he has already demonstrated his talent with the bat, hitting a hundred in his fi rst game for the school on tour in Cape Town. He plays his county cricket for Buckinghamshire but he has also been attending coaching sessions at Northamptonshire. Mustafa Haroon is also a top-order batsman and legspin bowler. He is a natural batsman with plenty of scoring options and has the ability to spin the ball hard. He plays for Bedfordshire but attends coaching sessions at Northants Cricketers of note Alex Wakely, Emilio Gay, Charlie Thurston (all Northants), James Kettleborough (Northants, Glamorgan, Derbyshire) Brief history Cricket at the school began in 1886 but thanks to the emergence of Sir Alastair Cook and progress in recent summers Bedford School have cemented themselves as a real presence in schools’ cricket. 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? Bedford Prep run an under-11 six-a-side festival every year which includes 12 teams, mainly prep schools, however Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire also enter teams. It has proved to be a real success with six matches taking place at one time, a very good standard of cricket and plenty of parents and siblings cheering the boys on from the side. The school usually runs masterclass sessions led by former fi rst-class cricketers, however due to the pandemic, they have not been able to run them this year Finest moment on the fi eld Winning the IAPS national cup competition Recent progress The proudest moment was being able to get competitive cricket back on again at the school after Covid Tours Cape Town every two years

BERKHAMSTED PREP

Doctors Common Road, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 3DW

Established 1541 Number of pupils 500 Masters in charge Mark Costin (Surrey CB, Hertfordshire, Level 3) Professionals George Campbell (Sussex CB, Level 3, head of cricket) Katy Costin (Berkhamsted CC, Girls’ Cricket), Jason Rance (Buckinghamshire Cricket Professional, ECB Level 3) Teams 40 (A–E in each age group girls, boys and mixed) Girls’ cricket With athletics Fixtures 96 last summer between years 3 and 6. The school enters the Hertfordshire County Cup Facilities Partners with the ACE Programme, Buckinghamshire Cricket Board and Berkhamsted CC Cricketers of note Bethan Miles (South East Stars), Derek Morgan (Derbyshire), Anna Nicholls (Yorkshire Diamonds) Brief history Cricket has a long history at the school. The fi rst published school magazine in 1880 recorded 10 matches being played including home and away fi xtures against Berkhamsted Brewery. Former Derbyshire player Alf Pope – a member of the 1936 County Championshipwinning side, was the professional and groundsman at the school in the 1960s and 1970s Cultural cricketers James Rodwell (England Rugby Sevens head coach), Will Fraser (Saracens and England Saxons Rugby), Sir Robin Knox-Johnson (fi rst person to sail singlehanded around the globe non-stop) What sets the school apart The partnership with Bucks CCC and Berkhamsted CC allows the school to share resources and expertise. The in-house sta are well qualifi ed and provide expertise in the specialist areas of batting, bowling and wicketkeeping Finest moment on the fi eld The Girls’ 1st XI reaching the national T20 fi nals day with many of the players having come through the prep school. The growth of girls’ cricket, the expansion of sta ng expertise and the school’s fl ourishing partnership with Buckinghamshire CCC Future plans The school is looking to develop another three pitches and have undersoil drainage and the surface laser levelled on the second square. All this will create better and more opportunities for the pupils to play and train

Tours The senior school are going to Sri Lanka in 2023 while the prep school will tour the

Isle of Wight

BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE PREP

School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2PQ

Established 1868 Number of pupils 540 Master in charge Dave Hughes Teams 47 Boys: U13ABCDEF, U12ABCDEF, U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABCD. Girls: U13ABCDEF, U12ABCDEF, U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABC; plus other age-group teams that will not have external fi xtures for both boys and girls Girls’ cricket All the girls from U8 to U16 play cricket in games lessons as their main sport. It will also be o ered to the U17 and U18 girls from next year. The school have been uplifted to see all the girls taking part this year and progress has been made across all age groups Fixtures 234 in the school (boys and girls) with notable fi xtures being against Bedford, Haileybury and Felsted Facilities 4 main squares (senior school but also used for prep school matches), 6 main squares (prep school), 16 artifi cial outdoor nets, 2 mobile net cages, 2 indoor nets plus 10 shared training/match pitches Club/county a liation Hertfordshire CCC use the main school square for one-day and twoday representative matches. Bishop’s Stortford CC o er opportunities for the boys and girls to play high quality cricket. Hughes is head coach of the 1st XI at Bishop’s Stortford CC. Boys and Girls play for Herts and Essex at various age-group levels Best prospect Ed Stabb (Year 9) who at 13 plays for Essex and is part of their academy Cricketers of note Graham Doggart (Middlesex and MCC), CH Titchmarsh played for MCC against New Zealand (1922/23) and West Indies (1923) Cultural cricketers Sir Stephen Lander (director-general of MI5) was a 1st XI cricketer at the College, Andy Peebles (BBC Radio 1 DJ and Top of the Pops presenter in the 1980s) What sets the school apart Luke Humphrey of Herts & Essex Cricket Centre (an Old Stortfordian) regularly holds training camps in the holidays and coaching sessions throughout the year. He has been working across the age-groups for boys and girls and works with the school’s elite cricketers in the winter. Essex head scout John Childs attends fi xtures. Three practice sessions per week are complemented by tailored strength and conditioning programmes for all individuals involved. The Doggart Pavilion opened in 1933 – noted for its modern architectural style – was presented by the Doggart family. Finest moment on the fi eld The college was the fi rst UK school to tour Sri Lanka in 1985/86 and played in the inaugural Sir Garfi eld Sobers International Cricket Schools Festival in Barbados. The progress and speed of uptake of girls’ cricket at the college. The investment made in new and upgraded facilities and the endorsement for the quality of our main square given from Mick Hunt (ex-MCC). In July 2018 hosting ICC U19 international matches Future plans To develop and enhance already strong links with Essex CCC Tours Regular overseas 1st XI preseason tours to Cape Town (next during half-term February 2023)

BRENTWOOD PREPARATORY

Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8EE

Established 1892 Number of pupils 592 Master in charge Les Wingrove Professional Jaik Mickleburgh (Essex) Teams U11 ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABCDEFG, U8 ABCDEFG. Option for further teams of mixed ability/gender especially in younger age groups (six to eight a side) Girls’ cricket Across all age groups. A number of pupils have been selected into the Essex girls’ development program. Indoor practices during the winter – coaches include Kelly Castle (Essex women’s captain). The school also enters the IAPS girls’ competition, alongside local festivals. Plans to start hosting their own festivals both for feeder schools in Y5 and potentially to host an IAPS girls’ festival Fixtures 105. Also participated in Eastern region IAPS festival, attending boys’ festivals at Orwell Park and Bancroft’s. The girls planned to attend festivals including New Hall Facilities Access to the indoor sports hall based at the senior school with four nets as well as using a local indoor cricket centre that gives access to another three nets. The outdoor facility with six nets as well as two roll-on nets, based on the main and prep school site. Installation of a new four-lane batting cage on the prep site will commence in September 2022. Three hardball pitches on three sites with four junior softball pitches and access to an astro turf. Partnership with Brentwood CC provides access to two more outdoor nets and an extra senior pitch Club/county a liation Brentwood CC and Essex CCC Best prospect William Peck, aged nine, a liated with the county development programme, technically sound bat, aggressive seamer Cricketers of note Kishen Velani, Robin Das, David Acfi eld (Essex CCC), Rishi Patel (Leicestershire CCC) Brief history Brentwood Prep School has a strong cricket history, with many pupils progressing onto the senior school and providing the backbone to many teams in various age groups who compete in the county and Mid Essex cups from U11 through to 1st XI. Brentwood has won county cups and reached the latter stages of the national competitions Cultural cricketers Frank Lampard, Olly Lee, Elliott Lee (all footballers), Jack Straw MP What sets the school apart Popular winter academy. Many pros have come in to coach, including Adam Wheater, Paul Walter, Jamie Porter, Sam Cook and Mark Pettini (all Essex) Finest moment on the fi eld 2018 and 2019 wins over Essex development U10s Future plans Aiming for 80 cricketers in after-school clubs Tours Holland or Jersey in 2023

AN ACADEMIC BOARDING PREP SCHOOL FOR GIRLS & BOYS ON THE BORDER OF SURREY & SUSSEX

We are free thinkers. We are courageous. We are kind.

‘PREP SCHOOL OF THE YEAR’

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BRIGHTON COLLEGE NURSERY, PRE-PREP & PREP SCHOOL

Walpole Lodge Walpole Road, Brighton, BN2 OEU

Established 1845 Number of pupils 500 Head of cricket Edward Hopkins Professional Mark Davis (Sussex) Teams 20 boys, 18 girls: U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13 Girls’ cricket Cricket lessons – hardball and softball – have been run for girls both independently and mixed Fixtures 110-120 a season. Bede’s Prep, St Andrew’s Prep, Westbourne House, Cumnor House (Sussex), Hurstpierpoint Prep, Ardingly Prep Facilities 12 astro-turf nets. 2 grass squares. 1 astro wicket. The school hires pitches at local clubs and from the council. 4 bowling machines. Indoor: The School of Science and Sport opened in January 2020; it has 4 nets and space for fielding practice; also a 3-lane gallery in the basement Club/county affiliation Sussex CCC and Sussex Cricket Board Best prospect Joseph Scorey U11 (bat and wkt), Sammy Woods (cricket scholar 13+), Matilda Nathoo U11 girl (RHB and RM) Cricketers of note Matt Prior, Matt Machan, Carl Hopkinson, Joe Gatting, Jordan Rollins, Michael Thornley, Malcolm Waller, Bazid Khan, Neil Lenham, Clare Connor, Holly Colvin, Sarah Taylor, Laura Marsh, Freya Davies Brief history Cricket is the major summer sport for boys and girls. The college is proud to have been instrumental in developing competitive cricket for girls and has produced national players in both the women’s and men’s game. The school aims to inspire a lifelong love of the game. Clare Connor is a pioneer in women’s cricket. She captained England and is head of women’s cricket in England. At Brighton College she was the first girl to play in the 1st XI Cultural cricketers Sammy Woods. Played Test cricket for England and Australia and rugby union for England 13 times, five as captain What sets the school apart Brighton College believes it is the most successful school for girls’ cricket in the country Finest moment on the field Producing pupils who continue to play the game after leaving at their appropriate level from grassroots to the national team. The U12s won the David English/Bunbury Cup Final in September Future plans Girls’ cricket further embedded as a core sport. Consolidation of the progressive programme from Year 1 to Year 8. The increase in number of pupils that have engaged in the All Stars and Dynamos programmes at local clubs and those selected into the Sussex Pathway. The ‘home ground’ on the main site is to be re-laid to incorporate a square for the 1st XI and also two adjacent colts-sized pitches. The re-launch of the winter programme at Hove Tours 1st XI to Dubai, two U15 tours to Sri Lanka. Girls’ 1st XI to Sri Lanka

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Ed Hopkins loves coaching cricket, and his programme at Brighton College Nursery, PrePrep and Prep encourages its pupils to play the game as much as they can.

Hopkins is the head of boys’ games at the school, and oversees a structure which sets out to teach children the basics of the sport, and then inspire them to find more opportunities to test their skills outside of the academic environment.

“We are really proud on being selected. It is a magazine I have always read so to be selected again is pretty special,” he said of Brighton’s inclusion in The Cricketer’s top 50.

“We bottom up in terms of grassroots and try to inspire the children to join the All Stars Cricket programme, get out to the local clubs as well as what we provide in school. We have loads of cricket ongoing at school – we provide structure for them so they are then intrinsically motivated to go and play elsewhere. “Our programme runs concurrently to the pathways: batting, bowling and fielding carousels right the way through from reception, with the basic fundamentals of catching, throwing and movement skills. This all then bleeds into hardball cricket at Year 5 level.” Hopkins’ programme delivered the Bunbury Cup in September, where Brighton beat Sackville School by 22 runs. And the girls’ cricket project at the school is also making strides, both in terms of quality and participation numbers.

“We’ve had a couple of girls playing in the hard-ball teams and the general standard across the age groups is just excellent – their bowling actions are much more refined,” he said.

