The Cricketer Schools Guide 2024

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2024

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

The tour specialist for cricketers

“Touring with Smile Group Travel earlier in the year was a massive part of our preparation. Playing against some of the top South Africa schools allowed us to gel and work out our strengths and weaknesses”

Phil Lewis, Director of Sport, King’s College, Taunton Winners – 2023 National T20 U18 Cup

Ipswich School, winners of Eclipse U17’s T20 National Cricket Cup, sponsored by Smile. Squad from finals day at Arundel

“Our tour to Dubai at Easter was a brilliant experience for the girls and accompanying staff and the service from Smile was excellent at every stage.”

Head of Girl’s Cricket, Ipswich School Winners – 2023 U17 Girls T20 National Cup

To book your next school or club tour, please call 01708 948817, visit www.smilegrouptravel.com or email at info@smilegrouptravel.com

ABTA and ATOL protected

CONTENTS

4 VX3

6

8

10

11 NV Play

12 Ortus Energy

14 Durant

16 B3

19 Top 100 senior schools

103 Touring special feature

109 Top 20 all-girls schools

125 Top 50 junior/prep schools

160 Highly commended

162 Index

Editor Huw Turbervill

Managing director Jim Hindson

Digital editor Sam Morshead

Deputy editor James Coyne

Chief correspondent George Dobell

Art director Geo Barton

Proofreader Richard Hobson

Business development manager Rohan Kulkarni

Subscriptions executive Gemma Lang

Sta reporter Nick Friend

Sta reporter Nick Howson

Sta reporter Elizabeth Botcherby

Social media editor Owen Riley

Social media creative Rhiannon Blake

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

TO SUBSCRIBE or for any subscription enquiries call 0203 198 1359

Welcome to The Cricketer Schools Guide 2024

“Girls’ cricket is going to be ginormous in three to six years’ time – it is going to absolutely take off in schools across the country.”

How good is that to hear? It comes from Chris Adams, who knows his cricketing onions. He is head of cricket at Seaford College in West Sussex. Before that he led Sussex to their first ever County Championships, in 2003, 2006 and 2007. His daughter, Georgia, is going great guns for Southern Vipers, Southern Brave and Adelaide Strikers.

The rise of girls’ cricket in schools has been a joy to behold. It feels like this cricket revolution achieved lift-off when England beat India in front of a packed house at Lord’s in the 50-over World Cup in 2017. Rounders has, in most cases, been banished to the wastelands (aka that patch of dirt behind the sports hall). It is a pleasure to read the write-ups in the girls’ section of this publication. “We are proud of the journey that we are on, raising the profile of the game, seeing a rise in participation rates and most importantly the girls enjoying playing.” “The teamwork that is shown week in, week out at practice and in matches is extraordinary. The girls never fail to support each other, no matter what cricket challenge faces them.” “Cricket is part of our culture now. The girls come up to me during the lunchbreak and tell me

the latest scores. They say, ‘Did you see the England result at the weekend?’ They also practise and play matches through their lunch breaks.”

You would have to be a killjoy not to take great delight in reading bits like that. With so many uplifting stories like those, it seems a bit feeble when you read a school saying: “We are planning to introduce cricket for girls in the coming years.”

Come on, what are you waiting for?!

Boys’ cricket becomes more and more professional too. The countries they tour are the stuff of dreams, the facilities are exceptional, some even employ sports analysts now. The quest also goes on to try to ensure cricket is played in state schools as well. It is vital.

The England team has the leading cricket schools to thank for developing their talent. Martin Speight’s net sessions at Sedbergh School in Cumbria started at 6.30am. No doubt the early bird will still be catching the worm at Repton, when he moves there. You can read about him in the December issue of the magazine. His star pupil was Harry Brook, who has made an extraordinary start to his international career. ‘The Ashes were drawn on the playing fields of England?’ Well, yes!

Congratulations to all of the schools featured in this prestigious guide. As a premier provider of cricket ground equipment to clubs, professional counties and schools, we take great pride in our ongoing support for The Cricketer’s outstanding coverage of school cricket, highlighting the remarkable

contributions of coaches and sta to grassroots cricket over the years. Wishing you all a wonderful winter and the best of luck for the upcoming 2024 season.

Cristian Durant

Managing director, Durant Cricket

On the cover: Merchant Taylors’ School (main pic), Rugby School (bottom left), Whitgift School (bottom middle) and Reed’s School (bottom right) all by Paul Carroll.

School reports 2023

It has been an action-packed summer in the schools game. Huw Turbervill rounds up some of the notable stories

Surrey’s plan to stop sixth-formers quitting cricket

Alec Stewart’s sister Judy is the pioneer behind the scheme in seven state schools

There is potential salvation in south London and Surrey for parents who struggle to pay school fees to keep the dream of their child becoming a professional cricketer alive.

Judy Wallis, sister of Alec Stewart and daughter of Micky, has created and is running a programme to engage sixth-formers with the game.

“It’s aimed not just at those who want to play, but at coaches, umpires, scorers, analysts and more – all the roles with our sport,” says Wallis, who used to work for football charity, Kinetic Foundation, using that sport to engage people back into education.

This scheme o ers cricketers and devotees placement opportunities in seven London and Surrey state schools: George Abbot, Guildford; Lilian Baylis, Kennington; Saint Francis Xavier, Clapham; Harris Boys’ and Girls’ academies, both in East Dulwich; and the Harris Academies in Purley, Merton and Sutton. Participants will take part in a full academic programme and can still play other sports.

“I’ve heard of people taking multiple jobs, pleading with grandparents for money to keep pupils in private schools’ sixth forms, and not everyone can get into grammar schools,” says Wallis. “If you have a talented cricketer in your family, this can remove the financial burden.

“It is said that 40 per cent of cricketers drop o at the age of 16, and this programme is designed to buck that trend. I have seen the challenges

of cricket, with escalating costs and a lack of choice educationally. It can become an unfair playing field depending on financial resource.

“I wanted cricket to stop losing naturally talented athletes. Scholarships at private schools are not necessarily for everyone, but you have to be strong mentally.

“The programme may create a Cinderella story of becoming a professional cricketer, however it is more about retaining young people in the world of cricket. Surrey CCC are fully on board, and the programme will support the fantastic ACE run by Ebony Rainford-Brent and Foundation programmes, and local cricket clubs.”

Pupils will be o ered four hours’ cricket coaching, midweek fixtures, and a minimum of two hours’ strength and conditioning training a week, alongside classroom sessions outlining the employability options at SCCC. Each student will also undertake ECB coaching, umpiring and scoring courses.

“Lilian Baylis School classrooms overlook The Kia Oval, but only five per cent of pupils have come into the ground – that’s a huge shame,” she said.

“The focus of the programme will be the shorter formats of the game and the high level of athleticism required. We hope to encourage a more diverse audience to try cricket alongside the current popular sports such as football and basketball.

“There will be challenges, but I’m excited about the opportunity to present the game in a di erent way and use cricket and this programme to create a variety of di erent and positive outcomes.”

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S SEE THE LIGHT

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in York shone a light on the schools’ game for The Cricketer at the start of the season.

About 14 miles from York and 15 from Harrogate, the independent school has a vast, impressive 42-acre ‘sports village’. As well as the attractive square, further cricket squares are in the pipeline; and there’s also room for the other major sports, with impressive 4G surfaces. Newcastle United have trained there. “The floodlights are great,” said lead cricket coach Ben Gibbons, “but the key is to get more people playing cricket at the same time.”

We were there for a T20 triple-header in the national T20 Schools Cup: Yorkshire and North-East section. It was the only triangular fixture in the round. Scarborough College went through, winning both matches.

ST BART’S BOOST CRICKET

St Bartholomew’s School, Newbury, are helping to set the bar for state school cricket. Master in charge Richard Clayton organises about 10 fixtures a year for the Berkshire school, and this summer The Cricketer reported on a tournament for six state schools – three from Berkshire (St Bart’s, Park House and Reading) and three from Oxfordshire (Burford, King Alfred’s Wantage and Faringdon Community College) – playing for the Toby Radford Trophy. The former Middlesex batter and coach is an ex-pupil of both Park House and St Bart’s.

Harrow triumph in reprieved fixture

It was meant to be the final annual Eton v Harrow match at Lord’s in 2022, but MCC members voted for a reprieve, and the fixture was played there against last summer.

Harrow were in trouble at 43 for 4 when Charlie Nelson arrived. He shared a 109-run partnership with Jay Madan (68), followed by a 120-run stand with Brij Sheopuri (58). Nelson scored 103 until he was caught by Amogh Karpe o the bowling of Henry Wingfield-Digby, who took four wickets for Eton. Harrow posted 275 for 6 from 55 overs.

A rain delay shortened Eton’s chase,

revising the target to 202 from 30 overs.

After a hesitant start, Ottie Landale built a solid platform, scoring 54 at better than a run a ball, before an exceptional partnership of 100 from 77 balls between Henry Hickey (62) and Jago Catherwood (43) left Eton requiring 11 from the final over. Both were out trying valiantly to chase down the total, Hickey to a superb one-handed catch by Toby Ferneyhough. MCC will consult with members again in 2027, but the final of a new schools tournament will also be played at Lord’s in the meantime.

Hustpierpoint analyst seeks the edge

We are used to private schools having superb facilities, and going on glamorous tours, but now some are stepping up to the next level by appointing cricket analysts.

Rob Burgh is the sports performance analyst at Hurstpierpoint College in West Sussex.

“There aren’t many of us – maybe 10 in the country, although Millfield School has three,” Burgh told The Cricketer

“I studied for a BSc in cricket coaching and management at the University of Worcester. I wanted a job in cricket and landed the role at Hurstpierpoint in October 2021.

“While I do also work in rugby, hockey and netball, I am busy with cricket in the summer.

“I work with the coaches Mark Nash (the brother of ex-Sussex and Notts batter Chris) and James Anyon (the former Warwickshire and Sussex seamer).

“I produce stats using the ECB’s Play-Cricket powered by NV Play. We

use FrogBox for streaming 1st XI and some lower teams’ and girls’ matches. I code each ball and compile lists for individual players – on how they bowled, for instance, and specific observations like how they did against left-handers; or how batters fared against o spin/legspin.

“I also scout opponents. Reed’s School (Surrey) and Eastbourne College (Sussex) stream their matches so I watch them, and we look at other schools’ stats on play-cricket.

“We like to think it can give us an edge.”

SHERBORNE SEE RED

An annual fixture dating back almost 150 years, MCC visited Sherborne School in Dorset to bring down the curtain on their Ruth Strauss Foundation Cricket Week –the encounter coincidentally taking place on the same day that Lord’s went Red for Ruth on the second day of the second Ashes Test.

ABOVE

Sophia Smale has gone on to represent Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

MONMOUTH HAIL SMALE

Monmouth were proud of their pupil, Sophia Smale, who helped England reach the final of the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, in which they lost to India. She took eight wickets for just 77 runs with her left-arm spin at an average of 9.62. The year before she had bcome the first female cricketer to play for Monmouth School for Boys’ 1st XI.

Denly and Fulton fire for Canterbury in the desert

Sons of Kent lead school to win in four-team tournament in Spain, writes

Owen Riley

Desert Springs hosted the second edition of The Cricketer Schools 100 tournament and saw the return of a triumphant Canterbury Academy side who defended their title on Andalusian soil.

Having won courtesy of net run-rate in the inaugural tournament in 2022 – which saw the knockout phase wiped out by rain – Canterbury returned to finish what they started, delivering a near-faultless five-match winning streak to ensure the title remained theirs.

Competing with Canterbury for the title this year were Shenfield High School, Westminster School and Rajasthan Royals Academy UK – based in Cornwall. (In January 2022 the IPL franchise, which already had a base at Reed’s School in Surrey, opened a second UK academy, at Truro School – operating in partnership with coaching firm The Cornish

Cricket Company.)

When it came down to the final two it was Shenfield who stood in Canterbury’s way, with the Essex team showing themselves to be contenders with comfortable victories over Westminster and Rajasthan in the group stage before a closer-fought win over Westminster again in the semi-final.

In the final, partnerships of 39 between Jaydn Denly and Freddie Fulton – nephew of Joe and son of David respectively – and then 37 between Fulton and Harry Roberts formed the foundations of a 33-run victory which handed Canterbury the title for a second successive year.

ABOVE 2023 winners Canterbury Academy

BELOW

Jaydn Denly square drives

Canterbury won the toss and elected to bat first, and while Fulton played a steadier hand, Denly (29) and Roberts (21) kept the rate up, hitting eight boundaries between them.

Denly was the danger man, the Canterbury batter having struck a masterful century in the opening game of the tournament against Rajasthan. Returning for only his second appearance of the week, a classy down-on-one-knee four signalled his intent early on.

When Denly picked out Callum Berry o the bowling of Adam Pryor, Roberts arrived at the crease and picked up where Denly left o , striking a powerful blow down the ground for four, three balls into his innings.

Henry Goss (19) and Max Wood (14) chipped in down the order as Canterbury set Shenfield a target of 137.

Having taken two wickets apiece in the Canterbury innings, Arjun Bhardwaj and Callum Berry opened up for Shenfield. The duo had already shown their calibre in the tournament, having shared a highly-entertaining 183-run partnership – in which Berry reached an unbeaten, 57-ball hundred o the final delivery of the innings – against Rajasthan in the group stage.

Here the pair combined for 62 before

COLIN HENDERSON

captain Harry Fulton – another son of David – had Bhardwaj caught by Connor Dale on the long-o boundary rope for 19 (27).

It was a stand that put Canterbury under as much pressure as any had over the course of the tournament but Shenfield couldn’t push on. The impressive Berry finished unbeaten on 55, but aside from Bhardwaj, no other batter reached double figures as Canterbury’s class told and the bowlers held their nerve.

Following the game, skipper Fulton praised his team’s determination: “I think we showed a lot of character. It wasn’t our perfect performance but we kept fighting and ended up with the win.

“We always believed we could win, we knew we had the bowling attack to do so, but at 60 for no wicket we knew they were in the game.”

While Canterbury were strong throughout the tournament, Fulton noted that lessons were still taken from the final: “We were possibly overconfident and I think when we reflect back, we could have easily lost. So I think it’s important to play every game as it is your last and if we do that we shouldn’t lose too many.”

He also highlighted the impact of the tour early in the season: “Getting out on grass is important at this stage. Back home the County Championship has started but we won’t get a lot of cricket

at this point, so it’s good to get some competitive matches.”

In the wake of defeat, Shenfield’s Rowan Elliot applauded his team’s progress over the course of the tournament.

“We’ve come a long way as a team, especially with a young group,” he said.

“Canterbury beat us heavily in the first game but we came back and performed better in the final which is a good sign for us going forward. The tour developed us a lot, we put up a fight against a very strong team.”

The third-place play-o saw Jai Gupta claim a trio of caught and bowleds and then play a useful knock with the bat as Westminster overcame Rajasthan in a tight encounter.

Chasing 68, Westminster looked as though they were heading towards a comfortable victory before a spirited fightback from Rajasthan saw the chasing side reduced from 46 for 2 to 60 for 8 to set up an engaging finale.

Ben Carter, Isaac Hurtel-Hymans and Freddie Rowe picked up two wickets apiece as Rajasthan piled on the pressure before Aayan Diddee and Prakrith Rao edged their side to a two-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare.

Gupta, who had already taken a spectacular return catch against the same opposition earlier in the tournament, returned figures of 4 for 9 from three

All games at The Cricketer Schools 100 were streamed using FrogBox kit. See how to capture all your cricket with FrogBox by heading to www.frogbox.live

BELOW Arjun Bhardwaj batting during the final

overs as Westminster reduced Rajasthan to 67 all out.

The scorecard could have looked far worse for Rajasthan, who found themselves 18 for 5 in the seventh over when Ben Brush looped a leading edge to Dhruv Gupta o the bowling of Diddee.

Resilience came in the form of a 45run partnership between Jack Mallett and Freddie Wheeler who frustrated Westminster for 44 deliveries and ensured the contest wasn’t over as a spectacle.

Enter Jai Gupta. Wheeler was the first to fall caught and bowled to the spinner and one ball later, hesitant running saw Jack Carter run out for two in two.

The team hat-trick was complete when Gupta broke through Sam Jordan’s defences and sent the bails tumbling for a first-ball duck.

The final two deliveries of Gupta’s third over would be the final two of the Rajasthan innings. The first was a very comfortable catch presented to him and the next saw the spinner take a beauty above his head to remove Hurtel-Hymans.

Westminster’s triumph made it backto-back wins over Rajasthan to take a bronze medal.

Rajasthan captain Dan Foulds – who played on valiantly through an injury, after taking a ball to the face earlier in the competition – focussed on how the trip would benefit the squad moving forward: “Playing on pitches like this, in weather like this, with facilities like this; it feels like we are a professional team. This tour will stay with us for ages – we’ll be playing games this summer and we’ll think back to moments that have happened here. And o the field we’ve bonded and got closer as a team.”

Westminster’s Dhruv Gupta echoed those sentiments: “If you looked at the first game and last game we played it is clear we have improved as a side.

“Obviously our skills haven’t improved that much in five days, but now we know each other as cricketers a lot better and having connected minds like that is very important, so this tour has been very useful in that regard.”

Umpires make light work of tough decisions thanks to Zing

Zing International, manufacturers of the flashing Zing Wicket System, have created an accessible range for clubs and schools much to the relief of umpires around the world

Zing’s flashing stumps and bails have been around for a decade and are now used globally in professional cricket. A microprocessor in each Zing bail detects when it becomes dislodged from the stump grooves, illuminating within 1/1000th of a second. This pioneering technology provided umpires with absolute clarity for stumpings and run outs and the Zings swiftly became a firm favourite with cricket o cials around the world.

The popularity and e ectiveness of Zings allowed the company to create alternate ranges, with ‘Club Zing’ designed specifically for the purpose of schools and clubs. The Cricketer spoke with Zing’s commercial manager, Luke McAlister, who explained: “Our initial purpose was to help umpires make the correct decisions. We have found in our testing that umpire error-rates with the

Club Zings are halved when stood at square-leg as you cannot miss that flash of light as soon as the bails are removed.”

Zing provide options for both grass and artificial surfaces with spiked stumps and rubber bases respectively and their popularity in the grassroots game is continuing to grow. McAlister continued: “More and more clubs and schools are picking them up and are finding that the product creates a real buzz for the spectators.

“This attention also creates sponsorship opportunities with companies wanting their brand to appear on the stumps, which can o set cost and even create a profit for the schools/clubs we work with. Crucially, Zing equipment also makes it much easier to get key decisions right and e ectively provide assistance to self-umpiring, which is vital at amateur level.”

Put your school on the map with NV Play’s Live Streaming in 2024

Since making their debut a decade ago, NV Play have revolutionised live streaming of cricket for schools and clubs across the UK as well as being the preferred choice of all 18 first-class counties

NV Play are market leaders in scoring, live streaming, analysis and scoreboard integration via the ECB’s Play-Cricket Scorer Pro software (PCS Pro). The platform is equipped with the likes of the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method, pairs cricket, multi-match formats including The Hundred and auto-editing capabilities, making it robust and battlehardened to all formats of schools’ cricket.

NV Play allows users to bring their own cameras or purchase from NV Play’s own curated range of camera kits – tailored for every budget and designed specifically for cricket environments. Broadcast-grade live streaming and ball-by-ball video clips are automated simply by scoring the match with a connected camera. This enables the match to be viewed anywhere in the world, as well as enhancing team and player feedback via premium professional grade performance analysis tools.

The PCS Pro platform is widely used in the professional game by all 18 counties, as well as the England men’s and women’s international teams. The system also has a huge footprint in the recreational game where the natural keystrokes of the everyday scorer powers the live streaming overlays, automatic in game match cards, ball clipping, online match centres and local scoreboards.

NV Play boast an impressive roster of schools that use the service, with Shrewsbury School the latest convert. Will Hughes, master in charge of cricket, told The Cricketer: “We have been

delighted with the NV Play software and it has added a new dimension to our matchdays for players, coaches and parents. It has been straightforward to set up and use and the support provided has been first class. We will be looking to add a second camera for next summer.”

Rupert Kitzinger, director of cricket at Haileybury, who set the system up permanently with two cameras on the

school network for easy access was also full of praise: “The NV Play System has been a brilliant addition to our school provision and allowing spectators to follow online makes life easier for everyone! The boys and girls love to watch footage back and it has obvious coaching benefits. It is a fantastic one stop scoring and streaming app that everyone can use.” Richard Singfield, director of sport at The King’s School Canterbury, purchased the system for the 2023 season: “We have been very happy with our first season of using NV Play. The software is amazing, running automatically from the scorer. The amount of detail that you can go into is second to none. We also used the live stream feature, which was very popular with our parents, especially those who live abroad. We could not recommend it highly enough.”

NV Play’s vast experience in providing cost-e cient, high-end coverage for the professional and recreational game makes it the solution of choice for a number of governing bodies around the world. Just last season, more than 400 clubs and schools across the UK utilised NV Play’s best in class video features.

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Pioneering progress for Pickwick CC

Jim Hindson heads to Moseley and discovers a cricket club on the rise

Pickwick Cricket Club, located in the heart of Birmingham, has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last year.

When local businessman Wahid Najib and his family joined the club as the new trustees in November 2022, this was a cricket club only open on a Saturday with its ailing facilities shut to the local neighbourhood.

The change has been tangible. Pickwick have just been recognised by the Warwickshire Cricket Board with their 2023 Cricket Innovator Award, praised for thinking outside of the box and overcoming cultural barriers.

Wahid picks up the story: “Lots of people in the area want to play and I had a vision of the ground becoming the beating heart of the community.

“The challenge cricket has is that it is an expensive sport to get into. When you factor in clothing, equipment and membership you could be looking at £500 per head before bowling a ball.

“We decided that membership would be £50 to include both training with qualified coaches and playing matches. And with the help of local sponsors we were also able to provide a set of whites and training kit.”

The vision of Wahid and his family,

ABOVE

Wahid Najib with Mohammed Iqbal (Tile Mountain) and father Mohammed Najib

BELOW & RIGHT

The four-lane nets, covers and sightscreens installed by Durant

their strategic thinking and generosity has been pivotal: “The key to an initiative like this is to get good facilities in place, because that will ensure that the community want to spend time at the club. I’d known Cristian Durant for a while and didn’t hesitate to contact him when I started at the club to discuss what we could do.

“Cristian and his team have done a great job. They have built a brilliant four lane net facility with floodlights and we have new covers and a scorebox. They have helped guide us on the square to ensure better pitches and new sightscreens. Because Durant have done such a

fantastic job, we have attracted new sponsors to advertise on the ground and hope that this investment will pay itself back in the next few years with the club’s continued youth development.”

The family (who are behind NT International - an export and distribution business), have financed the refurbishment out of their own pocket but have a clear vision for how the club can become a stable pillar of the community for many years to come.

“Our plan is not to make money, it is to ensure the club can continue to grow, to build on these foundations and be a place

that the community is proud to be a part of for generations of cricketers.

“Pickwick CC is situated within a large Asian community and because of this we have made sure too that the environment is right. For example, we have separate men’s, women’s and junior changing rooms. We have created an environment that is suitable and comfortable for the growing numbers of Muslim girls that we have at the club.

“The girls’ section has grown from nothing to around 60 now playing softball and we have plans to introduce them to hardball next season. The boys’ section

is also growing and we’re proud to boast a junior section of around 120 kids.

“Our future plans include driving the first team through the leagues to get to the top division. Thanks to our talent at the club, we went unbeaten last year and the parents are really keen that our young cricketers continue to be tested at the highest possible level they can play.”

Pickwick has swiftly become the beating heart of the Moseley community and with further plans to acquire a third team ground to assist with their expansion, the sky really is the limit for this fabulous club.

PAUL CARROLL

B3 Cricket school cricketers of the future

Expertise sets proud British bat manufacturer B3 apart from the competition according to founder Michael Blatherwick. Jim Hindson went along to the factory in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire to find out more

I’ve always loved a trip to a bat maker. It doesn’t matter how big or small their operation – the gorgeous smell of sanded wood when you enter, the passion on the faces of the sta and the gleaming bats at the end of the production line gives o a celestial feel.

Walking into the B3 factory in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, reignites all those feelings and then some. Alongside the factory is a fully stocked showroom with everything any cricketer needs: bats, protective equipment, bags, and footwear. They also have the B3 Academy, an indoor net facility where players can try out B3 bats for themselves.

Most of the sta at B3 have played the game to a decent level and several are qualified coaches who have guided their

own children through the various stages of cricket development, which means they know how to help young players and their parents choose the best bat and kit for them.

Owner Michael Blatherwick picks up the conversation. “We love people coming into the B3 factory. We make them a brew, show them around and take them through the bat making process. We also have our own indoor net so customers can try the various shapes, weights, and sizes of bats.