“They’ve got the bug and, as a cricket person that’s all you want. You want to help develop their love for the game and be inspired, especially now there is a real pathway with the growth and exposure of the women’s game and women’s sport in general: England Lionesses winning Euro 22 was massive and The Hundred has worked wonders. “There is a real buzz about equality and gender in sport and the game is now so much more accessible. The younger children below year seven and eight don’t see gender at all, Head of boys’ games they just see cricket, which helps explain why Ed Hopkins our teams are mixed up until year four.” Sussex’s pathway programme ensures opportunities are open for the pupils at the college, too. “A lot of our children go into that – it is not a closed shop and is testament to what they do,” Hopkins said. “They dig deep for talent and provide coaching for those who haven’t been exposed from a really young age. We are very lucky to have that.”

www.brightoncollege.org.uk • Prep admissions: prepadmissions@brightoncollege.net • 01273 704343

CALDICOTT SCHOOL

Crown Lane, Farnham Royal, Bucks SL2 3SL

Established 1904 Number of pupils 250 Master in charge Terrence Zengerink Teams All-boys school – U8ABCD, U9ABCD, U10ABCD, U11ABCD, Seniors (U12 & 13 combined) 1st XI–9th XI Fixtures More than 200 across the year groups with all teams playing a minimum of eight matches for the school Facilities Two squares (main has 16 strips). The school also recently laid a hybrid (SISGrass) wicket which has proven useful. Four artifi cial pitches, two outfi eld wickets, four indoor nets and six outdoor nets. Can host eight fi xtures on one day Club/county a liation Middlesex, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Hampshire. The school allows local clubs to use the facilities, while sta coach at clubs during their free time Best prospect Rory Hughes is a

CARGILFIELD SCHOOL

45 Gamekeeper’s Rd, Cramond, Edinburgh EH4 6HU

Established 1973 Number of pupils 310 Master in charge David Walker Professionals Ewan Harrison (George Heriot’s School) and George Munsey (Scotland) Teams – Boys: U13ABC, U12 AB, U11 ABC, U10A; Girls U13AB, U12AB, U11AB, U10, U9ABC Girls’ cricket A full programme running for three years. Huge enthusiasm, although opposition more di cult to line up Fixtures All teams play at least once a week, with the Boys’ 1st XI playing about 16 matches during the summer. The school plays Sedbergh and Merchiston in a beginning-ofseason triangular, and also take part in the Glenalmond 6s and Merchiston Super 8s Facilities Two outdoor grass squares. Four fully all-weather outdoor nets. Two indoor nets which are used extensively throughout the winter. Two astroturf ideal for junior cricket means matches can still take place despite the weather Club/county a liation Close links with the Grange CC in Edinburgh where a large number of girls and boys play at weekends. Also, strong links with Royal High Corstorphine CC who use facilities during the winter and provide coaching assistance including Munsey, Scotland’s top T20 batsman and ranked 20th in ICC T20 rankings Best prospect Rory Grant has just moved on to Rugby School and is already playing in their 1st XI despite being in Year 9. Glen Gammell playis in Fettes’ 1stXI while still in Year 9, and Sophie Watts is in Oundle School 1st XI while in Year 10. The school has a number of cricketers in the Grange CC U13 team and look forward to seeing how these boys and girls develop. Isabella Balfour, Venetia Hunt and Mariella Murdoch all played for the newly formed Grange CC Women’s team in the Scottish Premier League whilst still just 13 Cultural cricketers Lord Younger (former defence secretary) Finest moment on the fi eld Winning the annual Sedbergh/ Merchiston triangular festival, but more importantly, instilling the importance of the Spirit of Cricket in all the children and playing the game according to those important values Future plans Continued development of girls’ cricket programme during the winter and summer months, and introduction of hardball fi xtures for U13 and U12 girls. Also making cricket a sport available for all, not just the elite players

promising cricketer who bowls with pace and has the makings of a fi ne batsman. This season he represented the U10A team and was promoted to the U11A team for the fi nal two matches of the season, scoring 51 not out on debut. He is playing for Bucks out on debut. He is playing for Bucks U12 as a 10-year-old U12 as a 10-year-old Cricketers of note Cricketers of note Andrew Strauss (Middlesex & Andrew Strauss (Middlesex & England) (right) Brief history Cricket has Cricket has always played a major role always played a major role in the overall experience in the overall experience o ered to Caldicott o ered to Caldicott boys throughout their boys throughout their time at the school. It time at the school. It is not uncommon to is not uncommon to see numerous games see numerous games being played at breaks throughout the day. The school the day. The school has an extremely good main square. With biannual tours to With biannual tours to South Africa, the competition South Africa, the competition among both sta and boys to among both sta and boys to get on this tour is fi erce. The get on this tour is fi erce. The school has staged many cricket school has staged many cricket dinners with Curtly Ambrose, dinners with Curtly Ambrose, Garfi eld Sobers, Gordon Greenidge, Colin Cowdrey, Denis Compton, Yuvraj Singh and Mike Atherton to name a few Cultural cricketers Sir Tom Stoppard played on the main fi eld when son Ed was captain. Old boy Oli when son Ed was captain. Old boy Oli Broom cycled from Lord’s to Brisbane Broom cycled from Lord’s to Brisbane in 2010/11 and wrote the book Cycling in 2010/11 and wrote the book to the Ashes about the to the Ashes journey journey What sets the What sets the school apart The school apart school wants every boy to feel part of a team Finest moment on the fi eld Touring South Africa in 2017, beating Bishops, SACS and Western Province Prep, then returning to the UK and winning the National T20 cup. From that group of boys fi ve of them took part in the Eton v Harrow match at Lord’s last summer Future plans Update main pavilion and sports hall Tours Cape Town in February

CHEAM SCHOOL

Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD

Established 1645 Number of pupils 380 Teachers in charge Dominic Pike (boys) and Coco Bartlett (girls) Teams 31: U8 – 3 boys & 2 girls; U9 – 4 boys & 2 girls; U10 – 3 boys & 3 girls; U11 – 2 boys & 3 girls; U13 – 5 boys & 4 girls Girls’ cricket the major summer sport for girls. Introduced in 2018, the 1st team, 2nds and U11s all play hard ball, with more teams expected to follow suit in 2023. There is defi nitely an appetite for further progress, and the girls have embraced the sport Fixtures Cheam runs a full programme of boys’ and girls’ fi xtures, with an intention for all pupils to play as often as possible; usually on Wednesday and Saturdays for U10–U13, and Fridays for U8 & U9 teams. Each team will play about 10 fi xtures per term, with more likely at the top end of the school. Cheam against Lambrook and Pinewood o ers a full block fi xture for both boys’ and girls’ matches. The girls took part in a number of tournaments last summer Facilities The 100-acre site houses 10 hard-ball wickets, one artifi cial wicket and 11 wickets used for softball cricket. Nine artifi cial nets used constantly throughout the season. The school’s full-size astro is used for some junior

practice sessions and matches when required Club/county a liation Berkshire and Hampshire Best prospect Cheam’s Year 6 boys and Year 7 girls are a talented set of prospects with a number playing county cricket Cricketers of note Rupert Cox (Hampshire) Brief history Cricket is Cheam’s main sport of the summer for both boys and girls. There are few better sights than the view from the sundial, across the Cheam grounds and the many cricket pitches and to see youngsters at play Cultural cricketers HRH Prince Philip, King Charles III, Ivo Bligh, 8th Earl of Darnley (England’s fi rst Asheswinning captain) What sets the school apart Cheam has an inclusive approach to all sports. Pupils enjoy receiving mini-bats for scores of 50-plus and fi ve-wicket hauls. In the 1st XI boys and girls receive their cap once they have scored 100-plus runs or taken 10 or more wickets Finest moment on the fi eld Fielding 20 sides on matchdays Future plans The school hopes to continue the chance for each year group from U10s upwards to compete in an external competition or festival each season Tours Cape Town in 2024, shorter full-size astro is used for some junior tour next year tour next year

CLAYESMORE PREP SCHOOL

Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8LL

Established 1937 Number of pupils 160 Master in charge Tom Manley Teams Boys U13AB, U12AB, U11, U10; Girls U13AB, U12AB, U11AB, U10; Mixed U8, U9 Girls’ cricket Now the major summer sport with more than 60 fi xtures in the summer term. Specifi c lunchtime sessions aimed at only girls. A matter of time before full mixed inter-school fi xtures across the school (already at U8 and U9) Fixtures 60 for boys, 60 for girls + 20 mixed for U8 & U9. Notable fi xtures against local neighbours Port Regis and Sandroyd Facilities Two squares in prep school and two squares in the senior school along with village ground. Four new state-of-the-art all-weather nets constructed in 2022. Six grass wickets at prep school and four indoor nets in sports centre Club/county a liation Bournemouth CC, Shroton CC (sta volunteer there) Best prospects Ned Cazalet, Tom Baines, Wilf Townsend and Oscar Stanley are all in the Dorset CC U13 set-up. Bo Vigiers is part of the Hampshire Girls’ U13 squad. She has represented senior school 1st XI in cup competitions, opening the bowling – accuracy and pace Cricketers of note Lewis McManus (Hampshire & Northamptonshire), Jamie Price (Dorset) Brief history Cricket was fi rst played on the original site at Charlton Marshall in the 1930s and the fi rst inter-school fi xture played at the school was cricket. One of the highlights in the summer was the sta v 1st XI match watched by the whole school and included matrons and cooks being coerced into playing. Two ex-Clayesmorians also made the national news for their performances. In May 1985 Darren Stones took 10 for 33 against Perrott Hill and in 1998 Ben McHardie-Jones 9 for 2 against All Hallows Cultural cricketers Tony Hart (TV presenter), Brian Epstein (Beatles manager), Aadel Kardooni (Leicester and England rugby player), Rob Hill (GB hockey player) What sets the school apart The ‘Sport for all, all for sport’ ethos at Clayesmore is not just a strapline: every boy and girls from U8–U13 will be involved in fi xtures. Each pupil is inspired to take full part in the match, hoping to inspire lifelong attachment to cricket. Fran Wilson on call for Q&As and coaching days Finest moment on the fi eld Consistent county cup success throughout the last six years Tours South-West of England

CLIFTON COLLEGE PREP

Clifton College, 32 College Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3JH

Established 1862 Number of pupils 300 Masters in charge Louise Catchpole (director of sport), James Averis (professional), Jim Williams (coach) Teams Boys U13B, U13C, U12ABC; Girls U13AB, U12A, U11 ABC; Girls U13AB, U12A, U11 ABC; Mixed 1st XI, U10ABCD, Mixed 1st XI, U10ABCD, U9ABCD Girls’ cricket The school The school is a transition phase where all the U8, 9 and where all the U8, 9 and 10 cricket is trained and 10 cricket is trained and played mixed where possible and this will move throughout the move throughout the school. Many of the girls play at Frenchay CC with some selected to play county Fixtures Twice a week for each team for 12 weeks, so about 24 matches; a ‘commemoration match’ on The Close; winter nets and development programme Facilities 6 grass wicket squares; 4 artifi cial wickets; 10 artifi cial nets; 6 indoor nets Club/county a liation Gloucestershire, Somerset, Glamorgan CCC, Frenchay CC Best prospect Jonty Grindal was Gloucestershire CCC overall boys’ player of the year across all age player of the year across all age groups 2021 groups 2021

Cricketers of note James Cricketers of note Kirtley (Sussex CCC and Kirtley (Sussex CCC and England) England) Brief history Clifton Brief history College was one of College was one of the original 8 ‘Lord’s Schools’ entitled to play fi xtures at Lord’s against each other. These matches were Clifton v Tonbridge, Clifton v Tonbridge, Rugby v Marlborough, Rugby v Marlborough, Cheltenham v Haileybury, and Eton v Harrow. On one of the college’s pitches, now known as Collins’ Piece,

COTHILL HOUSE

Cothill, Oxfordshire OX13 6JL

Established 1870 Number of pupils 180 Master in charge Rory Gri ths (director of sport), Alex Kidd Teams 17 – U9AB, U10ABC, U11ABCD, U13ABCDEFGH Fixtures between 150 and 180. Most notable fi xture is the big rivalry against local Summer Fields, and the traditional longstanding fi xture against Ludgrove Facilities 8 pitches including 4 yearround protected squares – pitches are regularly regarded by visiting schools as the best on the circuit. 8 grass nets on rotation and 8 hard nets. New sports centre being built to open in June – will include 4 indoor nets and allow for a winter training programme. In the grounds there are two pavilions, two scoreboxes, one giant electronic scoreboard and four bowling machines Club/county a liation Oxfordshire CCC. The school hosts annual fi xtures against the Oxfordshire Bulls teams, made up of local state school boys Best prospect Casper Green moving into Year 7 is a talent – he plays for Oxfordshire Under-11s Cricketers of note Charlie van der Gucht played fi rst-class cricket for Hampshire in 1999 and 2000 Brief history Cricket at Cothill has been central to life for the boys during the summer term, and has been since being founded in 1870 Cultural cricketers Alastair Cook came in 2014, giving the boys a talk and Q&A session before 150 boys got the chance to bowl at him on the square. Shane Warne, Sir Garfi eld Sobers, and Ed Smith have also visited What sets the school apart Fantastic grounds and pitches. Headmaster Duncan Bailey is a sports fanatic Finest moment on the fi eld When every pitch is in use and every boy is playing cricket on a summer afternoon. The 1st XI won eight matches in a row last summer

what was for 116 years the highestever cricket score was reached in June 1899, in the inter-house match between Clark’s House and North Town. In this match AEJ Collins, killed in the First World War, scored 628 not out, but not under the current Laws of the game. Edward Tylecote, England Ashes hero of 1882/83, previously held it in 1868. “There’s a breathless hush in the Close to-night, Ten to make and the match to win,” wrote Henry Newbolt in 1892 about cricket on Clifton’s Close Cultural cricketers WG Grace Jnr, Sir Kingsmill Key, Lothian Bonham-Carter What sets the school apart The school caters for every inspired cricketer. The development of girls’ cricket and the numbers playing fi xtures for the school Future plans Hybrid pitches Tours Super 8s at St Peters in York

COTTESMORE SCHOOL

Buchan Hill, Pease Cottage, West Sussex RH11 9AU

Established 1894 Master in charge Andy Walker Teams 18 Girls’ cricket It is the major sport for girls at Cottesmore. New pitch being created specifically for girls’ cricket Fixtures Annual Cottesmore Sixes tournament. The 1st XI play up to 12 fixtures. Most notable fixtures are against Windlesham, Brambletye and Cranleigh at the Cottesmore Sixes. All other teams enjoy a least an 8-game fixture card Facilities 7 grass cricket squares at Cottesmore. The 1st XI square and colts square have 10 strips and the school have 5 cricket nets. They have recently invested in a new state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard, made by Durant Cricket, for the 1st XI pitch Club/county affiliation Two boys train with the Sussex CC squad. Roffey CC and Horsham CC Best prospect George Bamford, allrounder and team captain; he plays for Horsham CC & Sussex Brief history Cricket has been part of Cottesmore history since its inception with a strong presence at Buchan Hill since the school relocated to this site around 75 years ago. It is considered one of the five main summer sports played by all boys and girls. School masters play club cricket. Monty Panesar came to Cottesmore in 2019 to lead a cricket session What sets the school apart Cottesmore was in Wisden and the Telegraph for a ‘memorable’ match against Sussex prep school Mowden. Cottesmore were bowled out for 7 but bowled Mowden out for 5 Finest moment on the field Many overseas tours over the past 25 years, these have included Barbados, South Africa and the UAE. A particularly defining moment for the team was beating the Zayed Academy at the Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi) under floodlights in a 40-over game. Cottesmore coach Andy Walker asked some umpires who were at the ground if they would officiate the match for £15 and they obliged – it turns out that they were the international umpires checking out the ground for the England game the next day Recent progress With the strong introduction and take-up of girls’ cricket the school has made huge progress as a collective Future plans Breaking ground for the creation of the new U13s pitch and square Tours UAE 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and a Jamaica tour

Master in charge Andy Walker

CRANLEIGH PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH

Established 1913 Number of pupils 336 Master in charge Nick French Cricket professional Stuart Welch Teams 40 – 21 boys’ (U12/U13 combined ABCDEFG, U11ABCD, U10ABC, U9ABCD, U8ABC), 19 girls’ (U13ABCDE, U12ABCD, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9AB, U8AB) Girls’ cricket It is the major Summer Term sport for girls. All girls in the school play cricket during games sessions and have a full fixture list against other schools. Three girls have represented the boys’ 1st XI since 2012 Fixtures 332 in the summer term 2021 (186 boys’ and 146 girls’). Most notable against Hurstpierpoint, Lambrook, St George’s Weybridge, Brighton College, Aldro and Westbourne House Facilities Shared with Cranleigh School and include a dedicated twolane indoor school, three indoor nets, 20 outdoor nets including a six-bay net area with full synthetic run-ups. Access to 12 squares and pitches, with a further five on artificial surfaces (all of which are regularly in use during match afternoons) Club/county affiliation Surrey CCC and a partnership with Cranleigh CC. Current pupils and Old Cranleighans play for Cranleigh CC Best prospect Oliver Hawkins is a bowler with a smooth and rhythmical action, generating good pace off the wicket Cricketers of note Stuart Meaker (Surrey, Sussex and England), Robin Martin-Jenkins (Sussex) Brief history Cricket has been played at Cranleigh Preparatory School since its founding in 1913. It has always been the major summer sport for boys and, since 2018, has now also become the major summer sport for girls. All pupils represent the school in cricket fixtures against other schools. Old Cranleighans won The Cricketer Cup in 2014 and 2018 Cultural cricketers The Cricketer editorial director of many years EW Swanton attended Cranleigh School. GH Hardy – English mathematician, known for his achievements in number theory and mathematical analysis. He was an avid cricket fan throughout his life, no doubt attracted by the highly statistical nature of the game Finest moment on the field In 2021 the U13A boys’ team won the Surrey Schools U13 Cup at the first time of entering Future plans Looking to build on the MCC Foundation state school girls’ academy that has been started at the local club by Cranleigh’s coaches to provide winter coaching for the state school girls. Building a bank of six new nets within the Prep School grounds in the future

CUMNOR HOUSE, SUSSEX

London Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7HT

Established 1931 Number of pupils 280 Masters in charge Rob Park (head of games), Ben Chapman (boys), Caroline Park (girls) Teams 26 boys and girls’ teams from U8–U13 with more than 200 matches a year Girls’ cricket Started playing in 2015 and since 2016 it has been the main summer sport for all our pupils. The girls have fi xtures against Hurstpierpoint, Holmewood House, Great Walstead, St Andrews Eastbourne, St Christopher’s, Handcross Park, Copthorne, Brighton College Prep. The girls also compete in the Lady Taverners Indoor Tournament and were winners of the Sussex U13 County Cup in 2018 and 2019. They reached the fi nal in 2021 Fixtures More than 200, including New Beacon, Ardingly College, Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint, Holmewood House, Great Walstead, St Andrews, Handcross Park, Copthorne Prep, Cottesmore. The school also hosts a touring school from South Africa Facilities 2 indoor nets, 4 artifi cial outdoor nets, 2 cricket cages to enable practice on the main squares. Ability to host 12 fi xtures at any one time. School also uses the facilities at Fletching CC and Horsted Keynes CC Club/county a liation Sussex CCC. Fletching CC, Horsted Keynes CC, Lindfi eld CC, Haywards Heath CC, Ditchling CC, Newick CC, and Cuckfi eld CC. The school also hosts three local primary schools: Danehill, Horsted Keynes and Plumpton Best prospect Daisy Maclay – bats in the top order and medium pacer. Plays for Sussex U12s Cricketers of note Freya Kemp (England A, England Academy and Sussex CCC). She is also part of the Southern Vipers and Southern Brave squads Brief history Cricket has been played at the school since its inception. The school has outstanding facilities Cultural cricketers Piers Morgan (journalist), Simon Williams (actor), Rebecca Hall (actress) What sets the school apart Cumnor House, Sussex has a ‘sport for all ethos’. This has meant up to over 20 teams playing on a Wednesday. The school is located in the stunning Ashdown Forest Finest moment on the fi eld In 2019 Wilf Pickard (now at Stowe School) and Paddy Cooper (now at Eastbourne College) were involved in a record opening stand of 190 in a Sussex Cup match. The school also reached the U12 and U13 Sussex Cup fi nals in 2019. The girls 1st VIII remain unbeaten in the 2019, 2021 and 2022 seasons Future plans A new sports hall to incorporate nets with 4 lanes Tours The school plans to resume a tour to Cape Town

DORSET HOUSE

Church Lane, Bury, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1PB

Established 1784 Number of pupils 148 Master in charge Greg Weaver Teams 11 – Boys – 1st, 2nd, U11, U10, U9, U8. Girls – U13, U11, 10, U9 and fathers’ XI Fixtures 66. Big local rivals are Westbourne House Facilities Three pitches – two grass and one Flicx. Astro used for some U9 softball fi xtures and for training purposes. Two lanes of artifi cial grass nets. Bowling machine. Use of Arundel Castle Cricket Indoor School Club/county a liations Sussex CCC/ Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation Best prospect Xander Boyce – orthodox right hand, strong on the leg side and leading run scorer for the 1st XI 2022. Legspin bowler and captain Cricketers of note Former captain of the boys’ 1st XI 2019 Maisie Taylor has made her debut this summer, aged 16, for the Sussex Women’s 1st XI Brief history The school has had several locations over the years, moving from Hendon to Bury, via Elstree and Littlehampton. It has been on its current site since 1963. Cricket has been played since the 18th century, albeit in various locations. The current ground was created in the early 1960s and the pavilion built in 1992. A headmaster, David Munro, was a close friend of WG Grace and there is a photo in the school o ce of the two of them together on the golf course. The Good Schools’ Guide said: “Dorset House punches above its weight on the sports fi eld” Cultural cricketers Harry Enfi eld, actor Ed Speleers, F1 racing driver Jolyon Palmer and jockey Harry Bentley What sets the school apart One of the prettiest cricket grounds, in the Arun Valley, nesting at the foot of the South Downs. Former Sussex captain John Barclay is a governor. Access to Arundel Castle Cricket Facilities Finest moment on the fi eld June 29 2018 – U13 Sussex Schools’ Cup Final v Cardinal Newman (Hove) at the Aldridge Cricket Academy. Defending 85, the opposition were bowled out for 49

DRAGON SCHOOL, OXFORD

Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6SS

Established 1877 Number of pupils 620, with a further Number of pupils 620, with a further 200 at the pre-prep site 200 at the pre-prep site Head of cricket Harry Paget. Head of cricket Harry Paget. Kingsley Went is head of girls’ Kingsley Went is head of girls’ cricket cricket Teams 24 boys, 24 girls, both Teams 24 boys, 24 girls, both for years 4–8 for years 4–8 Girls’ cricket Developing Girls’ cricket Developing quickly, with U11–U13 teams quickly, with U11–U13 teams transitioning to hardball transitioning to hardball Fixtures About 150 for Fixtures About 150 for the boys and 120 for the the boys and 120 for the girls. Summer Fields and girls. Summer Fields and Caldicott are the big rivals Caldicott are the big rivals Facilities 6 pitches plus 10 Facilities 6 pitches plus 10 astro nets, 4 indoor nets and astro nets, 4 indoor nets and further outdoor nets being further outdoor nets being refurbished refurbished Club/county a liation Club/county a liation

Oxfordshire Oxfordshire cricket. Fixtures against the Oxfordshire Bulls. The Bulls were created by sta member Neil Pickup, and provide opportunities for promising cricketers from Oxfordshire state schools

Best prospect Louis Nicholson and Alfi e Wilson have won sports awards to senior schools after hitting centuries for the school, with Alfi e also being a sharp bowler. Mim Aldred is an allrounder in the boys’ 1st XI. On tour she hit an unbeaten 50 then came back to bowl a triplewicket maiden in the last over with the opposition requiring two to win Cricketers of note Maia Bouchier (England), George Munsey (Scotland) Brief history The sport has fl ourished at Bardwell Road over many years, and the proximity to the university in Oxford has seen many former pupils make the short trip to the colleges and on to fi rst-class experiences. The Snapdragons is a traditional side. They were originally

the Headmaster’s XI, comprised of boys who needed close supervision. These days it is a Year 8 side with a range of abilities, and they enjoyed an unbeaten season in 2022 Cultural cricketers Tim Henman Oxfordshire state schools Head of cricket combined tennis with a stint behind

Best prospect Louis Harry Paget the stumps for the 1st XI in the 1980s; Nicholson and Alfi e Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Wilson have won sports Hollander, Dom Joly, Tom Ward and awards to senior schools Jack Whitehall after hitting centuries for What sets the school apart the school, with Alfi e also It’s not unusual for the Dragon to being a sharp bowler. Mim fi eld 25 or more sides on any one Aldred is an allrounder in Wednesday or Saturday. Support the boys’ 1st XI. On tour for state school cricket, as per the Oxfordshire Bulls initiative Finest moment on the fi eld Aldred’s triple-wicket maiden. The school also made it to the last eight of the National David English Cup and the regional fi nal at U13. Winning the Oxfordshire U12 cup last year at Wormsley Future plans Working with the Oxfordshire Bulls as well as developing fi xtures with their female equivalents the Falcons. A new sports hall Tours Barbados – with a visit from Jofra Archer

EAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL

Sandhurst, Berkshire, GU47 8PH

Established 1820 Number of pupils 401 Head of cricket Richard Barron Professional Lewis Sharpe (Finchampstead CC and Berkshire CCC) Teams 10 senior (Year 7 and 8; boys and girls), 12 middles (Year 5 and 6; boys and girls), 10 junior (Year 3 and 4; boys and girls) Girls’ cricket Now the major summer sport for girls: 15 teams play on a weekly basis (year 3 to year 8). 1st XI and U11A girls play hardball matches Fixtures 180 a year. Each team plays on average 7 or 8 a year. The 1st XI play 11 or 12 as they host touring/travelling sides. Longest running fi xture is against Papplewick (since 1952). Also Feltonfl eet and Lambrook. Cornwall College from South Africa Facilities Three ovals at Eagle House – Railton (junior and middle pitch), Manor Field and Main Field (the 1st and 2nd XI pitch). Three temporary pitches. Also play matches at Wellington College Club/county a liation Eversley, Wokingham, Crowthorne and Crown Wood and Finchhampstead CCs. Berkshire CCC and Hampshire CCC Best prospect Algie Nottingham (Wokingham CC and Middlesex CCC); Josh Evans (Hartley Wintney CC and Hampshire district); Annabelle Lalonde (Crowthorne & Crown Wood CC and Berkshire CCC) Brief history Cricket has been the traditional summer sport since at least 1902 (this is the date of the fi rst published school magazine). 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 fi elds near Hammersmith (the old school location). Some of these accounts date as far back as 1820s Cultural cricketers Billy Waugh (England hockey captain), Lewis Moody (England rugby), Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart (Top of the Pops and Crackerjack), Stuart Burge (fi lm director), Nick Drake (singersongwriter) Finest moment on the fi eld In 2009 the 1st XI (Berkshire Schools U13), 2nd XI (Berkshire Schools U13 plate) and the U11A (Berkshire U11 Hardball 8-a-side competition) sides all won county titles Recent progress The rise of girls’ cricket Tours South Africa in 2012 and 2015; Antigua in 2018