“We know how important it is to pick out the right equipment – particularly for junior players. The development of a young cricketer should be incremental and the

ABOVE B3 owner Michael Blatherwick

BELOW

Luke Wells batting for Lancashire with his B3

shots they are capable of playing will evolve as will the type of bowling they face and pitches they play on.

“We always ask questions to ensure the players get what’s right for them and enables them to play a good range of both horizontal and vertical bat shots in line with the bowling they are facing. They won’t be able to do that if their bat isn’t the right size or weight.

“Our bats are designed to deliver power to ensure the player gets value for their shots whilst being able to maintain good technique. There is a lot of chat about bat speed, but if you watch someone like Joe Root or Danni Wyatt, you can see the game is still about timing and placement as much as anything else.”

Blatherwick’s passion for the game, born out of 30 years playing in the top amateur leagues in Notts, comes to the fore as he drills down into more detail:

“The most common mistake for youngsters is having a bat that is either too big, too heavy or both! For example, a player who needs a size 5, may buy a Harrow because their mates are using one – and when they go to drive the ball, they stand up, lean back and don’t execute the shot correctly because they can’t. Whereas, if they had been using a size 5, they would be able to play the shot correctly.”

B3 are rightly proud of their British manufacturing roots. “So many cricket bat brands don’t make their bats, they

are simply ‘sticker brands’, who buy bats in from Asia and apply their branding”, explains Blatherwick.

“B3 customers know they are buying British and that our bats are made from the world’s best English willow supplied by JS Wright’s. Making bats in our own factory, from the best genuine willow, with our own craftsmen is, we believe, the most sustainable way to produce high quality bats and this resonates with our  customers.”

Women and girls’ cricket has grown rapidly in recent years, and this is a key focus for B3. Fuelled by 2017 World Cup, the Hundred and the success of England’s women this summer, female participation is growing fast. B3’s custom fit service and

attention to detail has made them a firm favourite in the women’s game.

“It goes back to the size, shape and weight of bat in relation to the cricket they are playing and where they are at in their cricketing journey,” Blatherwick explained. “In that regard, it doesn’t matter if the player is male or female, we make an assessment and tailor the bat and kit accordingly. For example, we can make the handle of the bat thinner and alter the balance of the bat. We have seven di erent sizes of gloves and pads in both right and left hand to ensure any player gets the perfect fit for them, it makes a huge di erence. Our aim is always to enhance the performance of the player with the correct bats and kit.”

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

ABINGDON SCHOOL

Park Rd, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1DE

Established 1256

Number of pupils 1050

Master in charge James Golding Professional Rupert Evans (Oxfordshire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U17 (cup), U15ABC, U14ABCD, U13ABC, U12ABC.

Sta  XI

Girls cricket As an all-boys school, Abingdon do not have a dedicated girls’ cricket programme but do host matches for various schools and Kwik Cricket events

six-lane outdoor cricket centre and 11 cricket pitches. Socket netting system allows for six wickets to be used with nets. Abingdon Vale CC allow use of two further squares

Club/county a liation Oxfordshire Cricket and Sussex CCC

Best prospects Alfie Smethurst is a left-armer who represents Oxfordshire and Oxford CC. Selected for South and West at the Bunbury Festival last summer, taking 20 wickets, including a hat-trick. Has been part of the 1st XI since he was in Year 10

Fixtures There are between 160 and 180 matches for boys. Radley College and Magdalen College School are the local rivals. Notable competitions include The Cricket Paper National School’s U17 Cup and the National T20 Cup Facilities Five indoor nets, a

Cricketers of note Michael Hill, George Ede, Edward Ede (all Hampshire CCC), Ben Gannon (Gloucestershire CCC), Nathaniel Watkins (Jersey)

Brief history Cricket has long been played at Abingdon School and remains one of the major summer sports. Originally occupying the small pitch at the front of school, the sport expanded under head Sir James Cobban, who instructed the purchase of War Memorial Field, opposite the school,

where cricket is now based. Original ‘upper field’ still used by junior sides. Cultural cricketers Phil Selway, Ed O’Brien, Thom Yorke (left), Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood (all Radiohead), Tom Hollander (actor), Toby Jones (actor), David Mitchell (comedian and actor), Graham Scott (Premier League referee)

winter programme. Partnerships with local schools and clubs are vital to Abingdon. Local schools, including Abingdon Vale CC and Oxfordshire CCC use the school facilities during the summer

school,

What sets the school apart? Abingdon recently hosted the Oxfordshire 1st XI for the first ever time, and the team Oxfordshire use the grounds for junior fixtures throughout the season and run a full

Finest moment on the field U15s won the National T20 Competition in 2022, beating Millfield School and Forest School en route

Recent progress Growth of the programme sees five senior teams fielded regularly. Year 11 cricketers are pushing into the 1st XI Tours India (2023), Sri Lanka (2024)

nets and six indoor nets.

Club/county a liation Sussex CC, Kent CCC

BEDE’S SCHOOL

Upper Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3QH

Established 1979

Number of pupils 820

Master in charge Alan Wells (England, Sussex, Kent)

Teams Boys: U18ABC, U15AB, U14AB. Girls: U18, U15, U14

Girls’ cricket With three teams o ered at various age groups, girls’ cricket is a crucial part of the programme. The sport is also o ered at the prep school

Fixtures There are 111 matches per year, the prep and senior school combined. Most notable games are against Eton, Tonbridge and MCC alongside a handful of national and county cup competitions.

Facilities The school has access to four grass pitches, eight outdoor

Best prospects Sussex 2nd XI player Freddie Freeman, 13-year-old Jake Vosloo, of Sussex’s senior disability team and Sussex Under-16 stars Zach Webb and Felix Venter. There is a lot of excitement around individuals within the U14 and U15 teams, also. Cricketers of note Shai Hope (West Indies), Luke Wells (Lancashire), Delray Rawlins, Fynn HudsonPrentice, Henry Crocombe, Archie Lenham, Dan Ibrahim, Ali Orr (all Sussex), Alice Capsey (England, South East Stars, Oval Invincibles), Freya Kemp (England, Southern Vipers, Southern Brave) Brief history Archie Lenham’s grandfather, Peter Pyemont, founder of the school, was a champion of sports and particularly cricket. Cricket has gone from strength to strength, reaching a new level under previous

of the school, was

headmaster Steve Cole, who created a director of cricket role, enabling the school to run a professional standard programme

What sets the school apart?

Zach Webb breaking the school batting record by scoring 190 not out against Ardingly

MEET THE MASTER IN CHARGE

“If we can improve cricketers individually, winning becomes a by-product.”

Former England and Sussex cricketer Alan Wells has no reason to hide the secrets of Bede’s School’s success. And why would he?

Five former pupils – Freya Kemp, Alice Capsey, Mary Taylor, Ryana MacDonaldGay, and his son Luke – made appearances in The Hundred in 2023, and last summer saw plenty more silverware coming Bede’s way: strong under-14 and under-15 sides lifted county cups, with the school’s girls making the hundred-ball national finals.

So how does Bede’s achieve such prolific results?

“We would be quite unique, I think, in o ering ‘academies’ in each year group,” says Wells. “From year nine they can choose in their

Bede’s o er a bespoke cricket programme for all, run all year round, providing training and competitive opportunities for young cricketers of all levels, from participation to elite, and for boys and girls. The Cricket Academy trains within the timetable, meaning pupils serious about their cricket can build it more into their week, providing a better balance with their academic studies

Finest moment on the field

curriculum to play cricket (as long as they’re playing at a good enough level). When other kids are doing academic lessons, these kids are doing cricket.”

As they progress through the year groups, individual pupils then have the opportunity to intensify their cricket coaching further, to the extent of – and, Wells stresses, in consultation with the academic sta and parents – dropping a GCSE in favour of cricket.

“If that gets better grades for his or her eight GCSEs because they’ve dropped the ninth one and they’ve had the chance to help fulfill their dreams of becoming professional cricketers, then why shouldn’t we do that?

“The most important thing about our cricket programme is contact time,” says Wells, acknowledging the fact that having a head of academics (John Tuson) who fully ‘gets’ what sports can do for people enables him and the

Recent progress The 1st XI have retained the County Langdale Cup in nine of the last 14 years. Furthermore, the U15s won the T20 National County Cup and Blackshaw Cup, while the U14s claimed the Holdsworth County Cup. Elsewhere, the girls’ cricket programme remains one of the school’s most exciting areas of development both in terms of its strength and depth. Underpinned by the success of Capsey and Kemp, girls are more inspired than ever to pursue the sport

department’s other coaches to extract the best from their students.

“We set really high standards for them as individuals of Bede’s. Not just in the cricket department but around school.

“Ultimately, if they’re going to go on and play cricket at the highest level, they need to have high standards and disciplines. So we’re just setting them up to evolve. When they leave school, we want them to be in the best possible place they can be to go on to that next level.”

But Wells and the Bede’s cricket programme do not limit their students to success at the elite level – participation is another key element.

“We give people of all abilities opportunities to improve their game – hopefully to become professional cricketers, or just turn up and have some fun.

“We have teams that cover all the ranges of abilities. For senior kids in their last year at school who just want to have a whack around with their mates, that’s available, as well as the serious stu as well. Participation is just as important to us as producing elite cricketers.”

Alan Wells Master in charge

Fynn Hudson-Prentice

Archie Lenham, Dan

A leading co-educational day and boarding school set in the stunning Sussex countryside.

Outstanding cricket facilities and expert coaching combined with an exceptional academic and co-curricular programme.

13+ & 16+ cricket scholarships

Bede’s Cricket Alumni include

Danial Ibrahim – England U19 and Sussex CCC

Archie Lenham – England U19 and Sussex CCC

Freya Kemp – England, Southern Brave and Southern Vipers

Alice Capsey – England, Oval Invincibles and South East Stars

Ryana MacDonald-Gay – England A, Oval Invincibles and South East Stars

Shai Hope – Barbados and West Indies

Fynn Hudson-Prentice – England U19, Sussex CCC and Derbyshire CCC

Delray Rawlins – Sussex CCC and England Young Lions

Luke Wells – England U19, Sussex CCC, Lancashire CCC and Welsh Fire

Ali Orr – Sussex CCC

Henry Crocombe – Sussex CCC

Mary Taylor – Southern Brave and Southern Vipers

HMC - Day, weekly and full boarding

Boys and girls 13 to 18

For more information please contact: admissions@bedes.org T 01323 356609

Bede’s Senior School

Upper Dicker

East Sussex BN27 3QH bedes.org

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS BEDFORD SCHOOL

BEDFORD SCHOOL

De Parys Ave, Bedford MK40 2TU

Established 1552

Number of pupils 728

Master in charge Gary Steer (Derbyshire CCC)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U16ABC, U15ABCD, U14ACDB

Fixtures Approximately 185 matches are played annually for boys. MCC, Tonbridge, Haileybury, Oundle, Rugby, Stamford, Uppingham, Berkhamsted, Haberdashers’ and Oakham are the pick of the opponents

Facilities Seven grass nets, 11 artificial nets, six indoor nets, nine match pitches, four bowling machines, one Merlyn

Club/county a liation Bedfordshire Cricket Board, Bedfordshire Schools Cricket

MEET THE MASTER IN CHARGE

It’s always a thrill when you are not sure what kind of season you are going to have, and things turn out better than expected.

Gary Steer is the master in charge of Bedford School’s cricket, and he thought that the 1st XI would have a ‘transitional year’.

Association, Northamptonshire CCC, Derbyshire CCC, Essex CCC

Best prospects Max Hunt is an orthodox left-arm spinner and plays age-group and 2nd XI cricket for Northamptonshire. Jamie Dunk is a positive top order batter who can bowl right arm medium pace with good variation

Cricketers of note Sir Alastair Cook (Essex/England), Alex Wakely, Harry Gouldstone, Emilio Gay (all Northamptonshire), James Kettleborough (Northamptonshire, Glamorgan, Derbyshire), Will Smith (Nottinghamshire/Durham/ Hampshire)

Two young guns burst onto the scene, however, boosting results and promising to be around for a few years to come.

“Danny Chapman is only 16, but he has had a super season in the 1st XI,” Steer said. “He bowls leg-spin and is good enough to bat in the top order, although because of his age we batted him a little bit lower last summer, at No.5.

“We knew he was something special when he scored a century for the school on tour in Cape Town in 2020. He plays for

Brief history Evidence of Bedford showcasing cricket goes back as far as 1886 but only this century has the programme gained wider recognition and praise. The school won the National U17 tournament in 2010 and 2014. The school are particularly proud of the recently-refurbished Alastair Cook Room in the newlyrenovated pavilion, a symbol of hard work and determination

Cultural cricketers Al Murray (comedian), Paddy Ashdown (MP), George Furbank (England rugby, Northampton Saints) What sets the school apart? The dedication and knowhow of Steer,

Buckinghamshire and is also under the umbrella of Northamptonshire cricket. We are really excited about him.

“Mustafa Haroon, who is also 16, is another fine prospect – and he also bats in the top order, bowls leggies, and is with Bedfordshire and Northants. They make for quite a dynamic duo.

“As a school overall, we had a very good summer, winning about 70 per cent of our games. I expected the 1st XI to have a transitional year as we’d lost some very good players, but they exceeded my expectations; they were very well led by Charlie Blythman, who got the best out of his players. There were many fine individual performances, but Danny was our top wicket-taker with almost 40 wickets, and he also scored nearly 400 runs.

“Jamie Dunk scored more than 1,000 runs for

who has been there and done it at the highest level, sets the Bedford cricket o ering apart. He made 13 allformat appearances for Derbyshire, spent 13 years with Warwickshire as academy director and had a stint as ECB cricket development manager, giving him an acute understanding of how to nurture talent and develop county cricketers. Steer is now more than eight years into his role and the production of talent is showing no sign of slowing

Finest moment on the field Bedford have twice recently triumphed in The Cricket Paper National Schools U17 Cup, beating Myerscough College, Preston in 2010 and four years later overcoming Bradfield College

Recent progress Leading players Adam Rossington, Lloyd Tennant, James Kettleborough and Peter Willey have been recent features of the winter training programme, delivering indoor masterclass sessions for those interested. Additionally, boys have been coached by England coaches and former Northants players David Ripley and David Sales throughout the winter months. Future plans There are plans to extend the number of outdoor artificial nets from the current 11 to 18 Tours Barbados (2023)

the 1st XI and under-17s and shone for Scotland Under-19s in the summer – he will be at the Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka next year –and Max Hunt, a left-arm spinner who played for Northants 2nd XI, bowled a superb line and length all season.”

Bedford have had some famous players in their setup in the past. Sir Alastair Cook played for the school, of course, and Derek Randall coached him. Could Chapman and Haroon be following in their footsteps?

They will certainly benefit from Bedford’s excellent facilities.

“We have eight cricket grounds, 18 outdoor nets, plenty of bowling machines and a really nice pavilion, so we are very lucky with our facilities, there’s no doubt about that,” said Steer. “The facilities have hugely improved, particularly the outfields in the last couple of years. Considering rugby is also played on them, the groundsta do a great job. The school has always had cricket pedigree, and is a strong sporting school overall.”

Gary Steer Master in charge

Bedford School is part of the Harpur Trust

INDEPENDENT BOYS’ SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

WORLD-LEADING BOARDING SCHOOL

We reward sporting talent.

Bedford School has an enviable cricket tradition and offers a wealth of expert coaching in addition to specialist masterclasses from former professional players.

All boys receive 1:2 coaching as standard as part of their games lessons, and scholars receive a personalised fitness programme, sports psychology support and theory sessions.

Scholarships and bursaries worth up to 100% of fees are possible for talented boys aged 13+ and 16+.

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

bedfordschool.org.uk

Boarding and day for boys aged 7-18

Bedford School is part of the Harpur Trust

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

in 86 matches, as part of 320 across the entire college. The annual 1st XI matches against the MCC is regarded as the most notable Facilities

Four main squares, 16 artificial outdoor nets, two mobile net cages, two indoor nets, 10 shared training/match pitches Club/county a liation

BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE

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

Established

Hertfordshire CCC, Bishop’s Stortford CC, Herts and Essex Cricket Centre, Essex CCC

Number of pupils

Head of cricket

Dave Hughes

Best prospects Mabel Reid is playing for Hertfordshire and is part of the Sunrisers emerging player programme. Eva Sanderson, from Year 11, represents Cambridgeshire and is also in the Sunrisers system. Henry Hawkins is playing for Hertfordshire

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14AB. Girls: U16, U15AB, U14AB

Girls’ cricket is now the main girls sport at Bishop’s Stortford, and will be o ered to U17 and U18 from next year

Cricketers of note Graham Doggart (Middlesex and MCC Committee), Charles Titchmarsh (MCC)

Brief history

Fixtures The senior school participates

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Cricket for everyone, all year around.

That is the motto of Dave Hughes, head of cricket at Bishop’s Stortford College.

There were 163 fixtures for boys and girls across the Hertfordshire prep and senior school, from the under-9s through to the under-18s.

Founded by a group of prominent Nonconformists in East Anglia who wanted to establish a public school which could deliver “an e ective and Christian education... not

“To have so many pupils engaged and involved makes us really happy,” says Hughes.

“Girls’ cricket across the school has really taken o . All pupils now play cricket in the summer months, and there is also an extensive winter programme. Mattie Hughes (bowling allrounder) and Evie Chidgey (batter) are especially exciting prospects. In fact, there is more strength in depth across boys’ and girls’ cricket.”

be beyond the reach of the middle class”. Aiming to break down barriers between people and to respect individual conscience, the college combined boarding and day pupils and was determined to play a role in the community. The school has a reputation for sport and was one of the first to have its own indoor heated pool, built in 1895 Cultural cricketers Sir Stephen Lander (MI5 director), Andy Peebles (broadcaster)

What sets the school apart?

Sports scholarships are o ered to talented players, while an elite cricket programme is delivered throughout the o -season. Three practice sessions per week and tailored strength and conditioning

The facilities at Bishop’s Stortford College are excellent. There are seven main cricket squares.

“We like all pupils to share the honour of playing on the 1st XI square. Boys and girls play on it, and the prep school plays on it every Wednesday,” Hughes says.

Exciting prospects are emerging from the under-13 side, suggesting the 1st XI will be strong for years to come. They include Charlie Waugh, Will Hodges and Will Richardson.

The school also has high hopes for Mabel Reid (Year 12) who is in the Sunrisers EPP, and Henry Hawkins (Year 11), who plays for Hertfordshire.

“I know a lot of our female players who went to watch The Hundred came back with a real love for the game,” said Hughes. “The Hundred created an exciting atmosphere that was easy

programmes are available to all individuals. The outfield for the 1st XI square is one of the best in the region, having previously been used for international hockey matches

Finest moment on the field Being the first UK school to tour Sri Lanka in 1985/86 and playing in the inaugural Sir Garfield Sobers International Cricket Schools Festival in Barbados

Recent progress The growth of the girls’ cricket o ering has been significant, with an ever-increasing fixture list. Mick Hunt has recently endorsed the quality of the main square

Future plans Development of links with Essex CCC

Tours Dubai/Spain (2025), Cape  Town (2027)

to follow. They came back to school inspired to achieve greater things.”

The hard work continues even though it is winter.

Level 4 coach Luke Humphrey, of the Herts & Essex Cricket Centre, holds training camps in the holidays and coaching sessions through the year; he joins Hughes to take winter training for three sessions a week.

“We aim to create an inclusive environment to develop elite cricketers and allow them to achieve the highest standard possible, while also producing a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for all pupils to participate to the best of their ability,” Hughes says.

“We have also established strong links with Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club, which has assisted our pupils in getting more quality cricket. Our sta also coach at the club to give more continuity for the pupils.

“We hope pupils will not only enjoy their cricket at our school but beyond, through club and university too.”

Dave Hughes Head of cricket

1868 1220

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Co-Educational Day and Boarding 4 to 18 Years

bishopsstortfordcollege.org

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TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

Bradfield, Reading RG7 6AU

Established 1850

Number of pupils 1640

Master in charge Mike Hill

Professional Rob Ferley (Kent, Nottinghamshire)

Teams Boys: U18ABCD, U17, U16ABC, U15ABC, U14. Girls: U18, U17, U15, U14

Girls’ cricket Cricket is the premier choice, alongside tennis, for girls, a programme underpinned by four competitive match-playing teams

Fixtures All teams play weekly

BRENTWOOD SCHOOL

Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8EE

Established 1557

Number of pupils 1640

Master in charge

Andrew Nolan

Professional Jaik Mickleburgh (Essex)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, 13ABC, U12ABCD. Girls: U17, U15 + indoor, U13 + indoor, U12

fixtures through the summer term.

Boys 1st XI, U16, U15 and U14 sides compete in John Harvey Cup, a league comprising Radley, St Edwards, Marlborough, Winchester and Cheltenham. Teams are also entered in regional, county and national competitions

Facilities Seven squares, one astro track, nine astro nets and 12 grass nets. Sports hall contains five indoor nets. Access to nine BOLA bowling machines including Merlyn Club/county a liation Southern Vipers use the facilities to train and will be playing at Bradfield during 2024

Ipswich School, Felsted, New Hall and The Leys School. Oundle School, Abingdon and St John’s Leatherhead are the opponents in end-of-season festival. Girls face MCC side, and enter The Cricket Paper National Schools Under-17 Cup

Girls’ cricket Indoor cricket girlsonly practices are o ered during the winter, when Brentwood also enter Lady Taverners indoor schools’ competition. Girls are also invited to the winter academy for high quality coaching. In the summer, the U13s, U15s and U17s compete in the Essex Cup. The U15 girls also face Eagles Nest Independent Cricket League Schools, with ambitions to enter U14, U15 and 1st XI teams

Fixtures There are 150 matches for boys and girls. Eye-catching games are against Framlingham College,

Cricketers of note Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers and England, below), Ryan Higgins (Middlesex CCC, Gloucestershire CCC), Harry Came (Derbyshire), Gus Atkinson (England, Surrey CCC), Sheridon Gumbs (Surrey CCC), Zach LionCachet (Sussex CCC)

ago to 20 in 2023

Facilities Indoor sports hall with four nets, three nets in local indoor cricket centre and an outdoor facility with six nets and two roll-on nets. Four senior pitches over three sites with two junior surfaces. Partnership with Brentwood CC provides access to two more outdoor nets and a senior pitch Club/county a liation Brentwood CC, Essex CCC

Best prospects Tom Arnold is a leftarm swing bowler who has trained and played for the Essex CCC academy Cricketers of note Charles Kortright, Colin Gri ths, Graham Horrex, David Acfield, Richard Baker, Max Osborne, Ian Pont, Kishen Velani, Thomas Moore, Robin Das (all Essex)

Brief history Brentwood has a strong cricketing history, with many

Brief history A college 1st XI began playing as far back as 1852, just two years after it was founded. These names, which include VC winners, cultural leaders and numerous professional cricketers always o er interest to visitors to The Pit; the spiritual home of cricket at Bradfield. It was reputedly excavated by the Headmaster with a pick and shovel in 1927 and ranks as one of the most beautiful grounds in the country. The expansion of cricket at Bradfield in recent years has been extremely encouraging; the number of teams having grown from 13 four years

Cultural cricketers Mark Nicholas (Hampshire CCC), Neil Manthorp (commentator and journalist) Finest moment on the field The 1st XI and U15 boys both became regional champions in 2022 and 2023 and the girls 1st XI won the National T20 Finals in 2022

founded. These names, which include VC winners, increase

Recent progress Four full-time cricket coaches means Bradfield are now able to o er significantly more individual coaching, meaning over 100 individuals will be benefitting from the sessions through 2024, in addition to the yearround group and specialist sessions run by Ferley and his team

Future plans The college’s team of coaches are set to increase their work in the local community in the future, running group and individual sessions in local schools Tours College competes in the Arch Trophy in the United Arab Emirates every other year

ex-pupils remaining in touch and providing competition to the 1st XI in the yearly fixture against Old Brentwoodians. Brentwood has been successful at all levels with many teams winning county cups and reaching the latter stages of the national competitions

Cultural cricketers Jack Straw MP, Frank Lampard (footballer)

What sets the school apart? Players are o ered one-to-one coaching during their games afternoons all year round. Former and current players

illuminate winter sessions including Jamie Porter, Adam Wheater and Kelly Castle

Finest moment on the field Won the ENISL league in its first year during 2022

Recent progress The U12s and U13s won the Essex Cup, with the U14s reaching the final. Record-breaking interest in winter training

Future plans Ambitions remain to build new indoor cricket centre and further expansion of girls programme Tours Dubai (2024)

Jaik Mickleburgh Cricket professional

BRIGHTON ALDRIDGE COMMUNITY ACADEMY

Lewes Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 9PW

Established 2010

Number of pupils 950 Director of cricket

Alexia Walker (Sussex, England academy)

Professional Georgia

Adams (current Sussex, Southern Vipers, Southern Brave), Yasir Arafat (Pakistan), John Spencer (Cambridge University and Sussex)

have more than 14 summer fixtures.