ELSTREE SCHOOL

Woolhampton Hill, Upper Woolhampton, Reading RG7 5TD

Established 1848 Number of pupils 275 (185 in Prep and 90 in pre-prep) Head of cricket James Morris (exBerkshire CCC captain) Teams 20. Pupils start from Year 1 and all teams are mixed and based on ability Girls’ cricket As of 2023, girls will be in every year group Fixtures 20 days across the six year groups. Most notably against Ludgrove, Summerfi elds, Cheam, Lambrook, Farleigh, Pilgrims and Cothill. Local tournaments include the U11 Mixed Festival at Wellington College, the U11 Tournament at Sherborne School and the U10 at The Oratory. Sta team also won the Charlie Waller Trust annual tournament at Bradfi eld College Facilities 7 grounds for matches including one with a new astro wicket. 6 outdoor grass nets near the main school building and new grass net Club/county a liation Berkshire CCC. Thatcham and Falkland clubs. An outreach Kwik Cricket day for Year 2 and local primary schools and host pre-season courses run by Serious Cricket Best prospect Alex Hoare-Nairne. He is training and playing with Hampshire youth teams and will be 1st XI captain next year Cricketers of note Nick Gubbins (Middlesex and England Lions); Archie MacLaren (Lancashire and England captain for 35 Tests between 1898 and 1909). Headmaster Sid Inglis won 3 international caps for Chile Brief history The Bramel Sports Hall is fi tted with indoor nets and the outdoor cricket nets were updated in 2020. Two superb pavilions and earlier this year an astro wicket as well as new wicket covers and grass nets next to the 1st XI pitch. Another recent arrival was a new mower. In 2020 Elstree became fully co-educational and now fi eld mixed teams Cultural cricketers Sir Alexander Robert Badcock (army o cer), James Blunt (singer-songwriter), Baron Bramall (Field Marshal), Sandy Wilson (songwriter-lyricist), Sebastian Faulks (novelist) What sets the school apart The grounds at Elstree. The long-standing tradition of ‘Bat Room Cricket’ which is a lively component of break-time activities. This year the headmaster has awarded a signed mini bat to more than 40 pupils who have scored a half-century or taken fi ve wickets Finest moment on the fi eld Seeing girls and boys play together in teams. Luke Compton-Burnett scoring a hundred against Woodcote House. Tilly Lloyd’s caught and bowled in a U11s Mixed Cricket Festival at Wellington College A number of close victories in recent years, most notably against Ludgrove in 2020. Future plans Further development of facilities

Jason Gallian in his Notts days; Derek Pringle (below)

FELSTED PREP SCHOOL

Felsted, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL

Established 1564 Head of cricket Hector Bevitt-Smith and Nick Mansfi eld Professional Jason Gallian (Essex, Nottinghamshire & England) Teams U13 boys ABCDE, U13 girls ABCDEFG, U11 boys and girls’ ABCDE, U9 boys ABCD, girls AB Fixtures One fi xture per week in the summer term for each team Facilities 5 hardball pitches. Access to 8 further hardball pitches at the senior school and nets with 10 lanes, plus 2 sports halls Club/county a liation Essex CCC Cricketers of note Derek Pringle (Essex & England), John Stephenson (Essex, Hampshire & England), Nick Knight

(Essex, Warwickshire & England), Elliott Wilson (Worcestershire), Tim Phillips (Essex) Brief history Felsted has a formidable reputation for cricket both locally, regionally and nationally. Gordon Barker was an exceptional organiser in the 1970s. The school plays in a strong and traditional fi xture list. It went fully co-educational in the last 20 years. The school hosted the ABCDE, U9 boys ABCD, girls AB 33rd annual ECB U15 festival, known One fi xture per week in as the David English Bunbury the summer term for each team Festival, in 2019. A boys 5 hardball pitches. and girls’ team tied against Access to 8 further hardball Brentwood on the same day pitches at the senior school last summer. Gallian said: and nets with 10 lanes, plus 2 “Not only was it great to see boys and cricket fi xtures Club/county a liation back at school after the pandemic Cricketers of but to have two really exciting Pringle (Essex & games on one England), John day that ended in two draws within yards of each other was exceptional”

33rd annual ECB U15 festival, known as the David English Bunbury Festival, in 2019. A boys and girls’ team tied against Brentwood on the same day last summer. Gallian said: “Not only was it great to see boys and cricket fi xtures back at school after the pandemic but to have two really exciting games on one day that ended in two draws within yards of each other was exceptional”

FELTONFLEET SCHOOL

Byfl eet Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1DR

Established 1903 Number of pupils 479 Director of cricket Andy Rishton (Loughborough MCCU & Berkshire) Head of boys’ games James Thompson Teams 29 (boys and girls U8–U13) Girls’ cricket Cricket has been the main summer sport for girls since 2017. This year the girls’ 1st and 2nd XI both played 15 hardball fi xtures through the summer term, winning 11 games. Director of sport and master in charge are lead coaches for the girls’ 1st XI and U11A teams Fixtures 251 last summer. Feltonfl eet are on a strong Surrey circuit against a mixture of prep schools and senior schools including Epsom College, St John’s Leatherhead, Cranleigh, Downsend, Cranmore, Surbiton High School, Cumnor House Sussex and St George’s Weybridge. Trinity House School from Johannesburg tour each summer Facilities 4 indoor nets, 4 outdoor nets, 3 batting cages. One ground on site which has a grass wicket as well as an astroturf strip. Local cricket clubs Club/county a liation Surrey CCC. They have helped support the development of indoor facilities, helping new nets in 2019 and new lighting this year. Horsley & Send

CC, Stoke d’Abernon CC, Cobham Avorians CC and Whiteley Village CC Best prospect Nathan Farmer, a talented allrounder. He scored 576 Director runs and took 10 wickets this of Cricket summer as he led the 1st XI Andy Rishton to the Surrey Prep Schools’ Cup fi nal. He has been part of the Surrey county age-group teams since he was an U9. He also plays for Ashtead CC adult 2nd XI Cricketers of note Will Kendall (Hampshire) and Dan Cherry (Glamorgan) Brief history Cricket at Feltonfl eet has always had an established place in the heartbeat of the school. Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower o cially opened the new pavilion in 2005. Girls’ cricket was o cially introduced as a core sport for girls in 2016/17. Feltonfl eet has a historical link with Surrey CCC Finest moment on the fi eld The year just gone was the strongest at the school in recent memory. The boys’ 1st XI won 13 of their 15 matches including victories over Danes Hill, Downsend, Rokeby, St John’s Leatherhead and Epsom College. The girls won eight of their nine matches with victories over Surbiton High School, St John’s Leatherhead, St George’s Weybridge and Epsom College Future plans Replace current outdoor nets with a new, enclosed facility. Also planning to improve provision of cricket in the Pre-Prep Tours Caribbean Easter 2023

GRESHAM’S PREP SCHOOL

8 Cromer Road, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EY

Established 1555 Number of pupils 250 Master in charge Chris Brown (director of cricket), Anna Horsley (head of girls’ cricket), Simon Worrall (head of boys’ cricket) Teams 24 from U9 to U13 – 12 boys and 12 girls Girls’ cricket Cricket is the major sport for girls in the summer term. The same number of girls’ teams as boys. Hardball at U11A and B and U13A and B where opposition allows. Winter training sees girls combine with boys for coaching sessions delivered by senior coaches Fixtures Most teams play 6-8 fi xtures with 10-14 at A-team level. Good fi xtures include Norwich, Ipswich, Langley Prep and Beeston Hall Facilities 12 nets at the prep school, including 8 grass and 4 astro, 8 pitches prep and often use senior school pitches on Wednesday afternoons including U13A boys’ and girls’ using Senior 1st XI pitch. Use of the senior school sports hall Club/county a liation Cromer, Fakenham, Sheringham and Horsford CCs. In 2022, 13 from the prep school were successful in trials for Norfolk county age-groups Best prospect Arthur Butterworth, Norfolk U13 captain, scored lots of fi fties in 2022. On the girls’ side, Amelie Horsley, current Norfolk U13 captain and opening bat, scored fi fties in consecutive matches and regularly takes wickets with her varied o -spin. Olivia Marjoram, fellow Norfolk U13 player, is a powerful middle order bat who has also taken plentiful wickets with her seamers Brief history Squares have been reconfi gured, with four new grass nets added in 2020. The confi guration of fi elds is permanently under review to maximise the cricketing space for pupils. New squares added over recent years to accommodate the larger number of players created with the introduction of girls’ cricket in 2016 Cultural cricketers John Bradburne (lay missionary and possible new saint), Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs (rugby players), Sir James Dyson (entrepreneur) What sets the school apart The Prep School has an idyllic ‘intown’ location for an afternoon’s cricket, plus excellent teas, with the 1919 War Memorial Chapel as its backdrop. There are two pavilions on the fi rst team square. The new pavilion was opened 100 years to the day of the school match played in 1914; many of those 1914 pupils did not return from the First World War Finest moment on the fi eld An opening partnership of 216 for U13As between Ben Wilcox and Nat King in 2017. Wilcox performing at the 2019 Bunbury Festival was an important moment for the school’s cricket programme Recent progress A full girls’ 1st XI for the fi rst year Future plans Building academy programmes to allow more prep school children to benefi t from the full range of cricketing expertise higher up the school Tours U12 girls and boys toured Su olk this year

HEATHFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL

Cobbett Rd, Twickenham TW2 6EN

Number of pupils 450 Master in charge James Watson Teams Boys: Year 4, Year 5AB, Year 6 ABC. Girls: Year 4, Year 5, Year 6 Girls’ cricket In addition to school teams, Heathfield girls’ teams play in festivals against club teams at Bushy Park Girls CC Post-pandemic changes Middlesex CCC and Chance to Shine have been in to deliver sessions and help develop teachers. Former Surrey and England batsman Monte Lynch has been in one day a week for 18 weeks to deliver sessions. While other schools have dropped PE lessons, Heathfield have timetabled extra lessons with a focus on cricket. The change of scenery from the classroom is a great way of improving pupils’ mood and motivation. On a Friday afternoon, it is commonplace for the headteacher to go around Year 4 classes and pull out the boys and girls cricket squad, from lessons, to play against Year 5s and 6s. In conjunction with Marcus Rashford’s FUEL programme and Achieving for Children, Heathfield provided a free cricket camp during Easter holidays, led by James Watson and Monte Lynch, for children on Free School Meals. They secured funding and sponsorship to run future camps during the summer (for 4 weeks) and Christmas holidays (for 8 days). Watson was shortlisted at the TES Awards and the Education and Business Award Fixtures Heathfield play local clubs and schools and enter local borough tournaments in Years 5 and 6 and represented the borough at a Chance to Shine indoor competition. The Staff v Pupils match is always fun. But it is difficult to arrange fixtures against other local state schools Facilities Heathfield is a state school set in a deprived area. It has a field, a multi-use hall and a playground. Middlesex have donated a Flicx pitch Club/county affiliation Great links with Middlesex, Chance to Shine and local clubs Bushy Park Girls, Sunbury, Teddington, Teddington Town and Twickenham. Scott Newman (ex-Surrey, Middlesex and Kent) has delivered five masterclass sessions. Monty Panesar came in for a masterclass and special assembly Best prospect Eisa Hadi is a Year 5 pupil who has tremendously quick hands and hits a long ball. He also bowls big inswingers at a good pace. He won the batting award for his age group at Sunbury CC last year Brief history Pre-lockdown the majority of children had never seen a cricket bat or cricket ball. Now cricket is the main sport at the school with the highest participation levels. Cricket rather than football is played at break times. The schoolchildren sang the national anthem for 2021 T20 World Cup coverage What sets the school apart Lynch says he has never seen such an uptake in a state school. Watson has helped deliver Richmond borough tournaments, and they are running All Stars and Dynamos cricket out of the school. Heathfield are also the face of Chance to Shine Finest moment on the field Runners-up at London Youth Games in 2013 Recent progress The participation numbers and the impact cricket has had on children’s wellbeing. First time the school had a boy represent the borough team, in Aarav Hegede Future plans To invest in nets that can surround the Flicx pitch. Looking to buy a bowling machine out of the school’s sports premium money. There will be more clubs on offer, all year round, for all levels of ability for girls and boys. Hoping to run a borough indoor cricket tournament. More teams for Year 3s