MCC, Sussex Martlets, Charterhouse, Ardingly and Hurstpierpoint College are regular opponents

Facilities The £1.8m Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre, opened by Charlotte Edwards in 2016, is a three-lane hall with two BOLA machines and a BOLA Merlyn and Lobster tennis feeder. Full grass square laid in 2013 with 12 grass wickets and one artificial wicket, with a hybrid pitch added in 2022 Club/county a liation

Teams Two girls teams per year up to Year 10. Two teams represent the Aldridge Cricket Academy in the senior school

Girls’ cricket The Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre is the home of Sussex women and girls cricket. Girls play in the ACA senior teams and in the juniors competing in county-run competitions. The MCC Foundation girls hub is based in Brighton and the school have hosted the representative girls team Fixtures Aldridge Cricket Academy

Sussex CCC, St Peters CC, Southern Vipers

Best prospects Frankie Cripps is a hard-working allrounder who, while training with the Sussex senior teams, bowled at Steve Smith during his stint at Hove

Cricketers of note Keith Greenfield, Will She eld (both Sussex), Tara Norris (United States, Southern Vipers, Southern Brave), Liam O’Brien (England PD)

Brief history Working in partnership with Sussex, BACA’s Aldridge Cricket Academy o ers unique

tailored academy study and cricket development programmes, giving students the chance to develop sporting talent and academic qualifications together. Now eight years old it’s a unique programme for both boys and girls in the state sector locally

What sets the school apart? The ACA programme aims to develop players for county cricket or beyond as well as those who simply have a passion for cricket. Students have a unique tailored programme whereby they fulfil their academic studies

in the morning and play cricket in the afternoon

Finest moment on the field First win over MCC in 2022 and a final-ball victory in T20 fixture on Green at Charterhouse.

Recent progress The U12s, U13s and U14s reached the Essex Cup final and the U13 girls played in Lady Taverners Indoor Cricket Finals Day

Future plans Increased interaction with Sussex sta , Arundel Cricket Foundation and The Willows CC in New Zealand

Tours Cape Town, South Africa (2024)

Alexia Walker Director of cricket

BRIGHTON COLLEGE

Eastern Rd, Brighton and Hove

BN2 0AL

Established 1845

Number of pupils 1250

Master in charge Mark Davis (Sussex CCC)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABCDE, U14ABCDE, 13ABC, U12ABCD. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U13

Girls’ cricket Brighton College enters teams into the Lady Taverners tournament during the winter and runs three teams in the summer. The best girls also play in the boys’ teams

Fixtures There are 120 matches with notable meetings against MCC, MCC Women, BOWS Cricket Week and the Old Boys’ fixture at Arundel Castle

Facilities Two grounds, two grass

MEET THE MASTER IN CHARGE

“When I came into the job, Brighton College was seen as this academic hotbed. And certainly the academics are amazing, but the sport here is very, very strong.”

squares, one astroturf wicket, nine astroturf nets, three grass nets, threelane indoor facility

Club/county a liation Sussex CCC Best prospects Daniel Lategan is an opening left-handed batter and ospinner, who has scored 450 runs at an average of 46 and 23 wickets at 21 Cricketers of note Sammy Woods (Somerset, England and Australia cricket; England rugby), Matt Prior (Sussex, England), Matt Machan (Sussex, Scotland), Carl Hopkinson, Neil Lenham (both Sussex), Joe Gatting (Sussex, Hampshire), Michael Thornely (Sussex, Leicestershire), Malcolm Waller (Zimbabwe), Bazid Khan (Pakistan), Holly Colvin, Sarah Taylor, Laura

Former Sussex cricketer Mark Davis joined Brighton College as master in charge of cricket in the January before the Covid-19 outbreak. Since then he has worked tirelessly to change the narrative around how people on the south coast think of the school’s cricket programme.

“Traditionally, it’s always been: ‘If you want to play cricket, you’ve got to go to Bede’s or Eastbourne’… but it’s not the case at all. We’ve produced fantastic players, excellent teams and the participation is great.

“My objective is to get us on the cricketing map and I certainly believe that we should be right up there as one of the top schools in Sussex.”

It is somewhat surprising that should be the perception of an institution boasting alumni

school apart? Brighton College believes it is one of the most thriving girls cricket schools in the country. The cricket programme is the most comprehensive for females and the school has produced a deluge of England cricketers. The boys’ programme has also produced a large number of professional and international cricketers

Marsh (all England Women), Georgia Adams (Southern Vipers, England academy), Freya Davies (South East Stars, England), Clare Connor (England, Sussex)

Brief history The first photograph of the 1st XI is dated 1864 but competitive cricket dates back to the very beginning of the school in the middle of the century. Sammy Woods, who bowled the full toss that delivered WG Grace his 100th first-class century, attended the college from 1884-86

What sets the

including Matt Prior, Clare Connor, Sarah Taylor, Holly Colvin and Freya Davies.

Perhaps what was needed to rectify that was a slice of onfield success, which is exactly what the school’s 1st XI boys achieved in 2023 when they won the annual BOWS Cricket Festival for the first time.

Up against strong opposition from Oakham, Wellington and Sedbergh, the Brighton boys went undefeated on their way to lifting the trophy.

“In previous years, we’ve struggled to win a game at the BOWS Festival, so it is moving in the right direction,” Davis says. “It’s looking really strong for boys cricket in the next couple of years.”

Among that group of players were the likes of Will Goss and Sam Topping, both of whom already have Sussex 2nd XI appearances on their CVs. And Davis’s own 20-year history with Sussex CCC has proved valuable in establishing

www.brightoncollege.org.uk

Finest moment on the field In June 2016, the 1st XI tied two consecutive games in the space of three days against MCC and Ardingly, in matches played on the same wicket

June 2016, the consecutive installed, school years is fixtures

Tours

Recent progress The historic Home Ground square was recently relayed while 10 hybrid pitches were installed, setting the school up for years to come. Hope is for fixtures to return to the venue to make use of the facilities

Annual 1st XI tour of Dubai, girls 1st XI and U15s trip to Sri Lanka

close links at Hove, with the County Ground just 10 minutes up the road from campus.

“We’ve got loads of kids on the [Sussex Cricket] pathway – girls and boys – and quite a few of the o cial county players playing at the di erent age groups all the way through.

“We train at the County Ground five days a week, so we have di erent year groups training each evening from four until six.”

Access to those additional facilities has come in handy while the school has spent time redeveloping its historic Home Ground square, with 10 new hybrid pitches in place.

A stunning setting to play cricket, the picturesque location is the perfect place to inspire and engage, and represents a fitting place for as many kids as possible to get their first taste of the sport.

“Ultimately, participation’s everything,” enthuses Davis. “We make sure that we try and instil the love of the game into all these kids and we hope that one day they’ll go on and play club cricket if they’re not elite cricketers.

“That they’ll watch the game and support the game. It’s our duty at schools to make sure that the kids buy into the game of cricket.”

Mark Davis Master in charge

“ONE WORD: EXCEPTIONAL”

“MOST FORWARD THINKING SCHOOL”

“THERE’S A RICH VEIN OF KINDNESS”

United Kingdom School of the Decade

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

Worcester Rd, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7DU

Established 1553

Number of pupils 1000

Master in charge Tom Milnes (Warwickshire CCC & Derbyshire CCC)

Professional Kelly Evenson (England Academy)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14AB. Girls: U15AB Girls’ cricket Girls have three sessions a week in the winter, Michaelmas and lent terms. In the summer they have two a week with competitive fixtures every Saturday. The school also enters national indoor and outdoor girls competitions

Fixtures Teams play over 100 matches each summer and have started to host and compete against a number of touring sides, providing the pupils with di erent cricket and cultural experiences

Facilities Three sports halls with a grand total 16 nets, grass nets and a multisport surface which includes five lanes for all weather conditions. Six grass squares across the site and multiple cricket cages

Club/county a liation

Worcestershire CCC, Warwickshire CCC, Derbyshire CCC, Hampshire CCC

Best prospects Alfie Higgins and George Hall have shown great potential of the droves of players who are part of the county pathways

Jonathon Webb (Warwickshire CCC); Matt Lamb (Warks CCC, Derbyshire CCC); Will Fraine (Nottinghamshire CCC, Yorkshire CCC); Jacques Banton (Worcs CCC)

Brief history The school was first recorded in 1476 as a chantry school and was re-established as a grammar school between 1548 and 1553.

Financial endowments produced the first buildings on the present site and the historic link with Worcester College, Oxford, which Sir Thomas Cookes founded. During the Second World War the entire school was moved to Wales, as the school buildings were requisitioned by British government departments for the war e ort

Cultural cricketers Michael Heseltine MP, Nick Miles (Emmerdale), Arthur Darvill (of Doctor Who), John Illsley (Dire Straits), Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots), Ritchie Neville (Five), Soweto Kinch (saxophonist), Andy Goode, Ben Foden, Matt Mullan (England rugby union)

What sets the school apart?

CATERHAM SCHOOL

Harestone Valley Road, Caterham Surrey CR3 6YA

Established 1811

Number of pupils 1100

Master in charge Jonathan Batty (Surrey, Oval Invincibles, Delhi Capitals, Melbourne Stars)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, 13ABC, U12ABCD. Girls: 1st XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12ABCD Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket is now fully integrated in the sports programme with matches scheduled in midweek and on Saturdays. Indeed, the sport is thriving with more pupils than ever selecting it as an option in games lessons

Fixtures There are 150 matches across the boys and girls teams, with MCC representing the stand-out opposition

Facilities Seven cricket squares, five outdoor nets, four indoor nets Club/county a liation Caterham CC

a boarding education for the sons of Congregationalist ministers. The abolitionist and philanthropist William Wilberforce was a founding governor of the school. In 1884, the school moved to its current site in the picturesque Harestone Valley in Surrey, having outgrown its London premises. In 1890, Caterham opened its doors to the sons of laymen and to day boys, but has been coeducational for over 35 years. In 1995, it merged with Eothen School for Girls to create a new independent co-educational foundation

Cultural cricketers Chukwudi Iwuji (actor), Angus Deayton (comedian, below)

What sets the school apart?

Caterham’s beautiful grounds, rich and stellar cricketing history and track record of producing droves of firstclass players give it a unique selling point for prospective players

Finest moment on the field

Recording a school best 427 for 5 from 50 overs against Christ Hospital School in 2015

Bromsgrove’s cricket system runs as an academy programme, seeking to stretch and challenge male and female cricketers

Cricketers of note

Banton (Somerset CCC, England, right); Ben Cox (Worcestershire CCC, Leicestershire CCC);

Finest moment on the field

Becoming U17 national champions in 2019 with victory over Bede’s School

Recent progress

Implementation of full girls programme and players transitioning in county pathways and EPPs

Tom as number will

Future plans School hopes to host first-class and List A games as well as a number of indoor county tournaments next year Tours Touring overseas will recommence in 2024

Best prospects Lucy Blincoe is part of the Kent CCC U14s and is an allrounder who primarily bowls left-arm spin. Fastbowling allrounder Brennan Stephenson is meanwhile part of the Surrey U13s setup Cricketers of note Alistair Brown (Surrey, England), David Sales (Northants, England A), James Benning (Surrey), Nathan Barnwell (Surrey, England U19s)

Brief history

Recent progress The continued growth of girls cricket in both the senior and prep schools is a source for celebration at Caterham

Founded in 1811, in Lewisham, by the Rev. John Townsend to provide

with Caterham CC, who share

Future plans There is hope of expanding the relationship with Caterham CC, who share facilities on a regular basis.

Adding to the current net facilities to accommodate the growth in the girls game and the number of pupils playing cricket

Tours Next senior tour is scheduled for 2024. Juniors toured Su olk in July in what is an annual visit

CHARTERHOUSE

Hurtmore Road, Godalming, Surrey

GU7 2DX

Established 1611

Number of pupils 940

Master in charge Martin Bicknell (England, Surrey)

batter who played for Surrey during the One-Day Cup after being handed a short-term senior deal. He was recognised by England U19s last summer and played a handful of matches for Surrey in the Second XI Championship

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U16AB, U15ABC, U14ABCD. Girls: 1st XI, U14

Girls’ cricket Introduced when Charterhouse became a coeducational school in 2021/22, with teams in both the junior and senior school

Fixtures The 1st XI alone will generally play around 23 matches per season. The notable meetings come against a number of sides including MCC, Eton, Harrow, and Tonbridge

Facilities Seven cricket squares and two artificial. There are 18 nets with artificial strips as well as a sports centre containing four lanes available for indoor practice

Best prospects Luke Gri ths, identified as a prospect in the last edition, is a quick bowler and punchy

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE

Bath Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7AB

Established 1841

Number of pupils 735

Master in charge Matt Coley

Professional Mark Briers (Durham)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U18, U15ABC, U14ABC. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14

Girls’ cricket Cricket is a core option for girls during the summer term. Last season saw the 1st XI play 10 fixtures while there were around 12 for the U15s and nine for the U14s. An U15 side also played in the ECB Girls’ Indoor Competition

Fixtures Around 120 per summer including some 100-ball matches

Facilities Five cricket squares plus a dedicated square for the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, a double sports hall with eight indoor nets, four artificial nets and four grass nets. School also has use of Cheltenham Prep sports hall which has four indoor nets Club/county a liation Gloucestershire CCC, Charlton Kings CC

Cricketers of note Peter May (Surrey, England), James Hamblin (Hampshire), Gregor MacMillan (Leicestershire), James Bovill (Hampshire)

Brief history Charterhouse, where cricket has been played since 1839, has produced many professional players including ex-England captain Peter May. The pitch is located near the school and the chapel, with woods on two other sides. In 1972, it hosted a John Player League match between Surrey and Warwickshire

Cultural cricketers Jeremy Hunt (MP, South West Surrey), Lord Baden Powell (soldier and founder of the Scouts), Robert Graves (poet), Peter O’Sullevan (horse racing commentator), Brian Glanville (football journalist), Anthony Phillips (Genesis guitarist and songwriter)

Best prospects Oscar Moore is currently in the South & West U15 Bunbury squad and in his second year playing for the 1st XI. A talented all-rounder with bat and ball, he is currently part of the Berkshire pathway. Cricketers of note Josh Dell (Worcestershire CCC), Oliver Soames (Hampshire CCC), Mike Cawdron (Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire CCC), Dom Hewson (Gloucestershire CCC, Derbyshire CCC)

Brief history Cricket has been played at the college ever since its foundation in 1841. The college XI plays in the John Harvey Cup against Radley College, St Edward’s Oxford, Marlborough, Bradfield and Winchester College, a two-day fixture against Haileybury and an annual MCC fixture. College has hosted the Cheltenham Cricket Festival every year since 1872, with Gloucestershire CCC playing host to other first-class counties in four-day and T20 cricket Cultural cricketers Simon Danielli (Ulster, Scotland Rugby), Nick Abendanon (Bath, Clermont, England Rugby)

What sets the school apart? The

What sets the school apart? The school is used by Surrey to play 2nd XI and academy cricket

Finest moment on the field HMC T20 finalists in 2018

Recent progress Introduction of girls’ cricket has been the most significant change to the programme in recent years. Indeed, the school wants to develop this area as the years progress. The school continued to benefit from the hard work they did in lockdown to keep pupils engaged

school has played host to some wonderful achievements down the years. WG Grace took 12 for 73 in the 1872 Gloucestershire v Surrey game and claimed 17 for 89 in 1877 against Nottinghamshire, having hit the first county triple-hundred of 318 not out the year before. Wally Hammond set a world record of 10 catches in an innings, alongside centuries in each

in cricket, when Bicknell put together his own coaching videos which were accessible online. Elsewhere, facilities have been upgraded to county standard, including the nets and a 1st XI square. Charterhouse also overseas an impressive prep school programme, tournaments and masterclasses. Cricket masterclass sessions are held for local schools and there is a close relationship with Edgeborough School Tours South Africa (2024)

innings against Surrey in 1928

Finest moment on the field

Winning the ARCH Trophy in the UAE in 2019

Recent progress Bringing the total number of pupils representing the college in competitive cricket up to nearly 200

Future plans Building a new cricket net system

Martin Bicknell Master in charge

CHISLEHURST & SIDCUP GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Hurst Rd, Sidcup, Kent DA15 9AG

Established 1931

Number of pupils 1450

Master in charge

Richard Wallbridge

Professional Matthew Stiddard (Bexley CC)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, U15, U14, 13AB, U12AB. Girls: U15, U14, U13, U12

Girls’ cricket Cricket has been a central part of the curriculum for years, with support provided in their development through the county system. Thanks to Sport England funding the school put a project together to develop girls’ cricket in key stage three. More recently they have entered county winter indoor and summer outdoor tournaments and played their first hardball games

Fixtures Boys and girls had 80 fixtures last summer, the MCC game during Seniors Cricket Week being the most notable

Facilities Two grass squares (one with

an artificial strip), three new outdoor artificial nets, two indoor nets, one bowling machine, two sight screens and one electronic scoreboard. Covers available for the senior square, one standing scoreboard and one sheet cover for the junior square Club/county a liation Bexley CC, Sidcup

CC, Dartfordians CC, Bexleyheath CC

Best prospects Ellis Daly is a Kent U18 allrounder who bats in the top order, bowls left-arm spin and is an excellent fielder Cricketers of note Graham Clinton (Kent, Surrey), Mathew Brimson (Leicestershire, Kent), Ollie Robinson (England Lions, Kent, Durham), Phoebe Franklin (Birmingham Phoenix, Northern Superchargers, Kent, South East Stars)

Brief history Cricket was designated the summer sport in the school’s first year and has remained so ever since. The strongest years for boys’ cricket were during the 1970s and early 1980s when appearances and victories in county finals were common. Girls’ cricket was also at its strongest during

this period. The last decade has seen excellent progress with facilities and silverware with numerous Kent Cup triumphs across the age groups. Pupils earning county selection is a normal occurrence and many follow the pathway to local clubs Cultural cricketers Leslie Clack (actor)

What sets the school apart? A drive and commitment to give the boys and girls an opportunity to enjoy and experience cricket. As a state

school, they are proud of how they continually punch above their weight against larger, well-resourced private schools

Finest moment on the field 1st XI

Kent Lemon Cup 1973 winners

Future plans Planning permission obtained for a new sports hall which will have four cricket lanes. Next year will see introduction of softball competition for the girls, mirroring the boys

Tours South Africa (2025)

Richard Wallbridge Master in charge

CLAYESMORE SCHOOL

Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8LL

Established 1896

Number of pupils 400

Director of sport Dan Conway (Oxford MCCU, Herefordshire CCC & Yorkshire CCC)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15AB, U14ABC. Girls: U18, U15 Fixtures All teams play a combined 95 matches including block fixtures and county and national cup competitions

Facilities Five turf cricket pitches, four new artificial lances, four new grass lanes, six established grass lanes, sports hall with four additional lanes Club/county a liation Dorset CCC, Hampshire CCC, Bournemouth CC, Bashley (Rydal) CC, Shroton CC Best prospects Year 11 Finn Gordon is a left-handed top-order batter who can bowl right-arm o -spin. He is part of the Hampshire academy and represents Dorset CCC Cricketers of note JWA Stephenson

MEET THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT

Cricket at Clayesmore has benefited from the installation of a refurbished gym facility.

Dan Conway, the director of sport, explained that its addition has had a major impact on students at all levels of the sport.

(Essex, Worcestershire CCC) George Reynolds Brown (Essex CCC), Lewis McManus (Northamptonshire, Hampshire CCC)

Brief history Clayesmore has showcased cricket since 1896. For 60 years, the alumni has a cricket week

The gym has a spin studio attached, as well as a performance room with squat racks and functional training areas. And Clayesmore’s pupils are making the most of it.

“We’ve developed a health and wellbeing programme with it, and the gym is for everyone,” Conway said. “But with this performance area, it hits the sports scholars and athletes, and it also caters for the educational side of it.

“We all know that when you finish school, gyms are a big, scary place – not many people

at the start of the summer holidays, open to past and current students. Girls cricket is now a major summer sport in the feeder school

Cultural cricketers Anthony Allen (Gloucester, Leicester, England rugby) Shannon Falcone (Americas

know what to do in there, how to do it safely. So, it is all about giving them confidence for when they leave. As long as it hits all categories of student, then happy days. It has been a major overhaul, which has contributed to the training programme.”

On top of that investment, four artificial nets have been added to the four turf lanes that were already in place.

Both those and the gym form part of the school’s winter cricket programme, which is o ered to sports scholars and pathway players.

“Those programmes are technique-based and then also health and fitness-based,” said Conway.

The gym add-on has proven particularly popular so far, with maximum numbers being reached “every day”.

Cup winner), Tom Hicks (author) Tony Hart (artist)

What sets the school apart? Strong local links with Bournemouth CC, Bashley CC and Shroton CC allow for a direct link into the club game. The cricket programme is run all year round with access to all facilities and coaches from September through to July. An Easter cricket course has been introduced to help promote the game in the local area. A new gym facility incorporating a high performance zone and spin studio arrived during the summer of 2023. There is a focus on nutrition, sports analysis and sports psychology built within the LEX programme on Saturday mornings

Finest moment on the field Successfully chasing down an MCC total of 189 after being nine down and still needing 25

Recent progress Strengthening links with local teams to ensure pupils continue to develop their skills. Of late, county age group matches have been held during term time and school holidays, giving students exposure to the next level

Future plans Improved gym facilities, new grass nets, entering a team into a Wednesday night local league. Plans for a new pavilion are already in motion too Tours Strength and conditioning trips to La Santa, Lanzarote take place biannually. Tour in 2024 in the works

“Uptake has been quite good because it’s all brand new,” he added. “But the challenge for us is to maintain that commitment. I’m sure they will because they all want to be in there at the moment.”

From a cricketing perspective, that has been further aided by uptake from boys and girls alike, particularly since rounders was replaced as the principal summer sport for girls.

“Having four senior teams at a small school like ours is fantastic, and we go and play some bigger schools who only have two teams,” said Conway. “It just shows the strength that we can o er. And with the girls playing cricket in the prep school too, having done away with rounders, that is only going to help the programme too.

“We have to manage the facilities on games days – if we have fixtures, then all the squares are being used – so there is some logistical working out to do, but the girls are joining the winter programmes as well. Girls’ cricket is in a very good position at the moment.”

Dan Conway Director of sport

CLIFTON COLLEGE

32 College Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3JH

Established 1862

Number of pupils 800

Master in charge Tim Hancock (Gloucestershire)

Professional Jim Williams (Glamorgan)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI,

CRANLEIGH SCHOOL

Horseshoe Ln, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QQ

Established 1865

Number of pupils 700

Master in charge Gareth Pritchard

Professional Stuart Welch

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI,U15ABC, U14ABCD. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15 Girls’ cricket For the first time in 2023

Junior colts ABC, Yearlings ABC. Girls: 1st XI, Junior AB (U15/U14 combined)

Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket is thriving at the school with more girls being introduced to the sport through the prep school. This demand has been met with extra coaching sta , among them England’s Fran Wilson, specifically focused on girls’ cricket Fixtures All Saturdays are filled with

Fixtures Boys play large blocks against Tonbridge, Epsom, Whitgift and the 1st XI conclude the season with a two day game against Charterhouse. Girls play Epsom, Surrey and Bradfield. Both boys and girls play an annual MCC fixture Facilities Five grass squares with access to another three at the prep

major matches with boys and girls entered into national competitions. Notable fixtures include King’s College Taunton, Millfield, and Malvern College

Facilities Main ground The Close has a 10-lane outdoor cricket school, while are there are four indoor nets in the sports hall and six additional grounds available

Best prospects Ollie Rayner played for Glamorgan 2nd XI last summer. Ahmed and Zain Syed are both part of the Gloucestershire academy

Cricketers of note James Kirtley (Sussex CCC), Prem Sisodiya, Jim Williams (both Glamorgan CCC), Matt Windows, Dom Goodman, Will Naish (all Gloucestershire CCC)

Brief history Henry Newbolt –“There’s a breathless hush in the Close to-night, Ten to make and the match to win” – wrote these lines in 1892 about cricket on Clifton’s Close, making the ground a location famous throughout the sporting world. Seven years after the poem was written AEJ Collins scored 628 not out in a Clifton College house match which remains the highest individual score recorded in England. The college

has produced numerous first-class cricketers and has relationships with Gloucestershire, Somerset and Glamorgan

Cultural cricketers John Cleese (actor, writer)

What sets the school apart? The superb cricket facilities. The Close is located within the heart of the college and is one of the standout grounds in the country

Finest moment on the field

Defeating a Tonbridge School XI including Zak Crawley on the Nursery Ground in 2014. The game commemorated 100 years since the first fixture between the schools since the start of the First World War. More recently, King’s College Taunton were beaten by two wickets in the last 16 of the 2021 National U17 competition

Recent progress Increased resources have been pumped into the girls’ programme

Future plans An indoor facility, The Challaram Sports Centre, is being built at Abbotts Leigh which will have an eight-lane net facility with full runups. It is due to be completed in 2024

Tours Cape Town (2023)

school, and one astroturf wicket.