Master in charge James Watson

HIGHFIELD & BROOKHAM SCHOOLS

Highfield Lane, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ

Established 1897 Master in charge Richard Dunn Teams 9 U13s, 3 U12s; 6 U11s; 6 U10s; 6 U9s; 8 U8s Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket is the core sport for the girls in the summer term and has gone from strength to strength. Over the winter period, the girls were invited to give a choice about what they would like to wear for their matches. They choose the design of their tops and it was voted that they would all wear whites, which has been a fantastic development for this season Fixtures Usually around 230, with notable fixtures against Aldro, Twyford, Cranleigh and Westbourne House. Against Westbourne they compete for a Bursary Fund trophy in both boys and girls fixtures Facilities Over the winter the school upgraded their indoor net facility from two to three and invested in 3 new outdoors artificial strips. In total, 12 cricket pitches, 4 grass nets, which include mobile cages, 3 artificial outdoor nets and 3 indoor nets, 3 bowling machines, 3 covers for the 1st XI square and 2 Flicx pitches used on the astro Club/county affiliation A number of pupils play for Liphook & Ripsley, Fernhurst, Haslemere and Grayshott CCs as well as Hampshire Hogs CC. The school have recently signed a sponsorship deal for the junior section shirts of Fernhurst CC for three years. Grayshott and Fernhurst both rent out pitches at weekends and Hampshire Schools used the 1st XI square last summer Best prospect Tom Reid has been playing in the 1st XI in Year 6. His knowledge of fielding positions and his awareness in the field is beyond his years. Ella Griffith was taking wickets and scoring runs all season and is playing county age-group cricket What sets the school apart The school achieves both performance and participation, with the 1st XI reaching the latter stages of the IAPS Cup Finest moment on the field At the junior end of the school they have been playing some mixed cricket matches which they hope to build on next year. The U11A team are unbeaten and have some very strong players Recent progress The continued investment in facilities and coaching courses for the staff Future plans Plans to renovate the outdoor net facility into a five-bay astro complex. They will continue to promote our facilities to local clubs. They will also promote joint ventures so that clubs can work together to promote the game rather than compete for players Tours In Easter 2023 they head to Barbados with a number of Year 7 and 8s for the school’s 10th Caribbean tour

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE SCHOOL

Barrow Lane, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0EB

Established 1945 Number of pupils 440 Master in charge James Hockley (Kent) Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U11AB, U10AB, U9AB (pairs) and U8AB (pairs); Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U11AB (pairs), U10ABC (pairs), U9AB (pairs), U8AB (pairs) Girls’ cricket Cricket is very strong and the major summer sport Post-pandemic changes They have been very keen to maintain cricketing traditions as well as add to the girls’ fi xture list. The 1st XI girls now play hardball cricket Facilities 10 outdoor nets, 4 indoor nets, 3 cricket squares (boys), 3 cricket squares (girls) Club/county a liation Clubs use the school facilities in winter. Pupils play locally at clubs such as Tunbridge Wells, Penshurst Park, Withyham, Mayfi eld and Bells Yew Green Best prospect Oliver Willsdon plays for St James’ CC. A batsman who has represented Sussex at U10-U13 level and gained a sports scholarship to Hurstpierpoint. Charles Skarbek plays for Withyham CC – a batsman who currently plays for Kent and gained a sports scholarship to Tonbridge Brief history Cricket has been played in glorious surroundings since 1945, a passion for the children, sta and parents. Holmewood House has a rich cricketing history and its cricket wickets are envied by the schools they play against. Bob Woolmer (Kent & England) was a PE teacher there in the 1970s Cricketers of note Tony Pigott (Sussex, Surrey & England), Alice Davidson-Richards (Kent, Yorkshire Diamonds, South East Stars & England), Dr Julian Thompson (Kent), Matthew Banes (Kent), Ben Hutton (Middlesex), Marcus O’Riordan (Kent & Ireland A), Coco Streets (Kent), Toby Pettman (Nottinghamshire) Cultural cricketers Nana AkufoAddo (president of Ghana), Sir Terence Etherton (Master of The Rolls), Andy Zaltzman (comedian and TMS statistician), Shane MacGowan (The Pogues) What sets the school apart They think they have one of the best prep school wickets in the country Finest moment on the fi eld Winning the JET Cup in 1993, the Tonbridge School U11 6-a-side competition in 2011 and 2022 and Mark Benson six-a-side competition at Sutton Valence in 2021 Recent progress The children are really enjoying their cricket and everybody has the chance to represent the school. Hosted a ‘Bowl Out Racism’ day Future plans Host more tournaments for boys and girls, upgrade to an electronic scoreboard, and see more children playing in local clubs Tours Have toured the West Indies and South Africa in the past, and are considering future tours

HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL

Chalkers Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex BN6 9JS

Established 1849 Number of pupils 350 Master in charge Ben Dewey (head of boys’ sport) Professionals Jimmy Anyon (Sussex & Warwickshire), Mark Nash (Sussex), Paige Scholfi eld (Sussex, Southern Vipers, Southern Brave) Teams Boys: U13ABCDE, U11ABCD, U9ABCD; Girls: U13ABCDE, U11ABCD, U9ABCD Girls’ cricket 12 teams from U8-U13. The school has a head of girls’ cricket and a women’s cricket professional (Scholfi eld) to inspire and develop pupils Fixtures All teams have around 10 fi xtures. Local derbies v Brighton College and Ardingly College are always close a airs. They host touring teams from across the country and these are always memorable occasions Facilities 7 grass pitches, 3 astro pitches, new bank of 12 astro nets, 3 pavilions, 10 grass nets, 3 other astro nets Club/county a liation Close links with Sussex CCC who use school grounds as a junior hub during the summer. Many school sta also coach at Sussex

Best prospect Oliver Godden is leaving for Millfi eld. A chirpy, fast wicketkeeper and very powerful batsman, part of the Sussex set-up Brief history Cricket is the major sport for boys and girls in the summer term. Hurst has a strong cricket history and has had success at all age levels. Fixtures take place every Saturday and also

midweek. A very competitive fi xture list and play teams across the southeast of England Cricketers of note George Garton, Jack Carson and Tom Haines (all Sussex), Jonty Jenner (Jersey) What sets the school apart One of the longest squares in the country. A hub for Sussex cricket from this season. Hosts Hurst 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 fi eld Senior school won National T20 four Teams Boys: U13ABCDE, years ago U11ABCD, U9ABCD; Girls: Recent progress The introduction U13ABCDE, U11ABCD, of girls’ cricket has been prolifi c. The U9ABCD school has led this in the area and now Girls’ cricket 12 teams from have a similar number of girls’ to boys’ U8-U13. The school has teams throughout the school a head of girls’ cricket Future plans The new bank of 12 nets and a women’s is now ready for use. The school will cricket professional continue as a junior cricket hub for (Scholfi eld) to inspire Sussex Cricket and develop pupils Tours UK-based cricket tour for the Fixtures All teams prep school. The senior school toured have around 10 South Africa two years ago and were fi xtures. Local due to tour India this year

astro nets

Club/county George a liation Garton links with Sussex CCC who use school grounds as a junior hub during the summer. Many school sta also coach at Sussex

Best prospect Oliver Godden is leaving for Millfi eld. A chirpy, fast wicketkeeper and very powerful batsman, part of the Sussex set-up Brief history Cricket is the major sport for boys and girls in the summer term. Hurst has a strong cricket history and has had success at all age levels. Fixtures take place every Saturday and also

LOCKERS PARK

Lockers Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 1TL

Established 1874 Number of pupils 175 Master in charge Jack Doyle (director of sport) Teams U13 ABCD, U11 ABCD, U13 ABCD, U11 ABCD, U9 ABCD Post-pandemic changes Post-pandemic changes During the pandemic, participation numbers fell participation numbers fell dramatically. Since the return dramatically. Since the return to normal school, Lockers to normal school, Lockers Park have o ered drop-in Park have o ered drop-in clinics during the Saturday clinics during the Saturday school o ering, as well as making all sessions enjoyable and engaging Fixtures Around 80 fi xtures across the term ranging from local block fi xtures ranging from local block fi xtures for all age groups, as well as U11 for all age groups, as well as U11 and U13 County Cup games. and U13 County Cup games. Most notable Haileybury in Most notable Haileybury in previous years Facilities One grass square One grass square at the front of the school and at the front of the school and and Buckinghamshire CCC Best prospect Leon VandraSimon – an opening bowler and top order batsman currently playing in U11A team. He plays both club and cricket played every day throughout the summer term. In the 1970s they were the fi rst school in Hertfordshire to introduce limited-overs cricket and recently have embraced 100ball games in coloured kit and fl ashing bails

Cricketers of note Stanley

Jackson (England), Brian Valentine (Kent & England), Nawab of Pataudi (Sussex & India), Tom Pugh (Gloucestershire), Ronnie Aird (Hampshire & MCC president), George Panayi (Warwickshire & England U19), George Garrett

an astroturf strip on the back fi elds. Softball cricket on astroturf and train across 3 outdoor artifi cial nets and 4 indoor nets Club/county a liation Harpenden CC and Tring Park CC are two notable ones, plus Hemel Hempstead CC and Berkhamsted CC also have boys playing. Links to Hertfordshire CCC and Buckinghamshire CCC Best prospect Leon VandraSimon – an opening bowler and top order batsman currently playing in U11A team. He plays both club and representative cricket outside school. Barney Hancock – a top order batter and leg-spinner. Eddie Mitchell – bowls medium pace for the U9A side Brief history Starting with Henry Draper in 1874, Lockers Park has been blessed with a serious of headmasters who were fanatical cricketers, and it has always been a sport for all with cricket played every day throughout the summer term. In the 1970s they were the fi rst school in Hertfordshire to introduce limited-overs cricket and recently have embraced 100ball games in coloured kit and fl ashing bails

Cricketers of note Stanley

Jackson (England), Brian Valentine (Kent & England), Nawab of Pataudi (Sussex & India), Tom Pugh (Gloucestershire), Ronnie Aird (Hampshire & MCC president), George Panayi (Warwickshire & England U19), George Garrett (Warwickshire) Cultural cricketers Lord Louis Mountbatten, Sir Alistair Aird, MPs Keith Joseph, Sir Anthony Berry, Paul Channon, Guy Mansfi eld, James Honeybourne What sets the school apart Lockers Park v Ludgrove was one of the earliest recorded prep school matches. Stanley Jackson was the fi rst England cricketer to receive a knighthood and Nawab of Pataudi – coached by Frank Woolley at Lockers Park – went on to be one of the key cricketing fi gures of the 20th century Finest moment on the fi eld In 2011 the side was led by the opening pair who were part of an unbeaten season, 14 matches, and took part in the South Africa tour Recent progress The number of pupils who have joined local clubs Future plans New sports hall development will increase the net facility. Taster and coaching sessions for local primary schools and local girls schools to get more children playing cricket Tours Regular tours to South Africa, are planned in 2023/24

LUDGROVE SCHOOL

Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB

Established 1892 Number of pupils 190 Master in charge Gabriel French Teams 16 Post-pandemic changes Instead of biannual tours to South Africa, Ludgrove are running annual tours to Spain. Luckily things have more or less returned to normal, and other then changes to the way teas are served, the school are back to running things as they did previously Fixtures 12 fi xtures, with Summerfi elds, Caldicott and Lambrook the most competitive Facilities Four astro nets, eight grass nets and four indoor nets, nine cricket pitches Club/county a liation Full-time boarding school, so many boys play their cricket at various London/Berkshire and Hampshire clubs Best prospect William Wates is a boy in Year 7 and has already picked up a fi ve-for against Twyford and consistently taken wickets and scored runs playing a year up in the U13 side

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ PREP SCHOOL

Moor Farm, Sandy Lodge Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1LW

Established 2015 (formerly Northwood Prep) Number of pupils 350 day boys Master in charge Christopher Horne Teams U8ABCD, U9ABCD, U10ABCD, U11ABCD, U12AB and U13AB Post-pandemic changes A full and competitive fi xture list has resumed with some new as well as traditional matches. Merchant Taylors’ enter tournaments in every age group, including Hertfordshire Schools U13 Cup for the fi rst time, where they will compete against state and independent senior schools Fixtures 60 regular matches typically. They enter the IAPS National Cup (U13) and Herts Schools’ County Cup (U11 and U13) Facilities Two pitches at the prep school, a specialist cricket groundsman, 2 outdoor mobile nets and 4 indoor nets on site. Roll-on covers, sightscreens and scoring hut on main wicket. Two bowling machines, including latest TrueMan. Access to the many wickets and nets at the senior school Club/county a liation Most A team boys in all age groups play district, area or county cricket (Herts and Middlesex). Strong connections with Old Merchant Taylors’ CC and Eastcote CC Best prospect Agastya Daphale (Middlesex U13), opening batsman and captain, Ayaan Diddee (Middlesex U13), opening bowler and vice-captain Brief history It is genuinely cricket for all at Merchant Taylors’ Prep and competitive cricket at a high level for the most keen. Boys play cricket at break time rather than football and many play club cricket. Success at county and regional level, with a traditionally strong North London circuit, has built the school’s cricketing reputation Cultural cricketers Sir David Lidington KCB CBE (former MP and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster) What sets the school apart Middlesex CCC train and play fi rst-class matches at the adjacent Merchant Taylors’ School. The Prep School has enjoyed coaching masterclasses from Angus Fraser, Eoin Morgan, Steven Finn, Alastair Cook and Muttiah Muralitharan. More boys play club cricket than any other sport Finest moment on the fi eld Final of the IAPS in 2022 (v Taunton) and 2015 (v Millfi eld), Hertfordshire Schools’ U11 Cup winners 2018, 2019 and 2021 (three in a row). East Of England Schools’ U11 winner 2019 and fi nalist 2018, U11 national fi nals 2019 Recent progress Making U13 national fi nal, winning U9 and U13 tournaments. The coaching sta is strong and includes the area coach for Herts Future plans Further development of cricket enrichment programme with Merchant Taylors’ senior school Tours Tours to Antigua and Barbados in the past but Covid has stopped any planning at present

MILLFIELD PREP SCHOOL

Edgarley Hall, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8LD

Established 1945 Number of pupils 450 Master in charge David Beal (director of cricket) Teams Boys U13ABC, U12ABCD, U11ABC, U10AB, U9AB, U8; Girls U13ABCD, U12ABC, U11AB, U10AB, U9AB Post-pandemic changes A few more internal matches as the school can control the match more Fixtures 100-plus matches for the Development, boys and girls teams Facilities 8 outdoor nets, 4 indoor nets, cage for middle wicket practice; 9 grass wickets and 2 artifi cial wickets Club/county a liation Strong links with Somerset youth programmes. Millfi eld’s director of cricket runs their U10 and U11 boys programme Best prospect Connor Pearce, an U11 playing up at county who scored his fi rst school hundred last summer Brief history Cricket is the major summer game at Millfi eld Prep. A full fi xture list allows every child the opportunity to participate. In recent years the boys’ 1st XI have regularly won the David Bunbury and National Prep Schools titles. High numbers of Millfi eld Prep cricketers have represented county sides (mainly Somerset) at U13, U12, U11 and U10 level and very signifi cant numbers of old boys have graduated to play fi rst-class cricket for various counties, with at least 10 currently doing so. Experienced coaches o er a well-structured winter programme of training and coaching, with individual coaching lessons available. Two bowling machines are much used to assist coaching and player development Cricketers of note Peter Denning, David Graveney, Jonathan Atkinson, Harvey Trump, Iain Fletcher, Piran Holloway, Aftab Habib, Jeremy Hallett, Wes Durston, Ben Hollioake, James Hildreth, Max Waller, Robin Lett, Ben Duckett, Daniel BellDrummond, Matt Hobden, Charlie Hartley, Cameron Steel, George Hankins, Will Smeed, Kasey Aldridge and Sam Young Cultural cricketers Roland Rudd (PR), Chris Robshaw (rugby), Richard and Simon Mantell (hockey), Ella Eyre (musician) What sets the school apart A chance for pupils at the start of their cricketing exposure to acquire and develop skills, but also caters for pupils who have had more experience and want to extend their knowledge and skill level. With facilities not matched for this age and coaches who have a desire to guide and help facilitate development, every pupil will develop. The fi xture list is unrivalled, with over half of the development squads fi xtures being against county opposition, including Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon and Wales Finest moment on the fi eld Between 2014-15 the Senior Development Squash (U13) 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 that season, including seven county sides, going 26 games unbeaten. Winning the national girls indoor competition for the third time this year Recent progress Winning the Lady Taverners indoor competition Future plans 4 more artifi cial wickets in out pitches

NOTTINGHAM ACADEMY PRIMARY

Greenwood Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG3 7EB

Established 2009 Number of pupils 784 Master in charge Andrew Staszkiewicz (assistant principal) Teams Year 6 Boys, Year 6 Girls, Year 5 Boys and Girls. Little Wickets within school as well with Year 1 and 2 children Girls’ cricket Girls take full part in cricket sessions during PE and the school also has its our own girls cricket team Post-pandemic changes If anything, more cricket offered to children as a result of them missing experiences during the pandemic. PE sessions running right across school linked to cricket at various points in the year Fixtures Around 20-30 fixtures based on how teams fair in tournaments. The biggest fixtures are always county cup games Facilities An outdoor net on a concrete playground and an artificial pitch on a field. The school pride themselves in making the most out of the facilities available Club/county affiliation Nottinghamshire CCC run all local festivals and tournaments that Nottingham Academy take part in. More recently, Dynamos Cricket have used the school field to hold weekly community sessions for 5-11-year-olds Best prospect Dipesh Sapkota is a batsman and off-spinner, part of the Notts U11 and U12 sides. He made a highest score of 99 not out this year representing Notts and was a brilliant captain of the school team Brief history A school based in a community that loves cricket. Children pick up cricket bats and balls for play times when at other schools it would always be a football. Nottingham Academy don’t have the facilities that other schools boast but have a natural energy and enthusiasm for the sport that runs throughout What sets the school apart How many children love playing cricket in their social time at school. Cricket clubs are always full and children love taking part Finest moment on the field In 2022 Nottingham Academy were crowned Dynamos county champions for the first time Recent progress The development of cricket for all ages. Using Little Wickets as a provider for their youngest children has helped to raise the profile of the sport even more Future plans To build a lasting link with a local club so that players can continue playing once they leave primary school

PACKWOOD HAUGH SCHOOL

Park Bank, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HX

Established 1892 Number of pupils 220 Master in charge Paul Phillips Professionals Darrell Corfield, James Wodja and Tyler Ibbotson Teams 4 – U13 Boys, 2 U13 Girls, 4 U11 Boys, 2 U11 Girls, 4 U9 Boys, 2 U9 Girls Girls’ cricket Girls play cricket as the major game of the summer term, joining boys’ sessions where appropriate. Many opportunities for mixed cricket in both hardball and softball formats resulting in girls progressing on the player pathway. U13 girls won the Shropshire indoor competition this year Post-pandemic changes Cricket’s popularity has grown. Boys and girls have been successful in the Shropshire Cricket Board winter programme and gained representation at both district and county level. A full inter-school match programme along with a strong Sixes (House) programme for all pupils Fixtures This year 55 matches organised for boys’ teams and 32 for girls’ teams. The 1st XI, colts XI, U13 girls and U11 girls attended local tournaments such as the Malvern Eights, Shrewsbury Prep Schools tournament, Wrekin Sixes and ESCA U11 Hardball Cup Facilities Four indoor nets, four artificial outdoor nets, six grass nets, nine grounds (including one artificial and two squares) Club/county affiliation Local clubs, plus Shropshire county and district teams Best prospect A number of pupils on the performance pathway that access additional coaching and playing opportunities with the SCB Brief history Cricket was played at Packwood since the school’s earliest days. JD Wyatt-Smith was an outstanding player before the First World War, averaging more than 100 runs each season and in one match taking 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 (104 yards). The strength of Packwood cricket has continued to grow Cricketers of note Tim Lamb (Middlesex, Northamptonshire & ECB chief executive) What sets the school apart? With cricket as the major sport for both boys and girls, all pupils involved in matches on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, with different formats provided as appropriate Finest moment on the field National Final U11 Hardball Finals Day at Oakham; U13 girls reaching finals of the Lady Taverners National Indoor competition three years running 2014, 2015 and 2016; U13s reaching the JET Cup finals day at St Edward’s, Oxford Recent progress Thanks to a change in the timetable, all pupils access quality cricket coaching from senior coaches. Additional cricket professionals employed to increase access to individual and paired lessons through the year Future plans Plans underway to improve access to a winter programme, including a return to the Lady Taverners competition for girls Tours Colts XI travelled to Cothill House for a two-day format in 2022

PRESTFELDE PREP SCHOOL

London Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6NZ

Established 1929 Number of pupils 360 Master in charge Mike Haswell Teams 11 boys (2 U9s, 2 U10s, 2 U11s, 5 U13s) and 10 girls (2 U9s, 2 U10s, 2 U11s, 2 U13s) Girls’ cricket Both girls’ teams and also girls within boys’ teams on merit Post-pandemic changes More internal fixtures, greater offer of clubs Fixtures 60. Packwood Haugh the most notable Facilities 4 squares, 8 rough strips for softball, 6 grass nets, 2 astro nets Club/county affiliation Shropshire Cricket use facilities for training, matches and Chance to Shine programmes Brief history Traditionally an allboys’ school, cricket has long since been a major sport at Prestfelde on the beautiful grounds. Since becoming fully co-ed, girls cricket is flourishing over recent years. Many pupils represent local clubs, represent Shropshire and go on to play 1st XI cricket at their chosen senior school Finest moment on the field 2019 U13 David English Bunbury national champions Recent progress Girls playing cricket is now the norm and widely accepted as part of the summer programme

REPTON PREP SCHOOL

Foremarke Hall, Milton, Derbyshire DE65 6EJ

Established 1940 Number of pupils 450 Master in charge Chris Simons (acting head of cricket) Professional Chris Read (Nottinghamshire & England) Teams U13 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI; U13 Girls 1st XI, 2nd XI; U11 Boys AB; 3 U11 Girls ABC; U10 Boys AB; U10 Girls ABC; U9 Mixed ABC Girls’ cricket Weekly Wednesday fixtures for Girls U13, U11 and U10 teams. Cricket is compulsory for Years 3-6, and the uptake in Y7/8 has increased year-by-year. The U13 Girls were recently indoor county champions and finished as runnersup in the regional finals. Seven girls involved in county age-group pathways Fixtures 115 – fixtures every Wednesday (all teams), as well as A-teams on a Saturday. Trent College and Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire age-group fixtures the most notable Facilities 4 outdoor artificial nets, sports hall with 3 nets, 2 grass wickets for hardball cricket (1 U13 pitch, 1 U11 pitch), 1 artificial wicket, 5 softball pitches/areas Club/county affiliation Ticknall CC, Derbyshire CCC, Notts CCC. The school have girls/boys who play for the Junior Age Groups. Repton also host matches for Derbyshire age-groups Best prospect Omaris Khan (Warwickshire U13 and EPP) scored two hundreds in 2022, as well as representing the senior school at U14, U15 and U17 level Brief history A strong history of cricket at the school, playing an extensive and competitive fixture list each summer for boys and girls against other top prep schools in the midlands Cultural cricketers Tom Chambers (actor), Will Hughes (footballer), Georgie Twigg (hockey) What sets the school apart Hosting county-age group matches and international age-group teams in recent years. Hosting of IAPS festivals and other tournaments for boys and girls in various age groups. Five ECBqualified coaches, including Read who is Level 4 Finest moment on the field U13 Girls Indoor County Champions and regional runners-up Recent progress Continued progress of the girls set-up

ROKEBY PREP SCHOOL

George Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7PB

Established 1877 Number of pupils 400 Master in charge Rob Williams Professional Andy Gannaway Teams At senior level (Years 7 & 8) six teams throughout the season utilising all 66 boys at the age group in weekly fi xtures. Four teams at Year 6, fi ve at Year 5, six at Year 4 and seven in each of Years 1, 2 and 3 Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school, but Holy Cross Girls Prep School, Kingston used grounds for a whole Year 3 (96 children) two-hour coaching session for four of the last six seasons Post-pandemic changes Started pre-season training using on-site net facilities from mid-February to replicate the early start to the previous season Fixtures From U6 through to 1st XI 160 matches per season. Block fi xtures with Shrewsbury House, Parkside, Downsend, Danes Hill, Cranmore Facilities Multi-purpose hall and three astroturf nets at the school site. Rokeby Sports Grounds situated near Worcester Park: four grass squares all containing an astroturf pitch Club/county a liation Surrey CCC, plus Wimbledon, Spencer, Sunbury, Esher, Teddington, Hampton Wick, NPL Teddington and especially Malden Wanderers Best prospect Three U10 cricketers involved in county pathways: Seb Pearson (Middlesex), Matthew Thomas and Caspar Broadrick (both Surrey). They helped the school U10A team win all 10 games this season Brief history Prior to the school moving to Kingston in 1965, Wimbledon Common was used but most matches were staged away from Rokeby. In the early 1970s Donhead dismissed Rokeby at U11 level for 0! In 1985 the school reached agreement with Malden Wanderers to use their grounds and cricket really took o as a major sport. Competitions won include the Charterhouse Sixes, the Wellington College Sixes (on three occasions) and the Rokeby Sixes (on fi ve occasions), Surrey Prep Schools Cup (three occasions) and the Surrey Schools Cricket Association Cup (twice). Reached the National Finals of the ESCA 8-a-side competition three times in eight years Cricketers of note Joe Porter (1988–93) has most of Rokeby’s batting records, and went on to play for Surrey and captain British Universities. Richard O’Grady (1999–2008) played fi rst-class for Oxford University Cultural cricketers Oliver Reed and

Master in charge Rob Williams Richard Briers What sets the school apart Host of England and Surrey Deaf. A Century Bat records every boy who has ever scored a hundred for Rokeby since 1994 Finest moment on the fi eld The 2011 U11 8-a-side team won the national title from an original list of over 330 schools, including a threerun win over Millfi eld in the semi-fi nal Future plans New scoreboards installed on three of the grounds Tours Returning to Sri Lanka on a full-scale tour in spring 2024. Toured Manchester in April with 42 boys, hosted by the King’s School, Macclesfi eld