Two cages to act as grass nets on the square, 13 all-weather outdoor

Cranleigh ran two XIs on a Saturday as well as U15 and U18 Cup teams during the week. The U15 girls were Surrey champions in 2022 and U18 girls reached the National quarter finals. Through the winter there is a full programme of small group and team practice for all those interested

cricket school and three-lane sports hall with adjoining hall

nets. Two-lane dedicated three-lane for indoor games

Club/county a liation

Surrey

CCC, Cranleigh CC

Best prospects Molly

Barbour-Smith is a right arm fast bowler and hard-hitting

(both England, Surrey), Tom Lawes, Yousef Majid (both Surrey), Michael Burgess (Warwickshire)

batter who joined the part of the Scotland U19 World in 2023 note

Sunrisers academy as an U16 and was part of the Scotland U19 World Cup squad

Cricketers of Ollie Pope, Stuart Meaker

Brief history Cranleigh has long been proud of its cricketing tradition and is committed to giving all students with an interest in cricket an opportunity to enjoy and improve their game. Many of its players having gone on to play at university, county and national level. The school remains committed to the development of such budding stars and, whilst the coaching of both boys and girls is predominately done in the summer

What sets the school apart? Harry Calder – Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1916 – is the only person to win award having never played first-class cricket. Played for the 1st XI for five years and captained for three years Finest moment on the field In 2014, Cranleigh won both the Cricketer Cup and National U15 Cup – the first Surrey school to do so Recent progress Development of the girls’ game has been brought in line with the boys in terms of venues, awards and recognition Tours Sri Lanka (2024)

Ollie Pope batting in the 2023 Ashes

DENSTONE COLLEGE

Denstone, Uttoxeter, Sta ordshire ST14 5HN

Established 1873

Number of pupils 650

Master in charge Paul Borrington

Professional Wes Durston (Somerset & Derbyshire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15AB, U14AB, 13AB, U12AB. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U13AB, U12AB

Girls’ cricket Girls benefit from the same provision as boys, including the winter training programme and cricket as a games option in the summer term. Fixtures o er a mixture of indoor/outdoor and hard/soft ball games. Girls are also able to play in the boys’ teams during Saturday block fixtures

Fixtures 1st XI play approximately 20 matches, including against MCC, Malvern, Shrewsbury, Oakham, Trent and annual two-day fixture against Langley Park

Facilities Five cricket grounds across the college site, 10 grass nets, six-lane outdoor astroturf net facility and three indoor nets in the sports hall Club/county

a liation

Sta ordshire CCC, Uttoxeter CC, Clifton CC, Checkley CC

Best prospects Joe Wilson plays for Derbyshire U18s, James Abbotts is part of the Sta ordshire U18 setup and Sophie Beech is a member of the Central Sparks academy

Surrey), Harvey Hosein, Rob Hemmings, Greg Cork and Alex Thomson (all Derbyshire), Jeremy Snape (Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, England, below)

Brief history Cricket has been integral to life at Denstone since its foundation in 1873. The 1st XI pitch is situated at the heart of the school site which has helped maintain its popularity and success

Cultural cricketers Alastair Hignell (Gloucestershire CCC, Bristol, England Rugby), Arthur Berry (England football)

What sets the school apart?

Alongside hosting county age group EPP fixtures and the highclass training and match facilities, Denstone prides itself on giving every young player the opportunity to develop and enjoy playing cricket at all ages throughout the school Finest moment on the field In 2012, the U15 XI beat Tonbridge by eight runs to win the Lord’s Taverners competition, having reached the final the previous year

DULWICH COLLEGE

Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD

Established 1619

Number of pupils 1600

Master in charge Rob Craze

Professional Adam Riley (Kent CCC)

Teams Boys: 46 teams run between U8 and U18

Fixtures There are over 200 annual fixtures, with the 1st XI playing around 25. Notable fixtures come against MCC, Brighton College and many touring sides such as Melbourne Grammar School and Mumbai Cricket Club

Facilities Eight indoor nets in the sports hall, 14 outdoor all-weather nets, five all-weather match wickets and five grass squares of varying sizes Club/county a liation Surrey CCC, London Schools Cricket Association, Dulwich CC, Chance to Shine Best prospects Roan Kennedy has played for the 1st XI as a Year 9. He is a technically proficient, flamboyant batter who bowls quickly and fields well. This summer saw him play U14 and U15 cricket for Surrey as well as senior cricket for Spencer CC Cricketers of note 79 former pupils have gone on to play first-class cricket. Among them are Trevor Bailey, Roger Knight (Surrey), Ruel Braithwaite (Durham CCC, Hampshire CCC) and Chris Jordan (Surrey CCC, Sussex CCC and England)

College 1st XI square for training and practice sessions. There is a rumour that the phrase ‘cow corner’ originated at Dulwich, due to the cows grazing in an area near deep midwicket

Cultural cricketers PG Wodehouse (author), Daniel Norcross (TMS) What sets the school apart? The 1st XI square is one of the most scenic in London. MCC Hub is hosted over the winter months and the 1st XI play a local Afghanistan refugee team Finest moment on the field In the first three years of the HMC schools’ national T20 competition, Dulwich reached the final on each occasion, beating Sherborne School but losing to Repton College and Millfield School

Recent progress In addition to the formation of a girls programme, Denstone has introduced an U11 cricket festival and the U10 local primary school festival Future plans Plans to continue to develop working relationship with as many local schools as possible. Expansion of fixture list for B/C teams along with promotion of new and di erent formats of cricket.

Cricketers of note 29 first-class cricketers produced including Aneesh Kapil (Worcestershire and

Brief history Dulwich College have been playing cricket since 1873 when fixtures were against Christ’s Hospital, Epsom College and St Paul’s School. In 1874, Tonbridge School was added to the fixture card, followed by Bedford School in 1882 and Brighton College in 1883. England, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the Netherlands and Surrey CCC have all used the Dulwich

Recent progress Delivering a winter cricket programme which enables the most talented cricketers to improve through individual coaching from Riley. The U16 side has been revived with a substantial fixture list

Future plans Links with schools in the Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership and an ACE programme annual community cricket day Tours Cape Town, South Africa (2024)

29 first-class cricketers female

Plans to work more closely with Central Sparks and develop into a sporting centre for high performance female cricketers.

Tours Barbados (2024)

DUNOTTAR SCHOOL

36 High Trees Rd, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL

Established 1926

Number of pupils 460

Director of sport

Jack Myers – ECB Level 3 Performance Coach, working towards Level 4; England National Physical Disabilities Assistant

Head Coach

Teams Boys: 1st XI, U15AB, U14AB, 13ABC, U12ABC. Girls: U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB

the standouts

Facilities Four county-standard nets, access to seven out-grounds at Salfords CC, Westhumble CC, Merstham CC and Leigh CC with net facilities and outfields

Club/county affiliation

Girls’ cricket The Dunottar School girls academy trains from October to April on weekday mornings. A and B teams play hardball cricket, and the C sides play softball cricket. The girls’ 1st XI is growing, and this year played their first fixture

Fixtures Most notable matches in among more than 100 fixtures are against Caterham, St Johns, Ewell Castle, Epsom College. For the girls, Ibstock Place, Emanuel School, St Johns, Hurstpierpoint College, Feltonfleet School are

DURHAM CATHEDRAL SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Quarryheads Ln, Durham DH1 4SZ

Established 2021 (formed by the merger of Durham School (1414) & The Chorister School (1416))

Number of pupils 1750

Master in charge Michael Fishwick

Professional Gordon Muchall (Durham)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15, U14AB, U13, U12. Girls: U15, U14, U13, U12

Girls’ cricket The programme is building momentum, with a newlyformed competitive senior girls team playing their first match on the main pitch last summer

Fixtures Notable ones include Woodhouse Grove, Sedbergh, St Peter’s York, Ampleforth College, RGS Newcastle, Barnard Castle, MCC, Durham Pilgrims, Newcastle School. 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15s and U13s play three-day festival

Facilities Durham School has an indoor sports hall with four lanes, a main pitch on The Playground, a smaller second pitch on the senior

In addition, Dorking CC, Reigate Priory CC Brief history Cricket is fully inclusive at Dunottar. Competitive fixtures on Saturdays include between 50 and 60 per cent of the school. They are keen that everyone leaves having had a positive cricket experience, regardless of ability. The most able cricketers run a morning girls and boys academy between October to the start of the season What sets the school apart?

Cricket thrives in all three terms with nets and opportunities out of season. The cup teams continue to progress with four making this year’s Surrey quarter-finals, establishing the school as one of the most successful small schools in the county punching well above their weight Finest moment on the field

Reaching the county final of the U15 Indoor League in 2016, quarter-finals of the U14 and U15 County Cup in 2021. That same year the school shared a sports hall with Ian Bell for The Cricketer Club Cricket Guide Cricket Week sees seniors play in longer format matches once exams are over

Recent progress Girls teams have progressed to three major quarter finals, while B teams in each age

site and a third pitch at Palmers Close. Chorister School has an indoor sports hall with three lanes and an astroturf wicket. Bow site has an U12s pitch Club/county affiliation Durham City CC, Durham CCC, Durham City of Cricket

Best prospects Dan Hogg is part of the men’s 2nd XI at Durham and is hopeful of getting a first team contract in the near future. Grace Thompson, currently playing for Northern Diamonds academy, also

represents the 1st XI boys’ team Cricketers of note Michael Roseberry (Middlesex, Durham, England), Andrew Roseberry (Leicestershire, Glamorgan), Phil Weston (Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Derbyshire), Robin Weston (Durham, Derbyshire, Middlesex), Gordon Muchall (Durham), Paul Muchall (Gloucestershire), Jonny Muchall (Durham), Fraser Watts, Olivia Rae (both Scotland)

group are now thriving. Boys are getting regular C-team fixtures in the lower years

Future plans In September 2023, the school ran a coaching foundation course for year 11 pupils and a ECB Level 1 coaching course for staff and sixth form students. Links with Surrey CCC continue to be developed. The school’s 100th anniversary will be marked with a festival of cricket Tours South Africa (2023)

Brief history The school has had a cricket team from at least 1847, with regular matches with other schools starting in 1866 with annual games against St. Peter’s, York. Other annual matches followed: Sedbergh in 1908; Ampleforth in 1915; Giggleswick in 1933; Barnard Castle in 1937 and St. Bees in 1938

Cultural cricketers Mike Weston (British & Irish Lions rugby)

What sets the school apart?

The foundation combined some of the oldest schools in England with a cricket history as early as the mid-19th century. Hosts Durham CCC visually impaired team and academy fixtures. Teams now play in September alongside the typical season

Finest moment on the field Victory over MCC

Recent progress Continued development of girls’ games and supply of young cricketers to Durham CCC

Future plans Updating the Palmers Close pitch into another senior sized cricket venue, to add another highclass pitch to the roster Tours Sri Lanka (2024)

Jack Myers Director of sport

DUNOTTAR SCHOOL // DURHAM CATHEDRAL SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

EASTBOURNE COLLEGE

Old Wish Rd, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4JY

Established 1918

Number of pupils 640

Master in charge Matilda Callaghan

Professional Nick Wilton (Sussex)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI U15ABC, U14ABC. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB

Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket is booming at Eastbourne. All teams are playing hardball cricket in coloured kit. A post-season festival followed the summer, with a pre-season trip

abroad ahead of the 2024 season next year

Fixtures Team play in total around 200 matches a year

Facilities Five cricket pitches, five indoor lanes with several bowling machines, including a Merlyn and Pitch Vision technology. FrogBox livestreams all fixtures during the summer term

Club/county a liation Sussex CCC, Kent CCC

Best prospects U16 player Paddy Cooper made his 1st XI debut this year as a genuine allrounder and plays for Sussex U16. 1st XI player Emmanuel Bawa captained

Zimbabwe U19s at the 2022 World Cup and scored successive 100s last summer. Georgie Pedley, the U14A girls captain, is currently involved in the Vipers EPP and plays for Sussex U15

Cricketers of note Ed Giddins (Sussex, Warwickshire, Surrey, England), Matt Hobden, Harry Finch, Jamie Atkins, Oli Carter, Tom Hinley, Dan Ibrahim (all Sussex), Tawanda Muyeye (Kent), Brad Evans (Zimbabwe, Cardi MCCU)

Brief history Cricket on college field

has been played on for years and is one of the main sports. More than a dozen teams fielded weekly in the summer. Both girls and boys receive specialist coaching all year round, with an extensive 1-2-1 program and indoor school. Every three years they are given the opportunity to play abroad in challenging environments, while enjoying new cultural experiences along the way Finest moment on the field U14 boys won the County Cup played at Hove CC in 2019. In the 2017 season, the 1st XI won 20 of 26 matches What sets the school apart? The college has its own Fantasy Cricket League which all players are involved in. There is a huge buzz around cricket during the summer term and matches on College Field attract large crowds

Recent progress Bringing the number of girls involved in cricket to 80, with multiple teams fielded each year. Last summer saw the girls play on the main ground and have seen the first 1st XI half-century. An overseas tour for the girls will be o ered this year ahead of a winter season of specialist coaching Tours Dubai (2024)

ELLESMERE COLLEGE

Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 9AB

Established 1879

Number of pupils 600 Director of Cricket

Gareth Owen

Cricket Professional

Rod Jones

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2XI, U17, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB, U11, U10, U9. Girls: Seniors, U17, U15AB, U14, U13AB, U12, U11, U9

Girls’ cricket A consistent, inclusive coaching programme for girls at the school, building interest, participation and skills. Western Storm have been undertaking outreach coaching visits with Georgia Munro, who is on their EPP programme

Fixtures There are usually over 100 matches for boys and girls. Age-groups are entered in more than a dozen competitions.

Shrewsbury School, Wrekin College, Wolverhampton Grammar, Wirral Grammar and Merchant Taylors’ School are among the opponents

Facilities Three grass squares and

one artificial square. Twelve grass nets, six outdoor artificial nets, two indoor halls with a combined six lanes. Junior and senior bowling machines, 20 Kwik Cricket sets, two gymnasiums and a swimming pool Club/county a liation Shropshire Cricket Board, Sta ordshire Cricket Board Best prospects Skye Thomas in year eight is part of Lancashire Thunder emerging players’ programme and represents seven teams across genders

Cricketers of note Ben Gibbon (Worcestershire CCC), Dewi Penrhyn-Jones (Glamorgan CCC) Brief history Ellesmere College was opened in 1884 and dedicated to St Oswald. It was Nathaniel Woodard’s seventh school. At the time of opening he was the Sub Dean of Manchester Cathedral and Canon Woodard’s religious principles were central to the philosophy of his Anglican schools’ foundation. By the time he died in 1891 he had founded 11 schools

Cultural cricketers Hugh Grosvenor (7th Duke of Westminster)

What sets the school apart?

Ellesmere College is the national home of indoor cricket. Ellesmere College Sports Hall is where Indoor Cricket was developed and first played in 1970/71. They provide an inclusive cricket development programme with an academy pathway. Shropshire and Sta ordshire use the facilities for training and matches. The school has been a training camp for disabled cricket too

Finest moment on the field Regional champions and semi-finalists of the National U14 ESCA/ECB 2015

National Competition. Lady Taverners National Indoor Finals 2013, HMC

T20 last 16 in 2016 and ECB U15 Indoor County runners-up in 2023

Recent progress More than 60 players play for local clubs. Fixture programme has been adapted to include di erent formats to accommodate di erent abilities changing attitudes towards the pressures of education and national exams

Future plans Furthering the winter development programme by including a more intensive indoor competition for both boys and girls

EPSOM COLLEGE

College Rd, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4JQ

Established 1855

Number of pupils 1012

Master in charge Damian Shirazi (Hampshire CCC)

Teams Twenty-five sides are run across age groups from U18 to U12 Girls’ cricket Alongside indoor girlsonly practices, teams also enter the Lady Taverners indoor competition. They receive quality coaching from Essex coaches and players during the winter academy. Under-13 and

Under-15 teams enter the Essex Cup and Mid-Essex league, and they host a girls cricket festival. Following the U15s into the Schools Sport Essex Divisional League is an U14 and 1st XI side

Brighton. Touring sides visit towards the end of term

Facilities Standalone indoor cricket facility used throughout the winter, two artificial net facilities catering for 14 lanes and six cricket squares on-site Club/county a liation Surrey CCC Best prospects Quick bowler Harry Porter in the upper sixth is involved with the Surrey academy and featured in the ECB U18 Super 4s last summer

Fixtures In total more than 220 fixtures are played every season. Alongside boys and girls matches with the MCC there are block fixtures against Cranleigh, Hurstpierpoint, Charterhouse, and

seven teams in 2010 to 25 in 2021. A huge part of the summer term, the sta contains a variety of former representative players

Cultural cricketers Jeremy Vine, Jonny Maitland (both broadcasters) What sets the school apart?

Cricketers of note Nat Sciver-Brunt (England, The Blaze, Trent Rockets, below), Alice Davidson-Richards (England, South East Stars, Northern Superchargers, Kent)

Brief history Cricket has been played at Epsom since its inception in the mid-19th century. Having originally played on Epsom Downs, cricket has always been the major summer sport. In recent seasons, the cricket club has grown significantly from

Played on the characteristic sloping downs, Epsom currently o ers a large amount of junior county representative cricket. Fixtures are played on site with high pupil involvement. The college hosts three tournaments annually: the Sciver Cup, a girls U10 tournament, the Epsom Super 8s, an U9 boys competition, and the Mike Hobbs Trophy, a boys U14 cup

Finest moment on the field The school reached the national finals of the U15 National Cup alongside being involved in a four county finals

Recent progress The advancement of outdoor facilities and capturing the Arch Trophy in Dubai. Fixture list has expanded for young sides

Future plans Epsom plan to further expand its outreach programme to help aid cricket in the community by hosting fixtures and masterclasses

Tours United Arab Emirates (2024)

Gareth Owen Director of cricket

ETON COLLEGE

Windsor, Berkshire SL4 6DW

Established 1440

Number of pupils 1300+

Master in charge Tim Roberts (Lancashire, Northamptonshire)

Professional Richard Montgomerie (Northamptonshire, Sussex)

Teams There are 25 teams across seniors, U16s, U15s and U14s.

FELSTED SCHOOL

Felsted, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL

Established 1564

Number of pupils 550

Master in charge Jason Gallian

Professional Nick Lockhart (Essex 2nd XI), Alice Macleod (Sunrisers, Welsh Fire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15AB, U14AB. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB

Fixtures More than 30 matches across both teams. Highlights for the school included girls and boys matches against the MCC, national T20 and cup competition

Meanwhile, there are 35 junior and 35 senior house teams fielded through the term

Fixtures More than 265 external school fixtures and over 100 internal house matches with each given equal importance

Facilities Ten turf grounds, nine astroturf grounds, 16 astroturf nets, four cages for grass practice and a four-lane indoor school Club/county a liation Slough CC,

Monty Copper is already part of the Essex U18s system. Essex Women and Sunrisers have meanwhile recruited the talent of Jess Olerenshaw, who won a professional contract with the latter in 2022

Facilities Four grass squares, 10-lane nonturf net system, two non-turf pitches and a five-lane indoor facility Club/county

a liation Essex CCC, Sunrisers, Lord’s Taverners

Cricketers of note Johnny Douglas, Derek Pringle (both Essex and England), John Stephenson (Essex, Hampshire, England), Nick Knight (Essex, Warwickshire, England), Elliot Wilson (Worcestershire), Jordan Cox (Kent), Will Buttleman, Tim Phillips , Poppy Timson, Grace Poole (all Essex), Emma Jones (Essex and South East Stars) Cultural cricketers

Datchet CC, Berkshire CCC

Best prospects With over 300 cricketers at the all-boys boarding college currently showing promise, it prefers to look at the programme as a whole rather than in individual pieces

Cricketers of note Gubby Allen (England, Middlesex), Henry Blofeld (Cambridge University), Matthew Fleming (England, Kent), Alex Loudon (England, Kent, Warwickshire), James Bruce (Hampshire), Ivo Bligh (England,  Kent)

Brief history The first recorded game at Eton took place in 1730. In 1805, the first match against Harrow was staged at Lord’s, the home of cricket. Come 1831, Eton first started sporting the iconic light blue caps which has made them identifiable the world over. By the late 19th century, alumnus Lord Hawke had captained England and in 1987/88 Eton became the first school to tour Australia. More recently, Eton began to dominate the Lord’s Taverners U15 National Cup, winning in 1994, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2019 and the U17 crown in 2022

Cultural cricketers Bernard Bosanquet (philosopher)

What sets the school apart? Eton is bathed in cricketing history dating back hundreds of years and enjoys huge participation both internally and externally

Finest moment on the field Eton embrace every home and away match on a Saturday, when there are over 20 fixtures, and ensures games are played in the correct spirit

Recent progress Eton take particular pride in continuing to run well over 20 cricket teams who are coached and guided by excellent schoolmasters, supported by professional coaches who promote participation, enjoyment and performance.

Pitches have been upgraded by Lee Marshallsay and his grounds team who provide top-quality surfaces for all teams. The college has also hosted eight-a-side outreach tournaments for local state schools

Future plans The building of a new sports centre which will cater for far more winter cricket with eight lanes. College hopes to continue to build local partnerships

Tours Sri Lanka (2016/2018/2023), South Africa (2019), Dubai (2014/2015)

Best prospects

From the boys side,

Douglas won gold in the boxing competition at the London 1908 Olympic Games in the middleweight division, prevailing in his three bouts all on the same day. The school has produced 21 Olympians down the years

three day.

Brief history First cricket field was established in 1805. The main

ground – The Front – is the only school ground over looked by a beer garden called the Chequers What sets the school apart? If there is one theme which has flowed through the school’s cricket history it is its formidable record of producing first-class and international cricketers

Finest moment on the field Became National T20 champions in 2004 and 2005. Girls were crowned U15 indoor and outdoor national champions in 2017, adding the 1st XI national title in 2019

Recent progress Both boys and girls’

teams are participating in the East Anglia league. The school wants to improve the digital element of the programme with live streaming and online scoring of matches

Future plans Continue to grow the independent school league to a number of new establishments. The school hopes is it will create healthy competition in the area and involve a lot more girls and boys to get involved in a variety of formats. Indeed, expanded the girls’ programme is another chief aim

Tours Boys-only trip to Australia in December 2024

FOREST SCHOOL

Snaresbrook, London E17 3PY

Established 1834

Number of pupils 1500

Head of cricket Tomos Fowler

Professional Ranjit Bhanabhai (Derbyshire 2nd XI, Kent 2nd XI), Fiona Rae (Scotland), Louise Poulter (Middlesex)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17, U15ABC, U14AB, 13ABC, U12ABC. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U15A, U14A, 13A, U12A

Girls’ cricket Forest School’s girls’ cricket programme runs throughout the year. More than 70 participate across years seven, eight and nine. Sixth form students can also book one-to-one training sessions during free periods

Fixtures Approximately 120 matches per summer. MCC men and women play annual matches and teams from

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Forest School know how to host a cricket match.

When their under-17 boys reached the quarter-finals of the national cup, they drew a crowd that would be the envy of many clubs.

Head of cricket Tomos Fowler estimates 600 pupils and sta came out watch the victory over Bede’s of Sussex.

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India visit during cricket week

Facilities Five-lane indoor sports hall, two-lane indoor cricket centre, three outdoor artificial nets, four grass nets, four cricket pitches and three roll on cages for centre wicket practice Best prospects Forest have three students in the Essex academy, who all attended the Bunbury festival last year. Areeb Rashid is a classy top-order batter and leg spinner who already has represented the 2nd XI. Ayaan Malik a powerful opening batter and opening bowler, while Jeevan Sing Kathuria is a talented right-arm o spinner and destructive middle order batter. Furthermore, Amu Surenkumar represents Middlesex women’s 1st XI as well as

the Sunrisers Academy, and Prisha Bedi plays for Essex women 1st XI

Cricketers of note Nasser Hussain, James Foster (both Essex, England)

Brief history A well-established sport at Forest, recent years have seen an increased focus and investment in growing cricket at the school and building the school’s reputation. The design and implementation of the cricket programme over the last few years has been instrumental in the growth and recent success

What sets the school apart?

Buildings have been formed around the 1st XI cricket pitch. Students in their masses spend breaktimes or periods between lessons to support the team in action in the heart of the school

Forest’s run ended at the semi-final stage this year, but the boys’ success nationally was surpassed by three girls’ sides: the under-17s were national runners-up, the under-19s finished third, and the under-18s fourth.

“It was an excellent summer, we are going from strength to strength” said Fowler. “The year before, our under-15s were ESCA national champions, so we are pleased with the way cricket is going. For a day school to be competing

and thriving on the national circuit is something I am incredibly proud of.”