SHREWSBURY HOUSE SCHOOL

107 Ditton Rd, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6RL

Established 1865 Number of pupils 350 Master in charge Billy Davison (director of sport), Danny Baker (head of cricket) Teams Regularly put out 1st to 8th XIs every week. In younger years boys are streamed by ability (A-D teams) and thereafter selected in teams named after counties. These teams not only play in inter-school competition, but also in the inaugural SHS ‘County Championship’ event. There are 6-8 teams in each of the Year 3-6 groups, plus the annual house competition in all years Girls’ cricket A boys’ school, but the SHS-hosted Primary Festival of Sport supports boys’ and girls’ participation from local primary schools Post-pandemic changes Awarding boys ‘value prizes’ for demonstrating integrity, respect, perseverance, aspiration and compassion. Classroom theory lessons to encourage boys to look at tactics Fixtures 150-plus during summer term (in addition to the autumn term season, house cricket and SHS County Championship). The most notable Whitgift, Trinity, St Paul’s, King’s College Wimbledon and Danes Hill Facilities 4G all-weather-surface allows SHS to support boys’ development in both practice and in competitive matches (soft and hardball cricket) even in the rain. Four indoor and two outdoor nets. At the Almshouse Lane Sports Ground a brand-new £3.5m pavilion is being built. Now able to o er fi ve outdoor nets and another main cricket fi eld used by Wimbledon CC Club/county a liation Surrey CCC, Wimbledon CC, Chessington CC (who use the indoor nets to train) and Maori Oxshott CC (who use the sports fi elds). Esher CC a popular destination for SHS boys Best prospect 15 boys attended Surrey trials last year with eight making their county debuts in 2022 Brief history Cricket played at SHS since at least 1897. During WW2, half the school moved to Devon and half remained in Surbiton, and the ‘two schools’ played each other. In 1986 SHS scored 130 for 4 against Rokeby and then bowled them out for just 11 Cultural cricketers Lord MacLaurin (ECB chairman 1997-2002), Stirling Moss (F1 driver) What sets the school apart Involved in one of the fi rst interschool prep school cricket matches in 1897. All boys play competitive interschool matches Finest moment on the fi eld Winners of Winchester College U12 tournament in 2017 and 2018. Winners of Surrey Prep Schools Cup eight times. Winners of Surrey Watcyn Evans Cup three times. Winners of Tonbridge U11 Tournament four times. Winners of Wellington U11 Tournament three times Recent progress Every single boy played a minimum of fi ve meaningful cricket matches against external schools. iPads to give instant feedback Future plans A new U8 cricket festival o ering Year 3s their fi rst experience of a cricket festival. Keen to develop teachers and senior boys with cricket coaching and umpiring CPD training Tours St Lucia awaits 40 boys in March 2023

Head of cricket Danny Baker

SPRATTON HALL SCHOOL

Smith Street, Spratton, Northamptonshire NN6 8HP

Established 1951 Number of pupils 400 Master in charge Gareth Barnard (head of boys’ games), Sarah Blason (head of girls’ games) Teams 25 totally mixed from Years 3-8 Girls’ cricket Cricket was made the main summer sport for girls in 2018 Post-pandemic changes In 2021 Spratton Hall created several mixed teams, so well received that in 2022 they changed to mixed teams across the whole prep school. Nine main cricket coaches who coach boys and girls from age six upwards Fixtures 150. Bilton Grange, Witham Hall, Bedford Prep, Stamford, Oakham, Warwick and Beachborough Facilities 8 astro nets, 3 grass nets, 10 grass wickets, 6 astro wickets and an indoor sports dome. The facilities are of such a high standard that they are used by junior county teams for some matches and in the past Northamptonshire CCC have used the grounds for training and summer camps Club/county a liation Overstone Park, Old Northamptonians, Brixworth, East Haddon and Nether Heyford. Eight pupils representing Northants in 2022 Best prospect Emelia Hull and Charles Guest both going to Rugby School and play for Northants. Imogen Turney, Teddy Green, Milo Green, Eddie Greany Brief history Boys’ cricket played since 1951 Cricketers of note Rob White (Northants) Cultural cricketers Tenniel Evans (actor), Mark Haddon (author), Michael Ellis (MP) and Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints & England rugby), Robbie Povey (Canada rugby), Max Fryatt (New Zealand Schools), Toby Cousins (England U18 and Northampton Saints), George Patten (Northampton Saints) What sets the school apart A ‘sport for all’ philosophy applies strongly, and all age groups from Years 2 to 8 play it as their main summer sport. A desire to ensure that boys and girls have equal access to facilities, coaches and competitive play, which is why they mixed all teams. Every child plays cricket in a team for their school at a level that they feel comfortable with, be that in hardball or softball Finest moment on the fi eld 1st XI boys went unbeaten in 2017. 1st XI Girls were indoor county champions having won the National Lady Taverners U13 Indoor competition. Unfortunately, the regional round in Cambridge and the fi nal at Lord’s were both lost to Covid Recent progress How quickly the girls adapted to playing cricket as their main summer sport. There is the option for both boys and girls to choose soft or hardball cricket depending on their confi dence and ability Future plans Spratton Hall feel they now have all the facilities they need, so are focusing on providing the best coaching for all pupils Tours In July 2021 a Yorkshire Year 8 tour. In June 2022 a Norfolk 1st XI and Year 8 mixed tour. Spratton host touring teams too

‘The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.’

ISI Inspection Report 2021

Shrewsbury House School is an outstanding IAPS Independent Prep School for boys aged 7–13 located in Surbiton, Surrey. With a superb academic record, committed staff, small class sizes and dedicated pastoral care, every boy has the opportunity to fulfil his potential. Shrewsbury House School has a national reputation for success in Scholarships and Awards to top day and boarding Senior Schools at 13+.

OPEN EVENTS

We hold regular Headmaster’s Coffee Mornings and Open Mornings. Please visit our website for the latest dates.

registrar@shstrust.net 020 8399 3066

shrewsburyhouse.net

www.rokebyschool.co.uk | 020 8936 7979 | admissions@rokeby.org.uk School bus service from Wimbledon, Putney, Southfields and Barnes

ST ANDREW’S PREP, EASTBOURNE

Meads Street, Eastbourne, Sussex BN20 7RP

Established 1877 Number of pupils 390 Master in charge Mark Tomsett (head of pastoral care and boarding) Professional Rob Ferley (Kent & Nottinghamshire), James Tredwell (Kent & England) Teams 13 boys’, nine girls’ Girls’ cricket Cricket is the main summer sport for girls with weekly fi xtures and games lessons. St Andrew’s have followed the Cricket for Girls programme established by Lydia Greenway. The school sta have been informed in CPD to develop their subject knowledge. The school have six players on the county pathway and moving forward are developing links with local clubs. The 1st XI play hardball and the school is looking to introduce hardball for U11s next year Fixtures 70 for boys, 50 for girls Facilities St Andrew’s forms part of Eastbourne College Inc. As a result, facilities are shared across both schools, with eight indoor nets across the two sites, eight astroturf outdoor nets, three grass wicket pitches on St

Andrew’s school site and a further four grounds of Eastbourne College Club/county a liation Eastbourne CC and Sussex Cricket Foundation, as a number of players are involved in the district and country pathway programme. The school also sponsors East Dean CC – a small local club which focuses on junior development Best prospect Adam Ibrahim (brother of Sussex’s Danial), a patient top order batsman and an attacking o -spinner who changes his pace well Brief history Cricket is the main summer sport. With the introduction of girls’ cricket two years ago, St Andrew’s now boast more than 22 by Lydia Greenway. The school teams and 120 fi xtures a season. The sta have been informed in CPD to U12 boys were Sussex champions in develop their subject knowledge. The 2017. In 2018, as a result of winning the school have six players on the county Sussex Cup, the school were entered pathway and moving forward are into the Bunbury U13 National Cup developing links with local clubs. The as the Sussex representatives. 1st XI play hardball and the school is 2019 saw the 1st XI fi nish looking to introduce hardball for U11s third in the U13 IAPS next year national Knockout Cup Fixtures 70 for boys, 50 for girls and also win the U13 Facilities Sussex Cup. In 2022 St Andrew’s the 1st XI reached forms part the last eight in the of Eastbourne country in the IAPS College Inc. As a result, Finest moment facilities are shared across on the fi eld 2017 U12 both schools, with eight county champions and indoor nets across the third-place in the U13 IAPS two sites, eight astroturf Recent progress outdoor nets, three grass Development of girls’ wicket pitches on St cricket

teams and 120 fi xtures a season. The U12 boys were Sussex champions in 2017. In 2018, as a result of winning the Sussex Cup, the school were entered into the Bunbury U13 National Cup as the Sussex representatives. 2019 saw the 1st XI fi nish third in the U13 IAPS national Knockout Cup and also win the U13 Sussex Cup. In 2022 the 1st XI reached the last eight in the country in the IAPS Finest moment on the fi eld county champions and third-place in the U13 IAPS Recent progress Development of girls’ cricket

ST FAITH’S SCHOOL

Trumpington Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB2 8AG

Established 1884 Number of pupils 570 Master in charge John Welch Teams U12/U13 (Mixed): 4 Boys, 4 Girls; U11: 3 Boys, 4 Girls; U10: 4 Boys, 4 Girls; U9: 4 Boys, 4 Girls; U8: 4 Boys, 4 Girls Girls’ cricket Every girl is given the opportunity to play cricket from Year 1 to 8 and all play matches from Year 4 upwards. St Faith’s have been leaders in the eastern region as the fi rst school in the area to fully convert from rounders to cricket. Around 80 per cent of local schools have followed suit Post-pandemic changes Cricket has never been approached with more enthusiasm. The school have made use of digital gains as well as focusing on quality over quantity. Mixed cricket through all year group training and have redesigned the cricket programme to ensure maximum participation from each pupil in every situation Fixtures Every team has between seven to nine fi xtures and tournaments. Include Bedford, Felsted and Bishop’s Stortford Facilities 10 outdoor pitches (4 grass, 6 all-weather) and 2 indoor nets, 8 Kwik Cricket pitches Club/county a liation Cambridge CC train at the school and First Choice Coaching Cricket Company use the facilities. Pupils tend to make up around 20-50 per cent of most Cambridgeshire county age-group teams, plus a number of alumni have gone on to play for the full Cambs side Best prospect Harry Silverwood (Year 6) is a technically profi cient, hard-hitting batsman, exceptionally quick and accurate bowler, dynamic fi elder, but also a capable wicketkeeper Brief history KS Ranjitsinhji came to the school to acclimatise before heading onto Cambridge University. From then on cricket has been held in very high regard in the school, now accessible for all children Cricketers of note Justin Benson (Ireland), Nikhail Gorantla (Essex 2nd XI) Cultural cricketers Sir Christopher Cockerell (Inventor of the hovercraft), Prof Lord Robert Mair, Sir John Tusa, Tom Williams (BBC sports presenter), Alastair Bruce-Ball (BBC sports presenter), John Maynard Keynes, Prof David Thouless (Nobel Prize Winner, Physics), John Storey (Olympic rower), John Peake (Olympic hockey), Alex Goode (England rugby), Tessa Howard (GB Hockey) and Katie Curtis (GB Hockey) What sets the school apart The school ensure that every boy and girl in every team through the school is taught by a cricket specialist. The school have also organised County Cup B team tournaments as well as A to get more children involved. On a Wednesday afternoon St Faith’s consistently have 15 teams playing through Years 6, 7 and 8. U11 Girls county champions for the last six years, have hosted U11 Boys and Girls IAPS Cricket events Finest moment on the fi eld Every boy and girl from Years 3 to 8 representing the school within two weeks in 2019 Recent progress The strength in depth in each year group Future plans To develop yeargroup festivals with as many local primary schools as possible and to engage with local clubs. To run Inset programmes for local primary school teachers

STAMFORD JUNIOR SCHOOL

Kettering Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2LR

Established 1532 Number of pupils 360 Master in charge Richard Lang (head of sport) Professional Dean Headley (Kent, Worcestershire, Middlesex & England) Teams U11ABCDEFGH, U10ABCDEFGH, U9ABCDEF, U8ABCDEF – all mixed gender and formats Girls’ cricket All pupils participate in cricket as the major summer sport. They can also choose to come to after-school clubs and choose cricket in their optional session Fixtures 130. The most notable is Witham Hall Facilities 4 indoor nets, 5 outdoor nets, 2 artifi cial wickets, 2 large astroturfs for Flicx wickets and 5 cutout grass wickets for softball matches Club/county a liation An association with Burghley CC but also proactive with other clubs Stamford CC, Barnack CC and Ketton CC Best prospect W Clarke (Leicestershire U11s) is an allrounder and captain of the U11A team Brief history The Stamford schools have a rich history of playing cricket and Stamford Junior School is no exception. Cricket has been part of the major games programme since it the major games programme since it o cially relocated o cially relocated to its own site in 1976. Once in situ, pupils have enjoyed playing cricket on one of its cricket on one of its many fi elds, including many fi elds, including the Main Oval in front the Main Oval in front of the main school of the main school building. For the last building. For the last four years, cricket has four years, cricket has been the major sport been the major sport in the summer term and all pupils in the summer term and all pupils are selected on ability, not gender are selected on ability, not gender Cricketers of note Joey Evison Cricketers of note Joey Evison (Nottinghamshire & Kent, right) (Nottinghamshire & Kent, right) What sets the school apart What sets the school apart County junior cricket is played County junior cricket is played on the Main Oval. In Year 6 on the Main Oval. In Year 6 cricketers can train in any of cricketers can train in any of the following groups: Established the following groups: Established Hardball Cricketers, Hardball Hardball Cricketers, Hardball

Development Squad and Development Squad and

Softball Teams Softball Teams

Finest moment on Finest moment on the fi eld Every pupil the fi eld Every pupil from Years 3 to 6 has from Years 3 to 6 has represented the school represented the school in several matches in several matches throughout the summer throughout the summer term. Stamford regularly term. Stamford regularly have every pupil from each have every pupil from each year group playing year group playing at once – very at once – very enjoyable to watch enjoyable to watch all three fi elds in all three fi elds in action with either softball or hardball cricket being played Recent progress The e orts from pupils and sta to get cricket back up and running after the last couple of years. To have every single pupil play regular cricket throughout the summer term and also have access to after-school clubs and extra cricket sessions Future plans New nets to be installed in the astro cage. Potential to bring in new six-a-side formats for hardball and create mini festivals with music

SUMMER FIELDS

Mayfi eld Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 7EN

Established 1864 Number of pupils Oliver Bishop Director of sport Joe Porter (Surrey & Oxfordshire) Teams 22 (U7, U8, U9ABCD, U10ABCD, U11ABCD, U12ABCD, U13ABCD) Post-pandemic changes Boys from the Video Production Unit fi lmed the matches on the 1st XI square allowing the games to be viewed on YouTube worldwide. This has expanded to a second matchday team who video the colts’ square Fixtures 140. Often play at senior schools such as Harrow, St Edward’s and Stowe. The fi xture with Ludgrove is the biggest block. This year the U12As played on the Cheltenham College 1st XI square, just a couple of weeks before their Gloucestershire festival Facilities 5 indoor nets, 5 artifi cial nets and 6 grass nets. 9 pitches on a 70-acre site Club/county a liation Some boys represent Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. The school also hosts matches for Oxford High School (GDST) teams. Boys also play for local clubs including Oxford CC, Horspath CC and Wolvercote CC Best prospect U11As are a very strong group who won all their games this season. Their captain, Charlie Snow, captains Gloucestershire U11s and is an allrounder with great potential Brief history Cricket, along with Classics and Chapel, was long considered one of the three great pillars of the school. The game has been played since the 1870s with fi xtures against schools such as Cothill and The Dragon that remain today. Historically Horris Hill was the big rival. The 1914 scorecard making interesting reading: GO Allen lbw b DR Jardine 2 Cricketers of note Gubby Allen (Middlesex, England, MCC president), John Barclay (Sussex, MCC president), Mark Faber (Sussex, Oxford University) Cultural cricketers Harold Macmillan (future British PM). The 2012 Fathers XI had a ringer for their annual match against the Sta . The late, great, SK Warne took 6 for 53. Opening the batting in 2018 was Azhar Ali, whose century guided the Fathers to their fi rst victory in the annual fi xture for some years. Reginald Brooks was, along with his brother, one of the fi rst two boys to attend Summer Fields in 1864. In later life he wrote the spoof obituary in the Sporting Times announcing the death of English cricket at The Oval in 1882 What sets the school apart The VPU Finest moment on the fi eld One of the few prep schools to play MCC. In 2014, to celebrate the school’s 150th anniversary, a Headmaster’s XI led by former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams enjoyed a seven-wicket victory Recent progress Increased the number of matches for the U7 and U8 teams, and they have been played on the 1st XI square Future plans The school are running six-a-side cricket matches at the lower levels of Years 4 and 5, allowing boys to play twice as many matches Tours Just before Covid the school toured Cape Town, playing nine matches in nine days and creating long-lasting memories. They hope to tour again in the near future. This year the Under 11s toured Edinburgh and the Scottish borders

TAUNTON PREP SCHOOL

Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AE

Established 1847 Number of pupils 340 Master in charge Peter Sanderson (director of cricket) Professional Marcus Trescothick (Somerset & England). Taunton School helped the current England assistant coach become an ECB Level 4 coach Teams 34, now with matches from Year 3, and the major summer sport for girls. Boys: Years 8 and 7ABCD, Years 6/5ABC, plus two teams in Year 4 and 3. Girls: Year 8ABC, Year 7ABCD, Year 6ABC, Year 5/4/3AB Girls’ cricket Split into high performance, which helped produce Storm Academy player Joleigh Roberts, and fun cricket. Girls can choose to join the boys cricket programme Post-pandemic changes Numbers have increased. September cricket has been discussed Fixtures Millfield Prep, King’s Hall, Hazlegrove, Clifton and Sherborne Prep. A frustration is other schools cannot match the number of teams Taunton put out. The highlight is the Parents v 1st XI match, though the boys are not always happy when Trescothick helps out the parents Facilities 12 grass net pitches, which split into 4 bays, 15 artificial nets including the 7 indoor lanes. The main hall can be used for hardball indoor games. The school has 6 main squares but also play on extra ‘rabbit’ pitches, used mainly for softball matches. Access to 3 bowling machines including a Merlyn spin machine Club/county affiliation Many schools, clubs and Somerset CCC Best prospect Lily Blackwell, Jack Blackwell, Harvey Coleman, Luca Gregory Brief history International and county players have been produced. One of the best-known, Tom Abell, is a regular visitor. In 2016 Taunton made the decision to appoint a director of cricket, Peter Sanderson (Level 4 coach/ex-Somerset coach) Cricketers of note Abell (Somerset), Adam Dibble (Somerset), Jodie Dibble (Somerset, Western Storm & England Women), Aftab Habib (Essex, Leicestershire, Middlesex & England), John Jameson (Warwickshire & England), John Cameron (West Indies), Alan Gibson (Oxford University), Jack White (Somerset & England) Cultural cricketers Geoffrey Cox (Conservative MP), Alan Gibson (cricket writer) and Jeremy Wright (former attorney-general) What sets the school apart Last summer the biggest issue was accommodating all players with 70 boys originally listed to attend senior cricket sessions. The mix of staff across both schools is almost unique. The use of the same facilities regardless of level is important. The continued link to Somerset is cherished Finest moment on the field Year 8s are National IAPS winners and reached the national semi-final. The girls also won their county cup and competed at IAPS final Recent progress The fixture programme has improved again. The numbers of county pathway players has increased to 70 Future plans Outdoor facilities being upgraded to increase the numbers of grass and artificial nets Tours London tour in the planning

TERRINGTON HALL PREP SCHOOL

Terrington, York, Yorkshire YO60 6PR

Established 1921 Number of pupils 178 Master in charge Alex Crockett (head of sport) Teams Boys U13, U12, U11, U10, U9, U8. Girls U13, U11, U9 Girls’ cricket Girls have outright sides but also play alongside boys. There is a 50/50 fixture split between rounders and cricket as the school feels the fielding and striking skills complement each other Fixtures 1 or 2 fixtures every week. Most notable fixtures are Aysgarth and St Peter’s, York Facilities Four outdoor and two indoor nets. Currently two wickets (an U9/U10 square and an U11/U13 square). They have found that a large new astro lends itself perfectly for younger or softball fixtures and training. Two bowling machines and plenty of spare equipment for the pupils to use. A pavilion and scorebox alongside the firstteam square Club/county affiliation Westow CC and Malton CC, where most players play outside of school. Past and present players represent North Yorkshire and Yorkshire. Affiliated coaches help with private and team sessions. District sides are a regular in the calendar of fixtures every year Best prospect Olivia Breese (wicketkeeper/batter). Currently included in Yorkshire U13 Girls. Hit 50 not out while playing her first game for our U13 boys side v Durham Cathedral School Cricketers of note Becky Glen (Scotland Women), Jack Charters (Fiji) What sets the school apart The ground, set within the Howardian Hill (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The layered pitches give an infinity look about the ground Finest moment on the field Winning Driffield Floodlit League U12, winning the Yorkshire round of the ESCA U11 eight-a-side hardball competition Recent progress Introducing girls’ cricket and three of the players representing Yorkshire Future plans Looking at portable floodlights for some night fixtures and adding a cricket tour to the calendar

THE NEW BEACON

Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2PB

Established 1900 Number of pupils 349 Master in charge Ian BuchananDunlop Teams 6 – U12/13s, 4 U11s, 4 U9s Girls’ cricket A boys’-only school but in discussion with a local girls’ school with the aim of their girls coached/ playing at The New Beacon Post-pandemic changes An excellent routine throughout the pandemic introduced a lot of new ideas in the approach to teaching cricket, for example using soft balls to be more inclusive Fixtures 140-150 fixtures across all age groups, includes county competition and 6-a-side tournaments Facilities 4 all-weather nets, sports hall, 1 grass wicket and 3 all-weather wickets Club/county affiliation Kent CCC, Holmesdale CC, Sevenoaks Vine CC Best prospect One of the boys is Master in charge Ian BuchananDunlop

currently Kent U13 captain and another in the same team. Another boy plays in Kent U12s Brief history A long, strong tradition of cricket at The New Beacon. U13 teams have regularly qualified at local level to proceed to national competition Cricketers of note Sam Billings and Zak Crawley (Kent & England) What sets the school apart Won the Kent U11 Cup for 15 years over the 20 years. The New Beacon have won the U12s cup several times v U13s (out of age group) Finest moment on the field National winners Recent progress Watching Billings and Crawley play in the same Ashes Test at Hobart in 2021/22 Future plans The New Beacon already work with local schools and hope to keep that going. Always trying to find new ways to make cricket exciting for the boys. Working with a local girls’ school for mixed cricket and for them to use school facilities

Boys’ Prep 3–13 years

WESTBROOK HAY PREP SCHOOL

London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 2RF

Established 1892 Number of pupils 352 Master in charge Stuart Stedman (head of sport), Peter Makower, John James Teams 3 U13s, 8 U11 Boys, 5 U11 Girls, 8 U9 Boys, 4 U9 Girls, 2 U8 Girls, plus mixed cricket Girls’ cricket The girls play both with the boys and in their own girls’ sides Post-pandemic changes The school returned with a focus on skill development but tried to do this through gameplay. The children missed most of last summer so the school ran a skills catch-up programme Fixtures The number of fixtures varies per team, with senior sides playing up to 10 matches. The most notable fixture is the local derby against Lockers Park Facilities 2 grass hardball pitches, 1 astro wicket, 5 junior wickets and three astro nets all outside. Two indoor nets, a batting cage on the main square and a bowling machine Club/county affiliation Craig Ringsell, groundsman for Chesham United FC and Leverstock Green CC, has taken over the maintenance of the wickets, which has produced great results. John Neal, ECB head of coach development, is a former teacher here and he runs an annual clinic for both staff and senior sides Best prospect Year 8 Charlie Brett, a stylish allrounder, has just been signed up to the Northants Academy. Maddison Wade and Matilda Hamilton are quick bowlers in the U10As, while in the equivalent boys’ team Nikhil Dodhia bowls leg-spin and is destructive with the bat Brief history The school is set in a wonderful environment, with two picturesque grounds. There is a dedicated staff who believe cricket should be available for all and every pupil represents the school in matches. They pride themselves on producing high quality cricketers, who play the game in the right spirit. Pupils are regularly part of representative squads. Girls are treading a similar path now and recently won the Aldenham Festival Cricketers of note Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire & England) Cultural cricketers Luke O’Nien (Sunderland AFC), Raef Bjayou (entrepreneur and TV presenter), Deji Olatunji (YouTuber with over 10m subscribers) What sets the school apart Cricket is played every day during the summer term with the indoor and outdoor facilities always in use. The school prides itself on producing high quality cricketers and have a ‘Cricket for All’ policy Finest moment on the field Winning the U11 County Cup in 2012, 2014 and 2015 Recent progress The development of the girls’ programme along with improvement in the squares Future plans This summer the school have initiated a link up with Berkhamsted CC where they offer lodgings to the overseas player in return for time spent coaching the pupils

WOODCOTE HOUSE SCHOOL

Snows Ride, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6PF

Established 1854 Number of pupils 110 Master in charge Andrew Monk (deputy headmaster) Professional Josh Dodd (Border), Ed Young (Surrey, Gloucestershire) Teams U13ABC, U11AB, U9 Girls’ cricket All-boys’ school Fixtures 25. The game against Sunningdale is known locally as ‘El Clasico’ Facilities 4 grounds with all-grass squares, 4 artificial nets, use of Eversley Indoor Centre in winter Club/county affiliation Close links with Valley End CC, providing pitches for girls’ cricket. The school also help with their overseas pro’s accommodation Best prospect Seb C is currently averaging 50 from his two years in the 1st XI. Jasper T and George S are two Year 7 boys with huge potential. Jasper is a seam bowler leading the attack already. George is a leg-spinner and batsman who works with the Rajasthan Royals academy Brief history Woodcote House is the oldest boys-only prep school in the country and has played cricket since 1854. The iconic Front Field ground with the Georgian house as the backdrop makes it one of the most picturesque prep school grounds in the world Cricketers of note Luc Durandt (Durham MCCU), Sam Andrews was offered a contract by Surrey Cultural cricketers Former ‘Diet Coke man’ Oliver Tilney once scored 109 not out in a record first-wicket stand of 246 in 16 overs against Bishopsgate in 2001. Former Black Rod Edward Jones also graced the school cricket pitches What sets the school apart Possibly the first prep school to have called off a match via Twitter. It was in the very early days of the social media platform and the game was against Elstree Finest moment on the field The school’s opening stand of 246 against Bishopsgate must be among the highest in the history of prep school cricket. Durandt’s 164 not out against Hoebridge is a school record that is unlikely to be beaten due to the proliferation of T20 cricket since then Recent progress The role played in helping Valley End CC improve the Christmas Chari-Tree initiative. Working alongside local state schools and businesses, £7,000 was raised and 300 presents donated to help more than 50 families enjoy a better Christmas. This led to helping the club with overseas pro Josh Dodd Future plans Further partnerships with Valley End to secure improved facilities