Forest School have three students in the Essex Academy: top-order batter and leg-spinner Areeb Rashid; allrounder Ayaan Malik; and ospinner Jeevan Sing Kathuria. Amu Surenkumar represents Middlesex women’s 1st XI as well as the Sunrisers Academy and signed a professional contract this year, while Prisha Bedi represents Essex women’s 1st XI and is on the Sunrisers EPP.

There are more than 70 girls in the school cricket teams, well led by coaching leads Fiona Rae and Louise Poulter, and the future of girls’ cricket at Forest looks bright.

Fowler is pleased with the winter programme that is giving the school’s players more than 25 hours of cricket per week, all year around.

Alongside this he is delighted with the school’s

Finest moment on the field

The U15 boys team fending o competition from 1,300 schools to win the ESCA National Cup final in June 2022, beating Stamford School by 55 runs

Future plans Forest are currently in the process of redeveloping the school grounds with plans afoot for a new state-of-the-art pavilion and relocation of the squares in order to host more fixtures on site. A new three-lane indoor cricket centre on site with integrated analysis software is also in the o ng

Tours Dubai (2024)

elite player pathway.

“It aims to provide our high-performing sports scholars with a comprehensive platform for their physical development,” he said.

“Through this programme, our athletes receive elite-level coaching and participate in lifestyle workshops, ensuring they have the best possible opportunities to excel in their chosen sport.

“Several members of our cricket team have been selected for the EPP and have benefited from weekly strength and speed sessions tailored to their individual needs.

“Given the evolving physical demands of the game, there is a heightened focus on enhancing the physical qualities of each player. The EPP has proven instrumental in improving the overall physical attributes of our players, consequently enhancing their performance in all aspects of the game.”

With a new £3m pavilion and upgrades on their nets on the way, cricket at Forest certainly seems to be blooming in the heart of Epping Forest.

Tomos Fowler Head of cricket

Where dedication meets excellence

– Forest School Cricket

At Forest, we pride ourselves on offering high level coaching to all our pupils. Our academy style programme runs throughout the year and is specifically designed to nurture and enhance the skills of cricketers of all ages. With a focus on maximising potential, we provide ample opportunities for growth and development on the pitch and beyond. Our dedicated team of coaches ensures that pupils receive 25+ hours of cricket training every week, in every term. As a result of our commitment to excellence, our pupils have consistently advanced to national cup finals for both boys and girls over the past two years, winning the U15 ESCA national competition in 2022.

Contact Head of Cricket - Tomos Fowler | Email TJF@forest.org.uk

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE

College Road, Framlingham, Woodbridge, Su olk IP13 9EY

Established 1864

Number of pupils 650

Head of cricket Jack Beaumont (Su olk CCC)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17 Cup XI, Albert XI, U15AB, U14AB, 13ABCDE, U11ABC. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, Albert XI, Junior ABC, U13ABCD, U11ABC Mixed: U9ABCDE

Fixtures More than 400 matches are played across the year. In the second edition of the East Independent Schools’ Cricket League opponents included Felsted, The Leys, Ipswich School, Brentwood, Royal Hospital School and Framlingham College Facilities Nine indoor nets, two sports halls, eight artificial nets, 12 grass nets, 13 pitches and various mini grounds, including a Flicx wicket Club/county a liation Northamptonshire CCC, Su olk

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

When Jack Beaumont was appointed head of cricket in September 2021, one of his aims was to improve the school’s use of technology in coaching and matches, hoping to “eradicate” himself from the process by developing cricketers who understand their own game.

CCC, Su olk Cricket Board, South East Stars, Sunrisers, Andy Northcote Cricket Academy, MCC Foundation Hub

Best prospects Felix Norris has represented Su olk and their EPP system. Hollie Dring-Richardson has recently played for Essex women 1st XI and Sunrisers EPP. Sophie Singer is also part of the Sunrisers Academy. Other prospects include Loulou Ford of Norfolk CCC, allrounder Percy Moore and year 10 pair Zach Gandy and Oliver Ford

Cricketers of note David Larter (Northamptonshire, England), Ashley Cowan, Norman Borrett (both Essex), Freddie

Fast-forward two years and in addition to fielding 40 teams across the senior and prep school and running a yearround programme which gives every pupil “the option to do something cricket-related every week”, Framlingham have installed Frogbox to livestream all matches on the main square and use analysis software, including Lilypad and OnForm, during coaching sessions.

“I love the technology aspect. It can be a great

flourishing, with all pupils encouraged to develop a lifelong love of the game Finest moment on the field Johnny Newton being placed in detention by the headmaster for reverse-sweeping Ray East for six while playing against the MCC in 1992. In 2007, Rob Newton became the first schoolboy to register a double-hundred against MCC

Heldreich, Rob Newton (both Northamptonshire), Herbert Wilson (Sussex)

Cultural cricketers Ed Sheeran (musician), Charlie Simpson (musician), Laura Wright (classical singer), Simon Law (musician), Keito Okamota (model, singer), David Bull MEP, Henry Jackman (composer)

What sets the school apart? The number of fixtures since the advent of girls’ cricket stands at an all-time high. The cricket culture is

help to kids because cricket is so technical,” Beaumont explains. “We video every session, every 1:1 or group element will get recorded at some point. The pupils all have access to that, and the aim is we build up this knowledge [and] the kids take ownership. The number of questions I’ve had from sharing the videos is really good.

“I had a lot of badgers in my Year 13 boys. They’d come and re-watch the live-stream ball by ball, something they never had access to before. They got a lot savvier to match situations because they were looking at clips, how they got out, the few balls before they got out. I’d have batters walking in going, ‘Sir, I get stuck in this scenario’ which is a shift from when I’d have to tell them [what was wrong]. They could work it out themselves.”

Recent progress Programme allows junior cricketers to access one-toone sessions throughout winter and spring terms. College initiated the first ever England Schools Cricket Association U11 Girls’ Regional competition. Frogbox streaming software allows for video analysis sessions

competition. new pavilions is grounds

Future plans

Mini-season for those top-end cricketers in the first month of the autumn term. Redevelopment of the outdoor net area and improving surfaces, and investment in new sightscreens and pavilions on all satellite grounds. A purpose-built indoor cricket centre is also in the o ng, along with digital scoreboards on two main

Holland, UAE,

Tours Holland, UAE, La Manga (2024)

Framlingham’s programme also has an emphasis on match play, with regular, competitive fixtures throughout the year to keep pupils engaged.

“We do so much training over the winter [but] you can’t test your skills because there are no fixtures. Sometimes kids lose the plot, not knowing if it’s making an outcome change. We try and create little tournaments, indoor matches, to create a bit of competition – kids don’t want to be training in October for no reason.”

Some of the college’s fixture innovations include the Masters League, an internal franchise competition for C and D-team players who would otherwise only play a handful of matches per year, and the East Independent Schools’ Cricket League, a sixschool competition with points feeding into not just team leagues but also an overall school league, encouraging pupils to take an interest in results outside their own team: “Everyone has something to play for!”

Jack Beaumont Head of cricket

A high-performance culture for boys and girls with serious ambitions.

• Only school in East Anglia to have been in the Cricketer’s Top 100 schools for cricket every year since its inception.

• Highly trained coaching staff (three ECB Level 3, one working towards Level 3 and another towards Level 4).

• Wide and varied fixture list across a variety of formats regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Play against representative sides including the MCC (both men and women sides), Cambridge University (both men and women) and the Eagles’ Nest Independent Schools League.

• Routinely host touring sides from Australia, South Africa and India.

• Regularly host county programme training, matches and we are very proud to be the regional MCC Foundation Hub.

• Host of Suffolk County Training (Both Junior Pathway & Adult Men/Women). Framlingham players are part of pathways in Sunrisers, Essex CCC, Northamptonshire CCC, Suffolk CCC, Norfolk CCC, Cambridgeshire CCC.

• Formal educational partnership with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club where pupils have a direct and clear potential pathway into professional cricket.

GEORGE WATSON’S COLLEGE // HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS

GEORGE WATSON’S COLLEGE

69 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh EH10 5EG

Established 1741

Number of pupils 2300

Master in charge Neil McCallum (Scotland)

Professional Oli Hairs (Scotland)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, 13AB, U12AB, U11AB, U10. Girls: U18, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB

Girls’ cricket Up to 80 girls are on the cricket programme. The fixture list is continually growing as senior and junior school teams play local sides in Edinburgh

Fixtures The 1st XI play 16 matches. Most notable games come against MCC and in the U18 Scottish Cup Facilities Four grass wicket squares, two artificial wickets, 10 artificial nets and four indoor nets

Best prospects Oliver Stones is an U15s batter who is part of the Scotland U15 squad

Cricketers of note Neil McCallum, Ewan Chalmers (both Scotland), Dewald Nel (Scotland,

HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS

Boys: Almshouse Street, Monmouth, NP25 3XP

Girls: Hereford Road, Monmouth, NP25 5XT

Established 1614

Number of pupils 1,100

Director of cricket Andrew Jones (Glamorgan)

Master in charge of cricket Callum Bassett-Jones

Master in charge of cricket coaching James Boiling (Surrey, Durham)

Professional Steve James (England, Glamorgan),

Worcestershire, Kent), Alasdair Evans (Scotland, Derbyshire, MCC), Sarah Bryce (Lightning, Oval Invincibles, Scotland, Welsh Fire) Kathryn Bryce (Lightning, Scotland, Trent Rockets, Manchester Originals)

Brief history George Watson’s College is one of the largest singlecampus schools in the UK and one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, widely renowned for its sporting excellence. In 2015, the school won all three major Scottish sporting competitions in rugby, boy’s hockey and cricket, the first school to do so

What sets the school apart? The college is blessed with excellent outdoor and indoor facilities and the calibre of coaching at the school is very high with ex-internationalists and professionals on the sta . The MCCF hub sees 30 pupils from local state schools attend each winter. The school also runs an Outreach Programme through a local charity called Sporting Start. The charity pays for a coach to deliver sessions in seven local schools over 10 weeks

Finest moment on the field

Winning the Scottish Schools T20

of the season

Fixtures

More than 150 matches. Stand-out meetings include a two-day fixture with Solihull and a four-team 100-ball Welsh Schools Day competition at Sophia Gardens. Have recently played Glamorgan academy and the MCC and clashes with Malvern College, Clifton College and Bromsgrove School are always highly anticipated

Facilities

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, 12ABC. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U13, U11

Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket has been running for six years and continues to flourish. There are three teams playing regularly on a Saturday in 20-over hardball matches. The programme for girls ran throughout the winter, as well as girls’ only sessions on Saturdays before the start

Five grass squares, one artificial match wicket, five grass nets and a bay of six artificial nets Club/county a liation Glamorgan CCC, Worcestershire CCC, Gloucestershire CCC Cricketers of note

Steve James (England, Glamorgan, Sophia Smale (Western Storm, Oval Invincibles, right) Reuben Spiring (Worcestershire) Jeremy Lawlor, Andrew Jones, Huw Waters (all Glamorgan), Alec Davies (Surrey, Scotland)

Cup in 2022 and 2015

Recent progress The winter saw a real drive to increase the numbers of girls playing and experiencing cricket. Their development has enhanced the numbers playing fixtures. George Watson’s also have healthy numbers playing U15, U14, U13 and primary cricket. Furthermore, in the winter the Watsonian Cricket Club set up an academy providing early morning

sessions developing batting, bowling, fielding and game plans. This has given pupils the opportunity to develop their skills and the chance to experience competitive cricket

Future plans The Craiglockhart square was extended in July with grass and a couple of hybrid pitches laid, in turn enhancing the playing surface Tours Birkenhead, Northumberland, Barbados (2023)

down the Wye Valley. Ex-Essex batter Sonny Avery became the first cricket professional at the school in 1960, with former Somerset allrounder Graham Burgess taking over in 1980. The dedication of both men helped to produce many fine results, particularly in winning the Barclays Bank Schools Cricket Cup in 1983

Cultural cricketers Anu Mohindru KC, Eddie Butler (Wales rugby)

What sets the school apart?

Brief history Although the schools were founded in 1614, the first mention of cricket was in The Monmothian magazine in 1882. The pitches, just across the River Wye, are wonderfully picturesque, overlooked by the Kymin hill above and with stunning views stretching

Glamorgan 2nd XI play at the school. Haberdashers’ Monmouth can boast a coaching team with significant depth and playing experience. Live stream programme allows players to analyse their games. An Academicals team containing sta plays against local clubs

Finest moment on the field The U17s winning the Barclays Bank Schools Cricket Cup in 1983

Recent progress U13 girls’ and boys’ team coached children at Narberth Community Primary School in Pembrokeshire in May 2023 during the second annual tour to West Wales.

Staging 2nd XI T20 matches on a Friday evening has also been popular Tours Sri Lanka (2024)

Callum BassettJones Master in charge of cricket

Glamorgan),

Kymin

HAILEYBURY SCHOOL

Hailey Ln, Hertford SG13 7NU

Established 1862

Number of pupils 920

Master in charge Rupert Kitzinger (Dorset, MCC)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABCD, 13ABCDEF.

Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC

with Middlesex CCC, Essex CCC, Kent CCC, St Margaretsbury CC, Hoddesdon CC, Broxborne CC

Girls’ cricket Izzy Collis of Sussex, Hampshire and Southern Vipers leads the girls’ programme. From a standing start six years ago the school fields 12 teams each week

Fixtures Around 250 including an annual two-day fixture with Cheltenham College. Boys and girls’ XIs play the MCC on Speech Day with 2,000 watching

Facilities Seven hybrid pitches across the top three squares. Dalwood outdoor nets with a further six lanes to go with another seven-lane facility. Five roll-on cages, three indoor nets, Merlyn bowling machine and PC livestreaming Club/county a liation Sunrisers,

Best prospects U15 trio Benji Tilbury, James Mitchell and Will McIntosh are all with first-class counties. Darcy Dalwood is on Ireland’s radar and Saskia Heard won the Sam Billings Performance Shield in 2023

Cricketers of note Sam Billings (England, Kent, Oval Invincibles) Michael Levitt (Netherlands), Maharajkumar of Vizianagram (India)

Brief history Lord’s hosted the annual Haileybury v Cheltenham match until 1968 and has been played since 1893. David Rimmer wrote Haileybury Cricket mapping the school’s cricket history since 1862. The historic pavilion is a listed building and was designed by Reginald Bloomfield

Cultural cricketers Jamie George (British & Irish Lions, England rugby) Nick Isiekwe (England & Saracens rugby), Oscar Piastri (F1 driver), Clement Attlee (former Prime Minister)

What sets the school apart? Don Bradman and touring Australians played at Haileybury and his baggy green cap is permanently loaned to the Australian Museum. School has a tradition of producing top-class cricketers. A close link with Cape Town continues with an exchange programme and school tours. Cricket festivals for local and the top prep schools are hosted Finest moment on the field

Chasing down 308 to beat Stamford and then 283 against Cheltenham.

Harry Seagrave scoring 185 and claiming a five-wicket haul against Cheltenham in 2022

Recent progress Numbers playing girls cricket is rivalling the boys. Location means they have players at several counties nearby

Future plans Plans continue for a bespoke six-lane indoor cricket centre

Tours U15 boys Cape Town, U14 Boys Jersey, U13 Boys West Country, Senior girls Desert Springs (all 2024) Senior Boys Sri Lanka (2025)

Rupert Kitzinger Master in charge

HAMPTON SCHOOL

Hanworth Rd, Hampton, London TW12 3HD

Established 1556

Number of pupils 1230

Master in charge Ami Banerjee (Bengal)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U16AB, U15ABCD, U14ABCD, 13ABC, U12ABCD

Fixtures 200 matches played each summer, with 1st XI accounting for 24 including a declaration game, 50-over game, two-day game and National T20 Cup.

Notable fixtures are Eton, Harrow, Whitgift, St Paul’s,

King’s College School , Dulwich, Merchant Taylors’, Reed’s, RGS Guildford, Ti n, Brighton College and MCC

Facilities Six indoor nets, seven outdoor astro nets, seven grass wickets and one astro wicket. Three outdoor grass wickets for training with cages. Indoor facility has six nets and a space for indoor games

Club/county a liation Surrey CCC, Middlesex CCC, Hampshire CCC Cricketers of note Akbar Ansari (Cambridge CC, Worcestershire CCC), Zafar Ansari (Cambridge CC, Surrey CCC, England), Toby RolandJones (Middlesex, England), Blake Cullen (Middlesex, London Spirit), Chris Searle (Hampshire, Oxford University)

Brief history Cricket started at Hampton School, known for his extensive and excellent coaching programme, in 1874. The cricket programme has also produced a number of professional and international cricketers. The school runs allrounder scholarships, displaying its ambition to improve the overall standard of sports. Many of its players have gone on to play at

GET TO KNOW THE SCHOOL

Hampton School is proud of its cricketing tradition and the sport continues to grow from strength to strength, with an ever-increasing number of pupils playing throughout the year and 15 teams fielded across the age-groups. With former first-class Ranji Trophy cricketer Ami Banerjee at the helm, supported by cricket professional and ECB Level 3 coach Chris Harrison, the school’s flourishing programme provides all pupils, regardless of ability, with the opportunity to play cricket. One-to-one coaching is available throughout the year, including an extensive and excellent winter all-round coaching programme incorporating indoor leagues and video analysis for all players. The winter programme combined with a wideranging professional coaching programme during the autumn and spring terms, mixing high-class technical advice with cricket basics, plays a key role in Hampton’s excellent summer results.

university, county and national level. Zafar Ansari and Toby Roland-Jones played for England and Blake Cullen played for England U19 in the 2020 World Cup

Cultural cricketers Daniel Pemberton (film composer), Brian May (Queen guitarist), Ollie Stanhope (Paralympian), Patrick Aryee (TV presenter)

What sets the school apart?

An extensive and excellent winter all-round coaching programme with high-class technical advice on coaching based on strong basics and ensuring players develop at their own pace. Technical coaching provided by ex-first-class cricketers plays a key role in excellent results. Indoor league

While fostering participation is a fundamental aspect of sport at the school, Hampton also has a strong history of producing professional cricketers. Notable alumni include Zafar Ansari and Toby Roland-Jones (right), who both played Test cricket for England.

Speaking to The Cricketer, Roland-Jones said:

“I have fond memories of Hampton School and still have many close friends from my time there. Saturday cricket fixtures were always the highlight of the week for me. We had a great cricket team and reached the final of the national T20 competition at Edgbaston.

I also played football every break time and loved the social football on a Wednesday. I wasn’t any good but it provided a proper game every week.”

He believes Hampton o ered him an all-round platform for life, adding: “Hampton helped me to grow and

matches are used to adapt to any match situations

Finest moment on the field

Reaching the final and quarter-final of the National T20 in 2005 and 2010. Recently, 1st XI progressed to the quarterfinals of National T20

Recent progress A massive number of boys are participating in all age groups and all cricketers are not only available to play all matches but they are also ready to work hard on their techniques – such dedication is a source of pride for the school. Future plans To keep providing the correct technical advice to the cricketers and help them with more facilities to develop their games Tours West Indies (2025)

mature as a young adult, building a core of interpersonal skills that have since proved essential. As a cricketer, I developed an ability to analyse and think quickly. As a boy you learn that coping with pressures of education can translate into dealing with other pressures further on in life, and of course I learned there is no substitute for hard work. Appreciate the support network available at the school and utilise all aspects of it, both cocurricular and academic.

–

“In your sport, be fearless and be prepared to make mistakes – this is how we learn best. Remember your school days will be some of the best days of your lives, so enjoy them and make the most of all the opportunities in front of you because the time goes by so quickly. Pursue your passion and your hard work will always be rewarded, even if you have to wait a while!”

Ami Banerjee Master in charge

ACADEMIC & CRICKETING EXCELLENCE

VISITOR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

(see website for details)

Sports Scholarships, Free Places and Assistance with Fees available.

Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton TW12 3HD

www.hamptonschool.org.uk

admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk

HARROW SCHOOL

5 High St, Harrow HA1 3HP

Established 1872

Number of pupils 830

Master in charge Johny Marsden

Professional Mark Ramprakash (England, Surrey, Middlesex)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U16ABC, U15ABCBE, U14ABCDEF

Fixtures Harrow typically provide 200 external fixtures and 60 internal for all age-groups and abilities throughout the summer term. Pupils are exposed to a variety of opposition including other schools, universities, county academies, nomadic sides & touring sides

other useful cricket gadgets

Club/county a liation MCC Foundation, ACE Programme academy, Middlesex CCC, Surrey CCC

Facilities Nine grounds that are exclusively used for cricket and are all served by excellent pavilions, digital scoreboards and sight screens. Boys train on grass squares in each training session. They have a two-lane purpose-built indoor school where they train during the winter months and have access to Bola and Merlyn bowling machines, Pitch Vision, QuickScore scoreboards and many

HUDDERSFIELD NEW COLLEGE

New Hey Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD3 4GL

Established 1958

Number of pupils 2600

Master in charge Peter Lombard

Professional Jack Hendy (Yorkshire Academy)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI

Girls’ cricket Though there is no girls’ programme, HNC are looking to build a team at the college with some ex-students who play for Yorkshire coming through the ranks

Fixtures Both sides play a combined 15 games. MCC is the most valuable game of the year, but playing local schools in the area is viewed as equally important

Facilities Sports Barn with two professional surface net lanes and sports hall with four nets. Home matches played at Stainland CC Club/county a liation Stainland CC Best prospects Finlay Hill is part of the Yorkshire academy while Joe Pyrah has received trials at several counties

Cricketers of note Sam Northeast (Kent, Hampshire, Glamorgan), Nick Compton (Middlesex, Somerset, England), Gary Ballance (Derbyshire, Yorkshire & England), Robbie White (Middlesex), Rob Taylor (Leicestershire) Glen Querl, Anshuman Rath (both Hong Kong), Robin Marlar (Sussex), ARB Neame (Kent), Tony Pigott (Sussex, Surrey), Matthew Fosh (Essex), RM Tindall (Northamptonshire)

Brief history Cricket has long played

a major part in the life of the school. From 1850 to 1939 this was largely due to the social significance of the Eton match at Lord’s. The first recorded match in 1805 gained some publicity from the presence in the Harrow team of the poet, Byron though he was no cricketer. Harrow’s extended fixture list now has 19 teams that play every week of the summer term Cultural cricketers Lord Byron (poet), Sir Terence Rattigan (playwright), William Haggas (racehorse trainer)

What sets the school apart? Harrow have nine grounds that are exclusively used for cricket throughout the year and are all

Cricketers of note

Benjamin Birkhead (Yorkshire), Hollie Armitage (Northern Diamonds, Northern Superchargers, Yorkshire, right), Ben Cli (Yorkshire)

Brief history

Sports Academy programme is in its 22nd year. Players train multiple times a week and compete in a

served by excellent pavilions, digital scoreboards and sightscreens. The school is committed to developing a lifelong love of the game, no matter of experience or ability. The school cricket programme has the breadth to produce professional players but also facilitate cricket for beginners

Future plans There is excitement around the expansion of the work with the local community and use of cricket to connect with and serve the surrounding area. A new and expanded purpose-built indoor cricket school is also in the planning stage of development

Tours Sri Lanka (2016), Cape Town (2019), India (2022)

with training three times a week. All cricketers get their ECB coach support worker (run during the winter) and level one gym instructor qualifications by the time they leave college to allow them to pursue a possible career in coaching. College have introduced a one-to-one approach during the winter so players can focus on their own game and look through how to improve using footage

Finest moment on the field U17 National Cup Final winners in 2011.

Twice becoming AoC T20 Winners in 2012 and 2021

variety of national league and cup structures. Players have a high expectation placed on them by coaching sta and subject tutors. A cricket development programme has been put in place to help develop talent in potential academy players’ first year at the college

What sets the school Students who choose Huddersfield New College for their education have cricket included with their education timetable,

Recent progress Huddersfield are proud to have a handful of pupils move into the Yorkshire setup in recent months. Fielding two teams out every midweek to play fixtures against other schools during the summer is viewed as a triumph, particularly during the busy time with exams. Players have started going into primary schools to deliver cricket coaching for youngers kids. Summer mini cricket festivals have been formed to ensure more kids are playing the sport

Tours South Africa (2024)

HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE

College Ln, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9JS

Established 1849

Number of pupils 1849

Head of cricket James Anyon (Warwickshire, Sussex)

Professional Mark Nash

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABCDE. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB

Girls’ cricket Girls have the same number of sessions as the boys and specialist coaches operate with each age group

Fixtures The 1st XI has over 20 games a season and they aim to give other A-C teams at least a 10 a season not including cup fixtures

Facilities Eight cricket grounds

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

The explosion in girls’ cricket over the past decade presents welcome challenges for cricketing schools.

Hurstpierpoint College are lucky to have eight cricket grounds to call on – six with grass squares, and a new one top-dressed this summer – to allow for cricket on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

at the college including five with grass squares. There are 17 artificial practice wickets as well as six wickets on the square that can be used with socketed nets

Club/county a liation Sussex CCC academy, Hurstpierpoint Cricket Club

Best prospects Henry Rogers is a Sussex academy player with a promising future – a tall, elegant strokeplayer with the ability to bowl with good pace who has played for the 2nd XI Cricketers of note

Lions) Bertie Foreman (Sussex, England Young Lions), Justin Bates (Sussex) Martin Speight (Durham, Sussex)

apart? Hurstpierpoint were once said to have the longest square in the country, so large it is now two separate grounds

Finest moment on the field

Winning the National Schools T20 Competition in 2015

George Garton (Sussex, England, Southern Brave), Tom Haines (Sussex, England Lions), Jack Carson (Sussex, England

Head of cricket James Anyon, once a professional with Warwickshire and Sussex, said: “We’ve crunched the numbers and we were up 20 per cent in participation in 2023. Cricket is going from strength to strength. We have seven girls’ teams in the senior school, which is pretty rare.

“The school had a decent season – our 1st

Brief history Although the school was founded in 1849 and it is clear that cricket was played not only when the school was at Shoreham but also at the Mansion House there are no written records until 1858. That season is therefore the first season for which scores survive and players names are available. In recent years the school has had success winning the Woodard Schools Festival

What sets the school

XI reached the final of our local cup competition, losing to Eastbourne College, and the under-14s reached the County Cup final.

“Now we’ve entered winter training: no one wants to stop playing cricket these days, which is great.”

Anyon, a fast bowler who played the bulk of his county cricket in the County Championship, is keen to ensure that young bowlers aren’t sent down the route of containment early on.

“We play 50-over or timed games on Wednesdays, which I think is very important. You want to see bowlers tested with the prospect of trying to bowl a side out, which means thinking about putting slips in, and testing out batters’ defences too. It brings spinners into the game. It’s a completely

Recent progress Girls programme has gone from strength to strength with Jemima Spence representing South East Stars, Kent and England U19s. Participation has continued to grow while teams remain competitive at the top end. A third Langdale final in as many years for the boys as well as good cup runs for the girls

Future plans With more cricketers than ever before, the college are looking to find new ways of catering for the varied demands. A winter house cricket league is going to give the pupils more game time in the o -season

di erent mindset to T20 cricket.”

Hurstpierpoint has a fine track record of producing cricketers, and the next could be opening batter Henry Rogers. As he was about to start Year 13, Rogers celebrated 166 for the English Schools Cricket Association at Lord’s, a big hundred for Sussex 2nd XI, and a fifty for England Under-19s against Ireland.

“It’s exciting times for him,” said Anyon.

Both Rogers and Anyon play for Cuckfield CC in the Sussex Premier League.

Anyon was forced to retire at just 32 in 2016, with an inflammatory problem related to rheumatoid arthritis, but he can still play on a Saturday afternoon.

“Mind you, I only played two games for the 1st XI this summer,” said Anyon. “They were top of the league and when school holidays kicked in I didn’t want to burgle a spot from someone else. I have to bowl my 10 overs o the reel these days, because as soon as I stop I can’t come back.”

Plenty of old bowlers can relate to that.

James Anyon Head of cricket

There’s more to a Hurst education than academic excellence. Here, we believe sport is for everyone – win, lose or draw. Invaluable years in our nurturing, enriching environment in which all children thrive, blossom and grow. Prepared. For life.

JOHN LYON SCHOOL

Middle Road, Harrow, HA2 0HN

Established 1876

Number of pupils 600

Master in charge Chris Peploe (Middlesex and Berkshire)

Teams Boys: 12 boys teams (U12-U19), including U13ABC, U12ABC. Girls: U13AB, U12AB and one junior girls’ team

Girls’ cricket The school became coeducational in 2021/22 and the cricket programme is ever-evolving. There are now five teams, a cricket lunch club, and after school sessions while all girls have access to regular weekly training. 30 new girls joined John Lyon in September 2023

Fixtures 105-115 per year, including a match against MCC during cricket week

Facilities Three grass squares, one artificial wicket, two cages, three hitting nets, three indoor nets, 10 additional nets shared with Harrow School, and access to facilities at Old Millhillians CC

Club/county a liation Middlesex CCC (including hosting Middlesex

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Since becoming co-educational in 2021, various departments at John Lyon School are desperate for a success story to celebrate the shift.

Over-50s matches and Middlesex Schools competitions), Harrow Borough, and London Schools Cricket

Best prospects Armando Mohammed is a talented wicketkeeper-batter, who represents Slough CC and Surrey U12s Cricketers of note Kabir Toor (Middlesex and Kent), Alistair Fraser (Middlesex), Chimnay Gupte, Owen Marshall (both Oxford University) Brief history Cricket is one of three major sports at John Lyon and is widely enjoyed by pupils and parents. Individual talent is spread between age groups, but the school prides itself on inclusivity, with all pupils allowed to participate. The school has embarked on a biennial tour to South Africa for over 20 years and regularly hosts touring teams

What sets the school apart?

Despite the school’s small size, teams continue to produce strong on-field results. More important, however, is the all-round education o ered to all pupils which forms the cornerstone of the school’s ethos. Cricket is a tool used to develop pupils as individuals Finest moment on the field 1st XI Middlesex Cup winners in 2019 and 2021 (finalists in 2022). In 2023, Vinay Shah returned remarkable figures of 5 for 0

Recent progress Cricket continues to grow at the school, with more students engaging in the sport and rediscovering their love for it post-

Having already swelled the girls’ cricket programme to 90 across just three age groups, master in charge Chris Peploe can certainly make a claim that his sector is holding up its end of the bargain.

Unwilling to sit idly by and accept the plaudits, Peploe, who represented Middlesex between 2003 and 2008 before a stint at Berkshire, is wasting little time lining the delivery up with the boys.

“Growing the fixture card and giving the girls matchday experience on a Saturday, that is

pandemic. The introduction of girls’ cricket is especially pleasing Future plans Plans to upscale the school’s cricket facilities and reconsider the playing kit as more girls push into the boys’ XI. In 2023/24, a girls’ colts

quite crucial,” he said.

“Not just to experience games during an afternoon but what it is like to get on a coach, travel away, match teas and that kind of stu is quite a crucial part of what we’re looking to do.

“These pupils have lots going on with their lives so I’m not trying to force the issue. The footfall is the ones that are particularly keen or the sportier girls.

“I try and let that filter through to the other girls, through the fun, enjoyment and engagement they have during those sessions; to go o and tell their mates, and come along and join in.”

Peploe hopes by adding two new female sta members to the coaching team more girls will be encouraged to take up the sport during 2023/24.

cricket team will be established Tours Pre-season tour to Isle of Wight (April 2023) and a multisport tour to Barbados (summer 2024) after several years without an overseas tour

From the success of England’s women during a record-breaking Ashes series, to the freeto-air exposure of The Hundred, girls can now regularly see professional women’s cricket outside of school. It is the job of Peploe and his team to convert that interest into participation.

“Every department is wanting to have a success story - whether it be the first one in the choir, their first lead in the drama production etc,” he said. “I had girls play within the boys team last year and they are really good stories and role models for future generations.

“These girls enjoy success and participation and the whole matchday experience like anybody else. There was a little bit of trepidation but we are overcoming those hurdles and that is brilliant for me and for them as well.

“The significance and importance of female cricket is ever-growing and if you’re a fan of the game then there are plenty of places for them to go and see and experience how big the female game is becoming.”

Chris Peploe Master in charge

John Lyon is Northwest London’s leading co-ed, all-through 3 to 18, independent school.

Cricket is key here and we have been successful in local circuit and in regional competitions. Over the years, a number of our pupils have been called up to represent their counties. We recently made history by fielding our first girls’ team.

www.johnlyon.org

KIMBOLTON SCHOOL

Kimbolton House, Kimbolton, Huntingdon PE28 0EA

Established 1600

Number of pupils 750

Masters in charge Matt Gilbert (boys’ cricket), Emma Lawless (girls’ cricket)

Professional Alex Tudor (Surrey, Essex and England)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12AB | Girls: 1st XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB

Girls’ cricket Teams enjoy between six and eight fixtures per season, with those numbers increasing. Agegroups from U12 to U15 play hardball and softball formats, with training and nets available through the winter helping the girls’ programme to sit on a par with the boys’ equivalent

Fixtures The school plays around 250 fixtures across all age-groups and gender: the 1st XI face MCC and the XL Club, as well as featuring in an annual festival with Monmouth School, Victoria College Jersey and the more recently joined Watford Grammar School for Boys in the

KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL, SOUTHAMPTON

Wilton Rd, Southampton SO15 5UQ

Established 1554

Number of pupils 970

Head of cricket Alex Penn

Professionals Gregor McKenzie, Nancy Harman

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABC

| Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABCD, U12ABCD

Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket was introduced four seasons ago. From eight teams in 2019, they now field 14, with the A teams playing hardball cricket. The 1st XI have reached the last 16 of the National Cup, while the U13 and U15 sides reached county semi-finals last summer

Fixtures Approximately 130 fixtures per summer, as well as 10 pre-season indoor fixtures. One weekend block fixture against Churchers College sees 25 games played on a single Saturday, while the annual MCC match is a big day

2023 Festival

Facilities Four indoor nets, eight outdoor artificial nets, two covered grass squares with pavilions, three artificial strips, three bowling machines including a Merlyn Club/county a liation The school enjoys strong relationships with Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, as well as Kimbolton CC

Best prospects Jess Taylor and Sam Tuke-Hastings both represent Huntingdonshire at U14 level, while 15-year-old legspinner Elliot Cory has already earned 1st XI honours Cricketers of note Tom Huggins (Northants) and John Bowers (Cambridge MCCU), Joshua Smith (Leeds/Bradford MCCU) and Henry Leigh-Smith (Leeds/Bradford MCCU)

Brief history England and Surrey batting great Jack Hobbs was appointed as the school’s cricket professional in the 1930s. He scored his final century in the Sta v Pupils cricket match in the late 1940s. More recently, legendary England women’s captain and now globetrotting coach Charlotte Edwards spent one summer

as the school’s professional Cultural cricketers Tom Parker (Arsenal, England), Harold Abrahams (the school’s athletics coach who inspired Chariots of Fire)

What sets the school apart? With a backdrop of Kimbolton Castle and beautiful countryside, the 1st XI square boasts one of the most attractive cricketing venues in the country

Finest moment on the field Joshua Smith’s record 11 centuries for the

Facilities The school’s main site features a grass square, two net cages, four outdoor all-weather nets and four indoor nets. At Wellington Sports Ground, comprising 33 acres, nine games can be played simultaneously on grass wickets

Club/county a liation

The school is the o cial education partner for Hampshire CCC, and the facilities are used by the MCC Academy’s Southampton hub. The Lord’s Taverners also run the Southampton strand

of the Wicketz initiative from the school. County performance pathways use the facilities at Wellington during the summer, while Hampshire girls’ and women’s teams use the school’s Hill Lane site

Best prospects

Kamran Dhariwal captained the 1st XI and leaves the school having represented

school was a major achievement.

Recent progress The school has introduced a new training programme for the stronger players, led by head coach Tudor

Future plans Fundraising e orts are ongoing, with the intentions of improving the school’s cricket facilities and further establishing the girls’ programme

Tours There are plans to travel to Jersey in 2024; the girls’ squad toured the Netherlands recently

Hampshire’s 2nd XI

Cricketers of note Joe Weatherley (Hampshire), Simon Francis, John Francis (both Hampshire and Somerset)

Brief history Cricket has always been a major part of the sports programme at the school, but the introduction of C and D teams at younger levels has added opportunities

Cultural cricketers Sir Edward Penley Abraham (biochemist), Stephen Hammond MP

What sets the school apart? The school prides itself on o ering the exact same provisions to girls as boys in terms of facilities, equipment, coaches and comprehensive fixture lists Finest moment on the field The boys’ U15 side enjoyed a historic 2023 season, reaching the regional final in the Inspire Sport Cup and the last 16 of the ESCA Cricket Cup

Future plans The school’s goal is to become the school of choice for talented cricketers in the region, while furthering links with Southern Vipers, Hampshire and Southern Brave

Tours They toured Jersey in 2023 and plan to travel to Sri Lanka in 2024

Alex Penn Head of cricket

choice

KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM

Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA

Established 1552

Number of pupils 825

Master in charge

Lawson Roll

Professional

Nathan Round

Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABCD

Girls’ cricket Although a boys’ school, the sister school – King Edward VI High School for Girls – shares the campus and their strongest players attend A-team training sessions.

Fixtures The school has 150 scheduled fixtures each summer, including matches against MCC and Warwickshire age-group teams.

Facilities Main sports hall with four nets, second sports hall with four nets, seven outdoor Astro nets, four grass nets, roll-on covers at both grounds, Merlyn bowling machine

Club/county a liation The school has an outreach programme, which works alongside local primary schools:

during term time they host outreach sessions to some of the most diverse schools across Birmingham. Additionally, they last year announced the King Edward’s foundation project which works alongside Warwickshire CCC to o er cricket in local primary schools, clubs and community projects. Last year that amounted to work with over 50 schools within Birmingham

Best prospects Sinel Gunarathne, Yusuf Khalil (both Warwickshire Academy, Year 12)

Cricketers of note Mark Wagh (Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire)

Brief history KES has had a school XI since 1863, in which year eight matches were played. The 1st XI have played matches at Eastern Road since the late 1870s

Cultural cricketers Enoch Powell (politics), Bill Oddie (actor)

What sets the school apart? The school employs Nathan Round on a full-time basis, with access to coaching sessions for Year 12 students in their PE curriculum

Finest moment on the field The school won the XL Club Trophy in 2015 and were winners of the West Midlands Region of the same competition in 2023

Recent progress Several students are playing above their own agegroups, while many have been selected by districts, counties, EPPs and academy programmes. Some have also played for Warwickshire’s second team and in the Birmingham Premier League

Future plans

The school is creating

a cricket development group to assist in the promotion of cricket within the school. There are formative talks with an Australian school in Adelaide hoping to restart a middle school Australian exchange programme for a number of pupils. Talks are also underway with Warwickshire CCC to look at developing a cricket ground on site that would benefit the community in Birmingham

Tours The U15 squad toured Dubai in 2023 and they plan to take the U17 side to Barbados in 2024

“Here at King Edward’s we are extremely proud of our Cricket programme. No matter a student’s ability, gender or experience within the sport, they have access to region leading facilities and where equality and enjoyment are at the heart of everything we do.”

Nathan Round Cricket professional

KING’S COLLEGE, TAUNTON

South Rd, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3LA

Established 1880

Number of pupils 480

Director of cricket Rob Woodman (Somerset)

Professional Keith Parsons (Somerset)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14AB | Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB

Girls’ cricket Four girls’ teams, with all girls’ cricket played in coloured kit; the fixture list continues to grow

Fixtures There are around 80 fixtures each year, including games against the MCC, Royal Marines, Cardi Met University, and Somerset CCC

Facilities King’s College has an indoor cricket centre with three indoor lanes. There are also six grass nets, five pitches and 44 grass wickets Club/county

a liation The school has partnerships with the MCC Cricket Foundation, Somerset CCC, Taunton St Andrews, Trinity School, Blackbrook Primary School, Millichamp & Hall, and young leaders awards. King’s also hosts the West Cricket Festival

Best prospects Josh Thomas made his Somerset debut in the 2022 OneDay Cup and has gone from strength to strength

Cricketers of note Jos Buttler (England, Somerset, Lancashire), Tom Banton (England, Somerset), Eddie Byrom (Somerset, Glamorgan), Nathan Gilchrist (Somerset, Kent), Will Smeed (Somerset), James Rew (Somerset, left)

Brief history Cricket at King’s College has always been at the forefront of the school’s traditions. The school was one of the first MCC Foundation Hubs, an initiative which allows local young cricketers to access its coaching and facilities

Hubs, an initiative

Cultural cricketers

Dominic Wood (Dick and Dom), Maddie Hinch (Team GB hockey) What sets the school apart? Over the last 12 years, King’s has played an important role in the number of students that have gone on to play professional cricket. The number is still rising, with Will Smale and Ed Middleton recently receiving short-term contracts this summer for Glamorgan and Gloucestershire, respectively

Finest moment on the field The school played against the Maqbul cricket team and the Royal Marines,

two very contrasting teams and standards, but special moments for their pupils to interact with such role models and diverse people

Recent progress The school are national T20 champions at U18 level and have reached the national finals day of the U15 equivalent

Future plans The installation of hybrid wickets is taking place, while squares are being moved around to allow more teams to play

Tours In February, the school toured South Africa, staying in Stellenbosch and Cape Town

LANCING COLLEGE

College, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW

Established 1848

Number of pupils 600

Director of cricket Raj Maru (Middlesex, Hampshire)

Teams Seven in total for boys and girls, between the ages of 13 and 18 Girls’ cricket There is a senior team at U18 level and a junior side at U14 level, with plans to introduce an U15 squad in 2024

Fixtures Each team plays between 12 and 14 fixtures per year, including a notable match against MCC

Facilities The school has six artificial nets and four grass squares outside. The indoor sports hall also has five net lanes

Club/county a liation Lancing have strong links with Sussex CCC and the county cricket board, as well as with local clubs in the area.

Director of cricket Maru has links at Hampshire, where he spent some time coaching following the end of his playing career. He has played a significant part in the career of Mason

LATYMER UPPER SCHOOL

King St, London W6 9LR

Established 1624

Number of pupils 1,400

Head of cricket

George Tidey

Master in charge of girls’ cricket Mike Benson

Professional Ben Taylor

Crane, the England leg-spinner who attended the school

Best prospects Alex McGuinness is a 14-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Cricketers of note Jonathan Robinson (Surrey), Mason Crane (Hampshire, London Spirit & England), William Fazackerley (Leicestershire); Alice Capsey (England, Surrey, South East Stars & Oval Invincibles)

Brief history Cricket at Lancing dates back to 1857, where the earliest team was captained by G Woodard, the son of Lancing founder Nathaniel Woodard. Cricket has since

become one of the most popular and successful sports at the college, with Crane becoming their first-ever international cricketer in 2017 Cultural cricketers Sir Tim Rice (lyricist)

What sets the school apart?

Other than the work of Maru, the widely respected director of cricket, Lancing’s reputation as a developer of professional cricketers: Capsey made her England debut last summer. They o er cricket scholarships in Year 9 and Year 12

Finest moment on the field Lancing Rovers won the Cricketer Trophy, a

Teams 48 in total, 16 of which are in the prep school; there are boys’, girls’ and mixed teams Girls’ cricket This season, history was made when Latymer Upper fielded their first-ever girls’ 1st XI

Fixtures There were more than 180 fixtures in 2023, entering LSCA county competitions, the SOCS Cup, softball tournaments and the National T20 Cup. The school runs a cricket week, which features a fixture against MCC, as well as a memorial match in memory of former student Christian White

Facilities Four outdoor Astro nets, five indoor nets, three grass cage nets, three bowling machines; the school also uses the indoor nets at Lord’s through the winter. There are three

cricket squares and a hockey pitch at Wood Lane, while they also use the facilities at the Chiswick Sports Ground Club/county a liation A bursary programme funds 20 per cent of students, while Latymer also run a partnerships programme with more than 250 schools, charities and local organisations. Cricket is a key part of that scheme, with four members of coaching sta regularly visiting two local partner primary schools. The school also has close ties with Middlesex CCC Best prospects Charlotte Stubbs represents Surrey Women, while Florence Smith plays for Middlesex at under-18 level

Cricketers of note Simon Hughes (Middlesex, Durham), Molly Barbour-Smith (Scotland Women’s U19)

Brief history In the 1930s, alumni dug out and laid their own pitch by hand at Whitton Park playing fields. But since then, due to investment in facilities and coaching sta , cricket has continued to go from strength

to strength

Cultural cricketers Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman (actors)

What sets the school apart? The school hosts the House of Commons v MCC match, a traditional match very much rooted in cricket’s history Finest moment on the field A century against the MCC for the 1st XI captain in 2017 – in his final game for the school – remains a proud memory

prestigious competition played for by alumni from independent schools across the country, in 2019, with Ryan Maskell remarkably scoring a 50-over triple century along the way

Recent progress The college has recently set up the Lancing College Primary Schools Soft-ball Tournament in association with Sussex CCC

Future plans Lancing plan to build on their girls’ programme every year, while also making the most of the Lancing College Prep Schools School of Excellence

Tours Lancing toured Barbados in 2023 and plan to do the same in 2025

for the school

Recent progress The school has grown its outreach programmes in the last 12 months, o ering more cricket to children in the local area

Future plans Latymer have taken over the leasehold of the Chiswick Sports Ground and plan to develop the cricket ground Tours They plan to tour either India or Sri Lanka in 2025

George Tidey Head of cricket

LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE

Long Sutton, Hook, Hampshire RG29 1TA

Established: 1922

Number of pupils 670 Head of cricket Steve Williams. He is an ECB Level 4 cricket coach and performance psychologist who has recently worked with Under 11–Under 18 Academy, EPP and county age-group programme players and coaches at a variety of first-class county cricket clubs and county boards. He led the England Talent Pathway cricket strategy from 2009 to 2020 as well as acting as head coach for the South and West regional U15 and U17 teams and an England Development Programme and Young Lions scout (U15–U19)

crowned as Hampshire champions seven times.

Girls also play a number of hard-ball matches against opposition including MCC Women, Army

Ladies and RAF

Ladies

Fixtures The school plays 161 fixtures each year, with the highlight a special day when both the boys’ and girls’ 1st XIs take on MCC

Facilities The school has eight pitches: five grass squares and three artificial wickets. There are also 10 grass nets, 10 artificial nets and a purpose-built sports hall, which contains four excellent indoor nets

Trussler (Southern Vipers), Gemma Lane (Western Storm)

Club/county a liation The school has close ties with both Hampshire and Surrey CCCs

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13AB, U12ABC |

Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14, U13ABCD

Girls’ cricket The school enters Lady Taverners tournaments at U13 and U15 level, and they have been

MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL, OXFORD

Cowley Pl, Oxford OX4 1DZ

Established 1480

Number of pupils 960

Master in charge Chris Boyle

Professional Alan Duncan

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI,

Best prospect Bella Mitchell is part of Southern Vipers’ setup and Kira Engal (Berkshire)

Cricketers of note Michael Bates (Hampshire), Hugo and Alex Hammond (England Disability), Finty

U15AB, 14ABC, 13ABC, 12ABC. Girls: 1st XI

Girls’ cricket O ered in the sixth form, but the school is boys-only until then. A girls’ 1st XI has been set up Fixtures The school plays roughly 160 matches. They consider the matchday against Merchant Taylors’ as their most notable Facilities The school has a five-net

Brief history From small beginnings, cricket at the school has become a force to be reckoned with. All teams have been able to hold their own against the likes of Charterhouse, Bradfield, St George’s Weybridge, Epsom, Reed’s and Portsmouth

Grammar School

Cultural cricketers Rugby players

Jonny Wilkinson and Ugo Monye

What sets the school apart?

County age-group cricket and

indoor facility, including five bowling machines and a Merlyn. There are also five grass nets, four outdoor artificial nets, three separate grounds and six squares

Club/county a liation They share successful partnerships with county sides Oxfordshire and Sussex, acting as the hub in Oxfordshire for both the EPP and the county pathway. There are several pupils across the school involved with both programmes. The school also enjoys links with local clubs

Best prospects Julian Laird is an under-15 allrounder, who bowls leftarm spin and bats in the top order. He is currently part of the Sussex EPP Cricketers of note Tom Scriven (Leicestershire), Ollie Price (Gloucestershire) and Tom Price (Gloucestershire), James Coles (Sussex)

Brief history Founded in 1480, Magdalen College School was initially set up as a school of the university. In 1894 the school acquired the playing fields now known as School Field, a unique island setting, accessed by two listed white bridges. The cricket ground is considered one of the

Hampshire women’s cricket is played at the school on the eight pitches that sit among 1200 acres of Hampshire countryside. LWC is set to become a coaching hub for the region as well, led by the newly appointed head of cricket Finest moment on the field In a season dogged by horrendous weather, the 1st XI captain of cricket, Robbie Heywood, ended his school career with a run of remarkable achievements. In his final eight days, he scored 108 not out v. RGS Guildford, 101 v Bedales, 153 v Reed’s and 120 in a T20 game v The Sternians. He finished the season with 645 runs from just 9 innings at an average of 92.14

Recent progress The school continues to support women’s and girls’ cricket at local clubs including Odiham & Greywell CC. They have also built a girls’ training area with two grounds and all-weather nets

Future plans The planning preparation for the construction of a state-of-the-art new 1st team ground with training facilities has begun Tours The school toured Dubai last February and plan to travel to St Lucia or Sri Lanka in the near future

most picturesque in England, with the backdrop of punts on the River Cherwell, the Botanic Gardens, Magdalen tower and the dreaming spires beyond

Cultural cricketers Sam Mendes (film director), Jim Rosenthal (sports presenter)

What sets the school apart? School Field being an island, makes it one of the more iconic grounds in the country, set within walking distance of the city centre

Finest moment on the field Three students made their first-class debuts in the same month (August 2020) for three di erent counties – Tom Scriven for Hampshire, Tom Price for Gloucestershire and James Coles for Sussex

Recent progress The girls’ 1st XI played their first competitive match recently, facing St Edward’s. The school hopes to expand in that area

Future plans There are plans for a new net system, housing more grass lanes. In addition, they hope to put in an all-weather wicket for junior sides Tours They took two senior squads to India in 2023, travelling to Mumbai and Goa

Steve Williams Head of cricket

MALVERN COLLEGE

Malvern College, College Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3DF

Established 1865

Number of pupils 650

Master in charge Mark Hardinges (Gloucestershire)

Professional Noel Brett

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14

Girls’ cricket Three teams turning out in fixtures

Fixtures Malvern pupils enjoy close to 20 matchdays per season, including fixtures against MCC, Shrewsbury, Tonbridge, Harrow, Wellington, Repton and Bradfield

Facilities As well as six artificial nets and 10 grass nets, Malvern also benefit from three separate grounds and an indoor cricket facility, which holds eight lanes

MEET THE MASTER IN CHARGE

Mark Hardinges is stepping down as Malvern College’s master in charge of cricket after 14 years, to focus on teaching economics at the school, but he can point to a crop of Old Malvernians currently gracing county cricket.

Club/county a liation The school work closely with Worcestershire, with many of their cricket scholars involved with either the county’s famed academy or emerging players programme

Best prospects Tommy Boorman plays for Gloucestershire at academy level and has featured for England U19. Oliver Cox, now on the sta at Worcestershire, was last year’s Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year Cricketers of note Jack Haynes (Worcestershire), Tom KohlerCadmore (Worcestershire & Yorkshire), David Nash (Middlesex), Ben Twohig (Worcestershire), Alex Milton (Worcestershire), Mark Hardinges (Gloucestershire), Roger Tolchard (England & Leicestershire)

Brief history

The Senior Turf at Malvern is a spectacular ground. Matches were played within 18 months of the school’s foundation in 1865.

Players included the seven Foster brothers, who dominated Malvern cricket from 1889. All played for Worcestershire, but RE ‘Tip’ Foster was the most outstanding, and is still remembered for his innings of 287 for England at Sydney on the 1903/04 tour to Australia, his Test debut

Cultural cricketers

Lord MacLaurin of Knebworth (ECB chairman, MCC president)

What sets the school apart?

Old Malvernians have won the Cricketer Cup more than any school other

That includes two Wisden Schools Cricketers of the Year in Tom Kohler-Cadmore (2013) and Oli Cox (2022) – Malvern are the only school who can say that.

Hardinges, 45, joined the sta at Malvern –where he went to school – when he bowed out of county cricket with Essex in 2009, after a decade at Gloucestershire.

“Over 10 to 12 years we’ve had a steady flow of boys going on to become professional

www.malverncollege.org.uk

cricketers,” said the former allrounder.

“With some, it’s obvious the first time you see them hit the ball that they have a great chance. With others, it takes time.

“Oli Cox and Josh Baker weren’t in the Worcestershire Academy until their last year at school, and so we were definitely part of their development, and that’s quite a good thing for the school.

“It was Tom who sparked it, to some degree. A bit like when I was at Malvern many moons ago, David Nash came in, and the confidence he gave to the players around him was infectious.

“I’m personally keen to not get too many sixth-form scholars, because I think you can have a bigger influence if you’ve been at the school since 13.

than Tonbridge

Finest moment on the field The 1st XI won the National T20 in 2019 and 2021, while they also went unbeaten against school opposition during the 2012 season, winning 12 games in succession. The U15 team won the Lord’s Taverners Cup in 2000

Recent progress The continued progress of girls’ cricket is a significant source of pride, as are the improving  facilities

Tours The school recently took an U15 team and a 1st XI squad on a tour of Sri Lanka

“But we’re still punching above our weight, when you consider our intake is lower than other prominent cricket schools.”

Hardinges admits that the college still has a way to travel with girls’ cricket.

“We’re still developing. The 1st XI girls get a chance on the Senior Turf and we try to make sure they play alongside boys for as long as it’s helpful for them. We always hope the best ones can challenge to be in boys’ teams, and you want those to be dominating girls’ cricket too.

“We’re definitely seeing an increase. But we have some way to go in juggling exam work and cricket, whereas that expectation is longer running in boys at the school.”

Hardinges has tried to be adaptable.

“Clearly we play a lot of T20 – with coloured clothing and white ball at both ends – but we sometimes do away with the powerplays because they don’t really work at some levels.

“Our pupils play lots of formats and it’s all about a healthy balance.”

Mark Hardinges Master in charge

NORMAN MAYS PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jack Haynes batting for Worcestershire in the 2023 Vitality Blast

chairman, MCC school

TALENTED? It’s over to us.

At Malvern College we’re renowned for nurturing raw talent, supporting our pupils to excel on and off the field. To win as a team, to succeed as an individual. We offer 13+ and 16+ Sports Scholarships, giving future champions the space and expertise to flourish and a shot at realising their ambitions.

Opportunities to transform their world.

www.malverncollege.org.uk

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE

Bath Rd, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1PA

Established 1843

Number of pupils 1,014

Master in charge Mike Bush

Professional Mark Alleyne (Gloucestershire, England)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U17 cup team, U16ABC, U15ABCD, U14ABCDE.

schools have played a two-day game against each other annually, alternating home and away Facilities There is a sports hall, which includes five indoor nets, 10 grounds, 14 artificial nets, two cages and three bowling machines

Club/county a liation

Marlborough have links with local clubs Marlborough, Swindon, Burbage and Avebury, and host matches for Wiltshire at age-group level and for Wiltshire’s EPP training. There are pupils involved in five di erent youth pathways

Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15/U14A, U15/U14B

Girls’ cricket Has been running for eight seasons and is growing rapidly. Fixtures include Shrewsbury, Rugby, Bradfield, Cheltenham, St Edward’s Fixtures In 2023, 173 fixtures scheduled across all teams. The boys’ 1st XI played 18 matches. Until 1972, Marlborough v Rugby was a regular fixture at Lord’s and since then the two

Best prospects Right-handed batter and o -spinner Max Dunne is a member of the Gloucestershire academy squad

MEET THE CRICKET PROFESSIONAL

Marlborough College’s 1st XI had one of their best seasons in years, winning the 2023 John Harvey Cup.

But to master in charge Mike Bush and professional Mark Alleyne, there is a bigger game at play.

Cricketers of note AG Steel, RH Spooner (both England)

Brief history Dr Cotton, who arrived from Rugby School as Master in 1852, gave great encouragement to cricket and by 1855, when the first match between the two schools took place at Lord’s, the main cricket square had been completed

(broadcaster, journalist)

by 25 runs at Lord’s to celebrate the 450th (Rugby) and 175th (Marlborough) anniversaries of both schools

Cultural cricketers

Siegfried Sassoon (poet), Jack Whitehall (comedian), Christopher Martin-Jenkins

“We’re trying to instil the right values and a positive culture, and I genuinely think it was a contributing factor in the boys’ 1st XI’s success this year,” said Bush. “Things such as tidying up the changing rooms, saying ‘thank you’ to the groundsta and caterers. I’m not saying everything is perfect – we’re dealing with teenagers – but they are privileged to access the quality of cricket they do, and this helps keep them grounded.”

Twitter users might also have noticed the

What sets the school apart?

Marlborough College hosted a three-day Women’s Ashes warmup between Australia and England Academy in 2019. They also host Wiltshire matches in the National Counties 50-over Trophy

Finest moment on the field In August 2017, the 1st XI beat Rugby

school actively promoting pupils’ performances in club and representative cricket.

Bush said: “It’s something we’re always trying to encourage: the school season is only half the cricket season, and we hope our boys and girls will go on to have a full life in cricket after school.”

Alleyne has his finger on both the amateur and professional parts of the game – he coaches white-ball cricket at both Glamorgan and Welsh Fire – and hopes one Marlburian will soon be figuring for the county he himself captained with such distinction.

“Max Dunne has just gone into the upper sixth and has been on the Gloucestershire academy for a few years,” said Alleyne. “He’s doing really well and if he carries on it won’t be long until we start seeing him in 1st XI

Recent progress The 1st XI won both the John Harvey Cup and the two-day match against Rugby in a successful 2023 season that saw 14 wins from 17 completed matches. The junior colts 1st XI were crowned 2023 U15 South-West regional champions and reached the national Inspiresport U15 Cup semi-final for the third time in the last five years

Future plans A new eight-lane fully covered training hub facility is being built

Tours Plans for a boys’ tour of Barbados and a mixed trip to Sri Lanka

county cricket.”

Marlborough have played Rugby at cricket since 1855, with the fixture held at Lord’s until 1972. A two-day game is still played, and the girls’ teams have faced each other since 2018. Girls’ cricket has taken giant strides in a short space of time.

“We very much enjoy the challenge,” said Alleyne. “We’re always making sure we don’t have any empty fields. It’s quite vibrant.”

“The evolution has been rapid,” said Bush. “Our plans don’t stand still for long.

“We started out with our first girls’ match against Bradfield College with the girls wearing standard PE kit and the over-rate a bit tardy. Now the girls have their own kit and they joined the boys on a tour of South Africa, which was a landmark moment for the school.

“We are finding that younger girls have been coached more extensively from a young age, so to think where we’ll be in five years’ time is really  exciting.”

Mark Alleyne Cricket professional

who

Jack

e UK’s largest co-educational full boarding school from 13-18, o ering a challenging and enriching education for pupils with aspiration.

180 years of providing an exceptional experience for keen and aspiring cricketers.

We uphold the traditional values of cricket and o er an innovative and contemporary programme for boys and girls.

All pupils have the opportunity to play and are encouraged to do so.

Scholarships and bursaries (means-tested) are possible for those of particular talent and ambition.

Come and see for yourself

Visit us

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ SCHOOL, NORTHWOOD

Sandy Lodge, Moor Park, Northwood HA6 2HT

Established 1561

Number of pupils 950

Director of cricket Ian McGowan

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U17, U16, U15ABC, U14ABCD, U13ABC, U12ABC

Fixtures Merchant Taylors’ play block fixtures every Saturday on a competitive circuit in northwest London, also entering cup competitions from Year Nine upwards. They have played against St Paul’s in every year from 1946, only interrupted by the pandemic, and before that as far back as the 1840s, when they faced one another at The Oval Facilities The school has 11 grass squares and this season hosted Cricket Australia in the middle of the Ashes series. In 2019, the school supported England, Sri Lanka and Australia in their World Cup preparations and in 2017 hosted

MEET THE DIRECTOR OF CRICKET

‘Cricket is an opportunity to express your personality not define it’.

The mantra instilled in Merchant Taylors’ students by director of cricket Ian McGowan speaks volumes to the type of cricketers, and human beings, that the school is striving to mould.

India. Middlesex train regularly at the school, including training in a purpose-built marquee during preseason that the school’s cricketers also get the opportunity to use Club/county a liation The school’s grounds are the home of Middlesex’s age-group sides, while Old Merchant Taylors’ CC – five Saturday teams, two Sunday teams, more than 100 juniors – are also based at the site

Best prospects Pansilu Wijesinghe is a batting allrounder who plays in the school 1st XI and U17 XI. He made his 2nd XI Middlesex debut this year and is on the county’s academy Cricketers of note Ravi Patel (Middlesex)

Brief history In 1933 the school

“Part of the philosophy is trying to create memories,“ says McGowan, who recently completed his ECB Specialist Coach (Level 4) qualification.

“It’s not just about ‘did we win or did we lose’, but it’s more about the moments. It’s important to keep these lads enjoying it so they will want to play past the gates of the school and into adulthood.

“I walk through the inner quad at our school and there are five or six games of cricket being played with bats and tennis balls. When I was at

moved to its present location at Sandy Lodge, where its 300-acre site provides ample room for cricket to thrive. In 2015 and 2018, the 1st XI beat Haberdashers’ and Radley on the Nursery Ground at Lord’s Cultural cricketers Mehdi Hasan (journalist), Riz Ahmed (actor) What sets the school apart? Middlesex faced Northamptonshire

school, that would always be a football or a rugby ball. So it’s really unique to see those boys playing the game.”

The enthusiasm is plain to see in the sheer number of teams that the school is able to produce, with as many as 18 in action on a Saturday. And that culture, it seems, extends to the common room, too.

“I have 50 academic sta helping out on the cricket programme – at Merchant Taylors’ there’s a big investment in the co-curricular side of the school,” says McGowan. “We rely heavily on maths teachers and English teachers supporting us on Saturdays.”

Next year will see the completion of the school’s brand new indoor cricket facility, funded in large part through philanthropic donations. Going from two lanes of nets above a sports hall to a purpose built five-lane cricket centre, the upgrade is set to transform the

in the County Championship at the ground in 2023 and played two T20 Blast matches, owing to the quality of their facilities

Finest moment on the field The U17 side were national cup winners in 2017, beating Shrewsbury in the final, while the 1st XI were national T20 finalists in 2018 and 2019

Recent progress The programme has grown by 80 students this summer by introducing a soft-ball cricket option to sit alongside the hard ball performance cricket side

Future plans Work on a brand new state-of-the-art five-lane indoor cricket centre is in progress

Tours The U15 team toured Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2023, while the 1st XI went to Antigua and Barbados

indoor cricket provision both for Merchant Taylors’ and the local community.

The extra space will allow boys that are not necessarily in the top teams a chance to develop their cricket. Plus, it is planned that the money the centre generates will go back into bursaries. McGowan describes it as a “feelgood project”, knowing that an elite facility that will host international and professional teams, will also give school players in B, C or D teams the chance to improve their games.

Away from the building site (the centre is set to open this January), 2023 saw tours to the UAE/Dubai (under-15s) and the Caribbean (under-18s) – the school’s first since the outbreak of Covid-19 – which again show the inclusive nature of Merchant Taylors’ approach.

“The way we run our tours, is we open them up to any boy that wants to go and we try and take as many as possible away,” says McGowan.

“You create unique memories with your mates whenever you play a sport you love, and that’s something we really want to embrace with our touring policy.”

Ian McGowan Director of cricket

MILLFIELD SCHOOL

Millfield, Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD

Established 1935

Number of pupils 1,287

Director of cricket Mark Garaway

Professionals Ryan Buckley (lead girls’ coach), Tim Simmonite (junior performance coach), Ethan Harris (lead bowling coach), Sam Braid (private coach), Tilly Bond (private coach)

Teams 17 age-group teams (13 Boys/4 Girls), two tapeball squads

Girls’ cricket There are more than 90 girls involved, and the school has enjoyed National Cup success. They host games against MCC Women, Somerset U15 and U17, and Wales Under-17s

Fixtures 1400 fixtures per year, with notable games against the academies and/or age-group sides of Surrey, Somerset, Wales, Worcestershire, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Glamorgan and Hampshire, as well as an annual MCC match

Facilities An indoor school with five lanes, a fielding area with 4G grass,

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE

St Michael’s Rd, Preston PR3 0RY

Established 1894

Number of pupils 75 Programme coordinator Andy Massey

Cricket lead Brett Pelser Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17

Girls’ cricket No girls’ teams but they are encouraged to join the overall cricket o ering.

and bowling walls with speed radars. Outside: 10 grass nets and a four-lane artificial net bay, hybrid pitches on the main squares Club/county a liation Associations with 27 counties, states and governing bodies, as well as relationships with local clubs, with more than 50 players in county agegroups. More than 15 pupils play in Premier Leagues. Several local clubs use the school’s indoor facilities, while they have also been used by Ireland, Gloucestershire, Somerset

CC, where they play home games and train outdoors

Club/county a liation As well as relationships with Lancashire and Ashton on Mersey, they have links to Cheshire and  Cumbria

Best prospects Alfie Dobson is part of Lancashire’s academy and has represented the second team

and Western Storm. Lord’s Taverners’ Super 1s programme is also held at Millfield

Best prospects Dominic Kelly made his Hampshire debut in 2022 and represents England Under-19s Cricketers of note Ian Ward (Surrey, England), Simon Jones (Glamorgan, England), Craig Kieswetter (Somerset, England), Ben Hollioake (Surrey, England)

Brief history In 2016, Millfield became the first school to hold three national titles at once, repeating the

feat in 2018. Eighteen pupils have earned selection for the England Young Lions (U19) over the past 12 years. The school hosted England Women vs Australia A in a three-day fixture leading into the 2019 Ashes

Cultural cricketers Pete Wilson (2012 Olympic shooting gold medallist), JPR Williams (Wales Rugby, British Lions)

What sets the school apart? There has been significant investment into the quality of pitches over the last decade

Recent progress The school runs a coach education programme for sixth-form pupils and teachers. Once qualified, they then coach across the school’s player pathway in supportcoach and mentor roles. Sixthformer Scarlett Hale also umpires semi-professionally within the elite women’s game

Future plans They are planning to develop a women’s and girls’ section within the Old Millfieldian Cricket Club

Tours The U16 and U18 boys’ teams are touring Barbados over Christmas, and the U15 girls are heading to the UAE over Easter in 2024

Fixtures More than 45 fixtures per year against the likes of Sedbergh, Shrewsbury, Worksop College, Denstone College and representative teams and touring sides. A cricket week at the start of every season features strong university opposition from Loughborough and Leeds Becket, while there is also an MCC fixture

Facilities The college is based in the indoor cricket centre at Emirates Old Tra ord, so they use the same practice facilities as the professional sides at Lancashire. Myerscough also work closely with Ashton on Mersey

Cricketers of note Jack Morley (Lancashire), Ben Gibbon (Worcestershire), Hannah Jones (Thunder), Luke Hughes and Joel Harris (England Deaf), Jack Perry (England PD), Jordan Williams (England LD) Brief history Myerscough College itself celebrated its 125th year in 2019. The centre based at Lancashire CCC was established 13 years ago. It attracts a variety of students, some with aspirations of professional cricket and most others wanting to play at a good standard and achieve their qualifications

What sets the school apart?

Myerscough is one of only a small number of educational establishments to o er such a

standard of cricket at no cost to the student and be government-funded. Their academic results are also some of the best in the Manchester area. Students are also able to train and study at an international Test venue Finest moment on the field In 2022, the college reached the Schools National T20 final at Arundel for the

first time in the college’s history

Future plans There are plans to extend their cricket programme to include a 4th XI in 2024.They are also looking to enhance the existing relationship with Lancashire

Tours The annual tour to Potchefstroom has resumed, with a third trip planned for 2024

Andy Massey Programme coordinator

NEW HALL SCHOOL

The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3HS

Established 1642

Number of pupils 1,350

NEWCASTLE-UNDERLYME SCHOOL

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sta ordshire, ST5 1DB

Established 1874

Number of pupils 809

Head of PE and Games

Dominic Hitchen

Professional Jason Brown

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U16, U15A, U14A, U13AB, U12AB | Girls: U15A, U14A, U13AB, U12AB

Head of cricket Eddie Ballard

Professionals Nasser Hussain, Ravi Bopara

Teams boys – U12AB, U13AB, U14AB, U15AB, U17, 1st XI, 2nd XI | girls –U12AB, U13AB, U14, U15, U17 Girls’ cricket Seven girls’ teams

the HMC U19 T20, U17 National Cup and Old Castilians fixtures

Facilities The school’s facilities were renovated in 2020: with four new cricket lanes in the sports hall, complete with new 10m matting, two bowling machines and a specialised Junior Bola machine. Outside they also have five artificial nets, three squares across two grounds and a further three prep junior pitches

Club/county a liation

represent the school in fixtures against other schools

Fixtures More than 160 fixtures for all years, with the most notable coming against the MCC. They have also brought back multiday matches, with a two-dayer against Bedford Modern

Facilities The main ground features four artificial nets, while the second ground includes two further squares. They also have four indoor nets

Club/county a liation They have strong links with Essex, with representatives coming to watch matches; they are in discussions around hosting matches for them. The school also has links to several local clubs

Best prospects Archie Tebbutt, a seam-bowling allrounder, who represents Essex at age-group level, as does Harriet Robinson

Cricketers of note Ben Allison (Essex)

Brief history Despite being a relatively small school by comparison, New Hall have often punched above their weight, winning the County Cup on multiple occasions

What sets the school apart? The

yearlong academy – for boys and girls – includes a personalised gym programme, specialist external coaches and guest speakers. Among them in 2022 was Chris Green, the Australian spinner who played for Middlesex in the T20 Blast. Through the holidays, the school also runs cricket camps. Hussain, Bopara and Allison all assist on the school programme

Finest moment on the field

This year, the school chased 188 in a T20 against Bishops Stortford College to win with one ball to spare and seven wickets down; 28 were required o the final two overs

Recent progress They qualified for County Cup semi-finals at boys’ U12, U13, U14 and U15 levels, as well as girls’ U13, U15 and U17 age-groups. They also reached County Cup Finals Day for U12, U13, U14 and U15 boys, as well as U13 and U15 girls

Future plans They have two new indoor nets, plus the addition of two new bowling machines

Tours They are travelling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the U15 boys’ squad in the Easter of 2024. There is also a planned girls tour to Dubai

Girls’ cricket Cricket is the main summer sport. There is an extensive fixture list, involving both hardball and softball fixtures against local schools. There have also been regular U18 girls’ sessions and two interschool fixtures. Girls have also been incorporated into the winter cricket programme. Three members of the teaching sta to girls are now qualified to level two or above

Fixtures There were 110 boys’ fixtures in 2023 and around 45 for girls. Among them is an annual game against the MCC, while they also participate in

The school has links with the Sta ordshire County Cricket Board. They are also developing a partnership with Whitmore CC. The club have utilised the school’s facilities for their winter training programme

Best prospects Batter Ryan Roberts hits a long ball and is a terrific fielder.

Cricketers of note John Ward (Derbyshire), Grace Potts (Central Sparks)

Brief history The first recorded fixtures were against Silverdale CC and Whitmore CC in 1880 Cultural cricketers Dan Robson (rugby)

What sets the school apart? The pavilion situated on Stubbs Field was presented to the school in 1955 by the Old Newcastlian Club in memory of Old Castilians who fell in the Second World War

Recent progress An increase in qualified coaches and one-to-one training opportunities with Brown have been key improvements. The school also saw a successful tour of Dubai Future plans A new sports hall is due to open ahead of the next academic

year. The current one will become a hub for school and external practice. There are plans to add further technology to the school’s coaching tools, and strength-and-conditioning suites have been added. The NULS Cricket Academy has been introduced to enhance opportunities to pupils all year round

Tours The U15 squad recently toured Dubai. The 1st XI partook in the end of season festival, hosted this year at AKS Lytham.

Jason Brown Cricket professional

NORTHAMPTON SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Billing Rd, Northampton NN1 5RT

Established 1541

Number of pupils 1,618

Director of cricket Pete Bevan Teams 1st XI, U15, U14, U13A, U12A Fixtures They play 40 fixtures per year, with a match against the MCC the most prestigious on the 1st XI calendar.

Facilities The school has a square, which features the Old Pavilion, which doubles as a World War memorial building; they have a partner ground at Old Northamptonians CC Club/county a liation The school has strong links with Old Northamptonians CC, which was formed from old pupils at the school over 100 years ago. They run five Saturday teams; approximately 75 per cent

of their 1st XI are ex-students of the school Best prospects Max Vesty, who made a hundred against the MCC and is part of Northamptonshire’s programme Cricketers of note David Willey (Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, England, left) Brief history Cricket has been played at Northampton School for Boys for many years; the school has been in place since 1541 and there is evidence to suggest that cricket has been played as far back as the 18th century. The school has a rich history of cricket and is a benchmark for state-school provision. They feel that there are few schools in the country who o er their provision outside of the independent sector Cultural cricketers

MCC in 2022

Courtney Lawes (rugby), Matt Smith (actor), Sir Francis Crick (scientist)

What sets the school apart? As a state school with no resources for Saturday fixtures, they have consistently punched above their weight when it comes to cricket. The school has consistently defeated local and national private school opponents and are regular County Cup winners as well as performing competitively in national competitions. They also have 13 county age-group players Finest moment on the field They reached the semi-finals of the National Cup and defeated the

Recent progress The school won four County Cups in 2022/23. Future plans They are aiming to develop their facilities for cricket at the school and have high hopes that the ECB will allow a restructuring of the National Cup to allow school cricket to progress and thrive in both the state and independent sector. They are also looking to strengthen their ties with the local community to provide cricket for all Tours The school is aiming to tour Barbados in 2024

OAKHAM SCHOOL

Chapel Close, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6DT

Established 1584

Number of pupils 1,000 Director of cricket Patrick Latham

Professionals Tom Fell, head of cricket development; Ed Hales, graduate cricket coach

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U15ABC, U14AB, U13ABC | Girls: 1st XI, U15AB, U13AB

Girls’ cricket Girls’ matches are o ered at U18, U15 and U13, along with some mixed cricket, with the number of mixed games due to increase in 2023

Fixtures The school plays around 150 fixtures per year, including a pre-season schedule. There is also the end-of-season BOWS Festival, involving Brighton, Oakham, Wellington and Sedbergh. The annual Old Oakhamian (alumni) vs 1st XI cricket match, held on Speech Day every year, is always a hotly anticipated event

Facilities The school has six grounds, four indoor nets, seven astroturf nets, 11 grass nets and a new 14-lane all-weather facility. They also have access to a full-time S&C coach and gym

Club/county a liation Oakham have a strong a liation with Leicestershire, The Blaze and Nottinghamshire. Many students turn out for local clubs Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford

Best prospects 2023 leaver Joe Johnson has represented Lincolnshire’s 2nd XI Cricketers of note Stuart Broad

(Nottinghamshire & England), Tom Fell (Worcestershire), Josh Cobb (Northamptonshire), Lyndon James (Nottinghamshire)

Brief history The first recorded cricket match was against local rivals Uppingham School in 1815. Oakham won the match and cricket has since gone from strength to strength with pupils regularly representing their county and country. Robert King was the school’s first county player. In 1926 Percy Chapman became the first Oakhamian to captain England. In 1996 Lucy Pearson won her first Test cap for England

Cultural cricketers Lewis Moody, Tom Croft, Alex Goode, Hamish Watson (all rugby), Miles Jupp (actor)

What sets the school apart? They have hosted first-class matches in recent times at Doncaster Close, while Wilson Fields – the second ground – has hosted county secondteam games in the past. The school hosts The Blaze’s academy sessions, and they hope to stage a Blaze match in the near future

Finest moment on the field When Broad passed 500 Test wickets over the summer of 2020, he recognised former school coaches David Steele and Frank Hayes as major parts of his development

Recent progress Oakham are set to host the inaugural girls’ BOWS Festival this year, and they staged Leicestershire’s first-class clash with Worcestershire this summer

Future plans Tom Fell’s appointment, following his career with Worcestershire, brings him back to the school where he is the record run-scorer.

OUNDLE SCHOOL

Church St, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EE

Established 1556

Number of pupils 1,170

Head of cricket David Foster Professionals Malcolm Roberts (boys’ professional), Patricia Hankins (girls’ professional)

Teams boys – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, 16ABC, 15ABC, 14ABCD, 13ABCD | girls - 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABCD

Girls’ cricket All girls in Year 7 and Year 8 play cricket, and it is o ered as an option in Year 9 upwards, from which the school fields four hardball teams. There is a full winter training programme available for the girls from October through to Easter

Fixtures The school plays around 250 fixtures in total, with 20 each year for the boys’ 1st XI across multiple formats, including against the MCC

Facilities The school has nine grass pitches, 10 outdoor artificial nets and 10 grass nets. In an indoor sports hall, there are a further four lanes, with a second sports centre used for indoor matches. There are four bowling machines

Club/county a liation As well as links to Northamptonshire as the o cial education partner, Oundle host an MCC Foundation hub for talented state-school pupils. They have close connections to

Oundle Town CC

Best prospects Under-14 Alfie Wilson has moved to Northants from Oxfordshire and worked his way into the EPP as a left arm seamer who bats Cricketers of note Greg Smith (Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire), Will Je erson (Nottinghamshire, Essex)

Brief history Cricket has been a major part of Oundle since 1830 when the first match is thought to have been played, although the oldest full scorecard on record is from a game against Uppingham in 1855

Cultural cricketers Tom Harrison (ex-ECB CEO), Shaharyar Khan (ex-PCB chairman)

What sets the school apart?

As well as a packed all-year-round programme, sixth-form pupils receive one-to-one coaching sessions during free periods. The Old Oundelians have an excellent Cricketer Cup record

Finest moment on the field

The girls’ 1st XI reached the National Cup quarter-finals in 2022

Recent progress Oundle hosted a 16-school IAPS U11 cricket festival, which meant having eight matches on the go at the same time

Future plans There are plans to upgrade the school’s second pavilion, while they are also improving their grass nets

Tours The school took 37 pupils on tour to Barbados in 2022 and will embark on their next tour in 2025

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE

Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, YO26 9SS

Established 1912

Number of pupils 1,233

Lead cricket coach Ben Gibbons

Teams Boys – 1st XI, U17, U15, U14, U13, U12, U11AB | U15, U14, U13, U12, U11

Girls’ cricket Cricket is the principal summer sport for girls, and cocurricular cricket sessions are also available. Northern Diamonds players Phoebe Turner and Jess Woolston have both come in to deliver sessions. Sta have also been coached on how to lead sessions

Fixtures More than 120 fixtures per

MEET THE LEAD CRICKET COACH

When Ben Gibbons arrived at Queen Ethelburga’s in November 2021, he was faced with year groups who had not played cricket for the best part of two years, after the Covid pandemic halted school cricket in its tracks.

year in a 61-day term, with matches against the MCC, Forty Club and Yorkshire Gentlemen

Facilities Two indoor nets with an extension for bowlers’ run-ups, four Astro nets, four grass nets, two squares, one of which is floodlit and one Flicx wicket Club/county a liation Yorkshire have utilised the outdoor nets and the main square, while the school has run Kwik Cricket and six-a-side festivals as outreach events for several local primary schools and clubs

Collegiate is set in a 220-acre estate and in 2016, a huge investment programme featuring an £80m commitment to a new sports village, which included a dedicated, floodlit cricket square and four artificial and two grass outdoor cricket nets. In 2015, they entered a partnership with Yorkshire CCC to create a joint

week, just like any academic subject. Finest moment on the field The 1st XI reached the U18 Regional T20 Plate Final in 2023.

What sets the school apart?

Best prospects Leo Wilson plays for Yorkshire Academy as an allrounder

Cricketers of note and Dominic Leech (both Yorkshire), Harry Crawshaw (Durham)

Brief history The

It took him only 18 months to rejuvenate the programme, with the school running 16 teams over 120 fixtures in 2023.

Gibbons is clear on the many reasons why students at QE are now enjoying the game in their droves: “The biggest successes in the last 18 months have been engaging a number of di erent pupils in the sport.

“We’ve got pupils where cricket isn’t traditionally one of their focus sports, in di erent cultures where cricket isn’t as popular – China, Hong Kong, Nepal – and then also with the girls.

“QE hadn’t done any girls’ cricket at all when

The ability to host floodlit matches allows the cricket season to be extended with fixtures scheduled for early April and until the end of September each season. Within a senior student’s timetable, a pupil on the cricket programme will have seven sessions per

I started… in 2022 we got them playing soft-ball games, house cricket games. And then this year we’ve been transitioning a lot of the girls to hard-ball, getting teams from under-11s to under15s, getting it on the curriculum for the first time.”

It helps that QE has invested in facilities that would be the envy of other schools. In addition to two indoor nets, two squares, four outdoor astroturf wickets, Frogbox video analysis and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning gym, there is also a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and ice baths.

And Gibbons points to the floodlights as one of the biggest game-changers, as they give even more opportunity for competitive cricket in evenings and outside of summer.

“We play right to the last day of September and start earlier in March. It really becomes an all-year round programme,” he says.

But perhaps the thing that most sets QE apart

Recent progress With students from 65 di erent nationalities, the school has seen huge engagement among pupils from non-traditional cricket backgrounds, regularly fielding sides which include students from Nepal, China, and Hong Kong. They have also developed a new square to keep up with demand.

Future plans They are in talks with North Yorkshire Planning Department to see if the school can obtain planning permission for a standalone sports building, which would include an electronic scoreboard for the main square. A Frogbox has been purchased to live-stream games going forward. There are plans to bring in a specialist coach for girls’ cricket.

Tours The 1st XI will tour Sri Lanka in 2024 or 2025. www.qe.org

is how students are allowed to realise their aspirations and follow their own pathways. Its Performance Sports Programmes (PSPs) integrate sports into the school timetable, allowing further coaching to take place in addition to co-curricular activity.

“Say if you’re a pupil in year 12 and you have got ambitions to try to push to be the best you can be in your sport, you can opt to have a PSP on your timetable… we create a learning plan in terms of what they want to work on,” Gibbons says.

“I don’t think there are many schools out there that o er something like that.”

The impact had been made manifest by the sight of Old Ethelburgians like Finlay Bean and Dominic Leech now making a name for themselves on the county circuit.

“For the students who are on the PSP, it’s something that does inspire the pupils to try and be the best,” says Gibbons. “So there is a culture of success for those who are on that programme who are wanting to push their sporting credentials.”

Ben Gibbons Lead cricket coach

Finlay Bean

cricket academy

QUEEN MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL, WALSALL

Sutton Road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 2PG

Established 1554

Number of pupils 1,316

Master in charge Alex Hammond Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17 XI (Cup), U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABCD

Girls’ cricket Although a boys’ school through Years 7 to 11, 2019 saw the introduction of a sixth-form girls’ house competition. This was repeated in 2023, and the school plans to develop and promote girls’  cricket

Fixtures The school plays between 110 and 120 fixtures per year

Facilities The school has an indoor sports hall with four net lanes, a threelane enclosed outdoor net facility, three BOLA bowling machines and two squares. The junior square includes an artificial strip Club/county a liation The school has an association with the

Sta ordshire Cricket Board, while they have also forged stronger ties with Walsall CC, Aldridge CC and Bronze CC, who use the school’s sports hall to train

Best prospects Harpreet Kalia represents Worcestershire U18 as a left-arm spinner

Cricketers of note David Brown (Warwickshire & England)

Brief history The first recorded match was in 1874 between Queen Mary’s and Walsall CC in Old Chuckery

Cultural cricketers Malvind Benning (Mansfield Town FC) What sets the school apart? Students can take part in one-toones before the start of the school day. The school also runs a large primary school outreach programme where Year 5 students come to Queen Mary’s

Finest moment on the field They were U15 Schools Regional T20 winners for Sta ordshire in 2015 and 2019

Recent progress There were strong cup runs in 2023 from the U12 and U13 teams. O the pitch, they have purchased new sightscreens, a junior

RADLEY COLLEGE

Kennington Road, Radley, Oxfordshire, OX14 2HR

Established 1847

Number of pupils 750

Master in charge Simon Dalrymple

Professional Andy Wagner

Teams Boys: 20 teams

Fixtures The 1st XI play around 20 matches in a normal year, including participation in the Cowdrey Cup (against Eton, Harrow, Tonbridge, Charterhouse and Wellington) and the John Harvey Cup (Marlborough, Cheltenham, St Edward’s, Winchester

and Bradfield), as well as a T20 knockout competition and annual fixtures against the MCC and other wandering teams. The school plays approximately 175 per year

Facilities with five indoor nets, 26 artificial outdoor nets, four separate squares – with cages that can be wheeled out onto practice pitches – and 10 grass wickets Club/county a liation Wagner was recognised

BOLA machine and rollout mats for their indoor hall

Future plans The school’s net expansion and refurbishment was completed after a fundraiser. 2023 also saw the FutureSport @QMGS launch, a £1.8million project looking at improving the school’s facilities, including the ground’s drainage, resetting of the top square, extending

by Middlesex earlier this year for his years of service; the school has plenty of pupils involved at local clubs and on Hampshire’s pathway. Radley run an academy for talented youngsters at local clubs on Saturdays through winter

Best prospects Rory Wooster, Ben de Laszlo and Manny Lumsden are all in the Hampshire development programme. Arthur Sweeting is in Gloucestershire’s development pathway

Cricketers of note Nick Gubbins (Middlesex, Hampshire, below), Jamie Dalrymple (Middlesex, England) Ben Hutton (Middlesex), Sir Andrew Strauss (Middlesex, England), Robin Martin-Jenkins (Sussex), Ted Dexter (Sussex, England)

the pavilion and building a 2G floodlit AstroTurf. The project is set to start in 2024, meaning home cricket fixtures will no longer take place at QMGS while the project is ongoing but at local clubs instead, helping them to build even stronger school/club relationships

Tours There are plans to take the U13 and U15 sides to Guernsey in 2024

with Radley cricket and worked alongside Bert Robinson (who managed 51 consecutive seasons as cricket professional) for 30 years. They produced a string of unbeaten sides in the 1990s. Gubbins, Wilf Marriot and Alex Hearne were all selected to play for the same England U15 side in 2009

Finest moment on the field In 2017, Radley took six wickets in six balls against Marlborough. That cohort won the John Harvey Cup and finished joint-top of the Cowdrey Cup table

Brief history Radley’s cricket tradition is a strong one. The sport was launched as an alternative for rowing in the early 1850s and the first recorded fixture was against Bradfield in 1853

Recent progress Cricket has played an active role in the school’s partnership programme, raising funds for Cricket Builds Hope and the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Alongside pupils from Broadway Academy, they have worked on an ECB safeguarding project and have tried to keep supporting the game in local schools who do not have a tradition in the game

Cultural cricketers Peter Cook (satirist)

What sets the school apart?

Andy Wagner is synonymous

Future plans The building of a new indoor sports facility will allow more dedicated coaching in the winter. Tours There are plans to tour Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2025

Radley have a sports hall

REED’S SCHOOL

Sandy Lane, Cobham, KT11 2ES

Established 1813

Number of pupils 800

Master in charge Malcolm Dunn

Professional Keith Medlycott

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABCDE, U13ABCD, U12ABCD |Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI

Girls’ cricket The school only has girls in the sixth form, but the three teams have full fixture lists, with some girls having played cricket before arriving at Reed’s and others beginning on arrival. Old Reedonians played their first women’s match this year

Fixtures The school plays 220 fixtures per year, including against the MCC

Facilities The school has two senior and two junior squares on site, as well as use of two more senior squares at Whiteley Village CC. A state-of-theart indoor facility has five net-lanes, with Pitch Vision analysis in each. It also features Merlyn and Trueman Bola bowling machines, plus four professional bowling machines

REIGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Reigate Rd, Reigate RH2 0QS

Established 1675

Number of pupils 1,087

Head of cricket James Leck

Professional Amy Gordon

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABCD | Girls (Hardball): 1st XI, U15, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB | Girls (Softball): U15, U13 | Girls (Indoor): U15, U13

Outdoors, there are six artificial nets, eight grass nets and two Flicx wickets Club/county a liation The Rajasthan Royals Academy is linked to and based at the school – the only IPL academy in the UK. Reed’s also has links to Esher CC and Stoke D’Abernon CC

Best prospects Stuart van der Merwe is a left-handed batsman

Saturdays and midweek matchdays. The girls’ indoor teams played 20 times

Facilities There are three squares at Hartswood Sports Grounds and an astroturf pitch; the school has two indoor net facilities. The third square has been re-laid, as have the six outdoor nets. The school hosted some matches on a hockey astroturf for the first time

Club/county a liation

Girls’ cricket The U18 and U15 teams competed in national cup competitions, while the younger age-groups were also involved in the Surrey Schools Cricket Association County Cups. One pupil is part of South East Stars’ academy, and eight are on Surrey’s pathway. There are block Saturday fixtures for hardball teams

Fixtures The boys face the MCC in 2023, while the girls took on a Surrey Cricket Foundation XI. Other fixtures include Alleyn’s and Eltham College. More than 100 boys’ and 50 girls’ fixtures were played across nine

The school has links to Reigate Priory CC, who use the ground’s facilities for training and matches. Surrey have used the school grounds for Surrey Schools’ Cricket Association matches and county age-group matches at Hartswood, South East Stars have held academy matches there Best prospects Emily Burke plays for the girls’ 1st XI and is part of South East Stars’ academy

Cricketers of note Will Beer (Sussex)

Cultural cricketers Bill Frindall (statistician), David Walliams (comedian)

What sets the school apart?

who bowls useful o -spin. He scored close to 500 runs this season and plays for Weybridge in the Surrey Championship. He has played for Surrey’s 2nd XI Cricketers of note Phil Salt (Sussex, Lancashire, England), Dan Douthwaite (Glamorgan)

Brief history Cricket has been played at Cobham since the school

The school’s win percentage ratio versus schools of similar stature has increased over the last three years. The development of Hartswood was featured in The Cricketer recently Finest moment on the field The school beat the MCC in 2014 and 2017. In 2021, the U15A girls reached Finals Day of the National Cup. Recent progress Participation levels have increased dramatically, from 165 players in 2017 to 351 in 2023

arrived from Totnes just after the war. Former headmaster Rodney Exton was a county cricketer at Hampshire when still a schoolboy, while recently retired headmaster David Jarrett was a Blue at Oxford and Cambridge

Cultural cricketers Tim Henman (tennis), Michael Ball (entertainment), Tom Hardy (actor) What sets the school apart? Surrey Women used to play their home matches at Reed’s. Surrey have used the ground to train on while England are using The Oval

Finest moment on the field Reed’s were quarterfinalists in the HMC National T20 in 2015 and winners of the 50/40 League in 2014, 2015 and 2017. They have been Surrey Cup winners at under-14 and under-15 level for the last five years

Recent progress The U12 team won the Reigate GS Sixes for a second straight year

Future plans There are plans to refurbish grass nets and renovate the outfields, while extending the main square. Plans to redevelop the pavilion will start in the autumn Tours In 2023, they toured Barbados

Future plans Plans are in place for a pavilion on a second ground. A tea hut by the hockey astroturf is going to be extended, providing more facilities. An £8million sports centre with state-of-the-art net facilities has been approved

Tours In 2023, a senior boys’ team travelled to Dubai, with another scheduled for 2026, hopefully including the girls’ squad. There is an annual junior tour of Jersey

James Leck Head of cricket

REPTON SCHOOL

Willington Rd, Repton, Derby DE65 6FH

Established 1557

Number of pupils 600

Master in charge Cameron Wake Director of cricket Chris Read, to be replaced by Martin Speight in January, 2024

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17, U15AB, U14ABC |

Girls: 1st XI, U15

Girls’ cricket Girls’ teams enter both indoor and outdoor national competitions in addition to a full fixture list

the MCC, in addition to a strong school circuit, which includes Eton, Shrewsbury, Malvern, Sedbergh, Rugby and Uppingham Facilities Repton has four grounds, with five grass nets provided on the 1st XI and 2nd XI squares, with 10 artificial nets and two sports halls Club/county a liation The school works closely with Derbyshire, using the county’s indoor facilities once a week through the winter for their elite performance programme, and has strong relationships with neighbouring county cricket clubs. Many pupils are involved in performance pathways Best prospects Harry Moore is part of Derbyshire’s academy and has played for their second team; he made his professional debut this summer Cricketers of note CB Fry (England), Ross Whiteley (Hampshire), Nitish Kumar (Canada), Chris Adams (Sussex, England)

Fixtures Repton play more than 100 fixtures. Most notable games come against

MEET THE DIRECTOR OF CRICKET

When Martin Speight says he has been working in schools cricket for “quite a long time”, he could not be accused of overstatement.

Cultural cricketers Roald Dahl (author), Jeremy Clarkson (broadcaster, left)

What sets the school apart?

Brief history Repton has produced 12 international players and 154 first-class cricketers. ‘The Square’, where the 1st XI play, is surrounded by ruins of the original Priory and in the shadows of St Wystan’s spire

Speight will join Repton School this coming January after 13 successful years at Sedbergh, and it is easy to see why his new employer describes their new technical director as the ‘preeminent school cricket coach in the UK’.

Speight has coached a host of young talented players, with Harry Brook perhaps the most notable of the current crop, and the former Sussex and Durham professional is extremely clear on what it takes to develop an elite cricketing programme.

“There are three prongs,” he says. “One, you’ve got to have participation; you want as many young people playing – boys and girls. You start with a massively wide base and try to enthuse as many young people as possible.”

Other than producing three England captains, Derbyshire’s 2nd XI regularly play fixtures at Repton; England Women used the school to prepare for the Ashes

Finest moment on the field The U18 girls reached the finals of both the National T20 and the hundred-ball competition

Recent progress An electronic

“Then you’ve got to drive the sport forward and produce outstanding young players who love the game. You’ve got to have a coaching programme all year round that gives young players the opportunity to develop and be the best they can be – and Repton have amazing facilities that they’ve upgraded to do that.

“The third string is competitive pathways. You’ve got to throw them out there and let them play and find a way of achieving success. By the time we get to the top end and the first-team boys and girls, we hope we’ve challenged them with enough competitive games. They’ve got to learn to lose. We want to be reaching national finals days, just not at all costs.”

If it is true that success breeds success, Speight’s ambitions for Repton will be aided by a summer in which the under-18s girls’ team reached the national finals.

Ella Porter’s century against Uppingham

scoreboard has been purchased, while all 1st XI matches are now streamed. They have developed the player performance programme in conjunction with Derbyshire

Future plans They have become an MCC Foundation hub, working with local state schools to get the best local cricketing talent working with elite coaches and making use of the school’s cricketing facilities all year around. New nets are on the way. Tours The school will tour Dubai or South Africa in 2024

School was the highlight of the campaign, making her the first girl to sit on Repton’s honours board. And having hosted the England women’s team for their pre-Ashes training, it is little wonder that girls’ cricket is enjoying a moment here – particularly impressive considering the programme is only five years old. Running 11 teams over 100-plus fixtures a season, Speight will work closely with former England and Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper Chris Read, who is set to continue in his role as head of cricket. And while blessed with professional-level facilities and close links to Derbyshire CCC, it is the team culture about which he speaks most e usively.

“It’s not just about the individuals being really good. It’s about how that group gel and the style of cricket they play through all the ups and downs, so that the team that walks on to the pitch nine times out of 10 performs better than the individual skill sets,” says Speight.

“It’s having that group of kids that supports each other, that plays for each other, plays for the badge and play in a manner that allows each of them to perform at the best of their abilities –and showcase what we’re all about.”

Martin Speight Director of cricket

ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, GUILDFORD

High St, Guildford GU1 3BB

Established 1509

Number of pupils 958

RUGBY SCHOOL

Lawrence Sheri St, Rugby CV22 5EH

Established 1567

Number of pupils 865

Director of cricket Michael Powell

Head coaches Nick Tester, Ben Adams, Adam Pursell

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC | Girls – 1st XI, U15AB, U14

Girls’ cricket Girls play fixtures on Saturdays, midweek and enter the national T20 and 100-ball competitions.

Fixtures The most notable fixture is a two-day match against Marlborough, which has been running since 1855. A girls’ fixture has been established between the two schools. Rugby also play Clifton in a two-day game among between 17 and 20 fixtures for the 1st XI. They have played the MCC for more than 175 years.

Facilities Rugby have eight indoor nets across two sports centres, as well as several bowling machines, 12 grass nets and eight cricket pitches. Two squares have stitched pitches, as well

Head of cricket Richard Black

Professional Matt Cussans

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCDE, U12ABCDE

Fixtures The school play block fixtures against Trinity, Reed’s, KCS

as a full practice square. Indoor hall features multiple bowling machines. Club/county a liation The school has links with Warwickshire and Northamptonshire and has hosted List A, 2nd XI and junior county fixtures in recent years. They also host four junior festivals

Best prospects Georgia Irving and Ffion Purvis represent Middlesex and Warwickshire Women’s teams,

Wimbledon, Hurspierpoint College, Dulwich College, Cranleigh, St Paul’s and Hampton and St George’s Weybridge

Facilities There are two grass wickets dedicated to net practice, 12 outdoor artificial lanes and five indoor nets Club/county a liation The school has formal links with Surrey, Guildford CC and Wonersh CC. The school is also an MCC Foundation hub Best prospects Seb Stuart-Reckling is a left-arm seamer, with Surrey U18 Cricketers of note Bob Willis (Surrey, Warwickshire, England) Brief history The school opened in 1509 and received its royal charter in 1552, by which time boys were playing cricket. It was later documented that this was the earliest definite reference to the sport anywhere. David Frith, the renowned cricket historian and writer who is a former editor of The Cricketer, supports this claim. Frith speculates that cricket might have been played in Guildford as early as 1550, predating the famous cricketing hub of Hambledon. Many cricketers with first-class experience have coached at the school, including England international Monte Lynch

respectively. Oli Dandy and Joel Jacob represent Warwickshire and Northants at academy level Cricketers of note Pelham Warner (Middlesex, England), Maia Bouchier (England, Southern Vipers)

Brief history Rugby scorecards date back to 1831. The Marlborough fixture has been played at various grounds including The Oval, but Lord’s became its home for nearly

Cultural cricketers Terry Jones (actor), Simon Bird (actor), Martin Tyler (commentator)

Finest moment on the field The school won the RGS cricket festival in 2021

Recent progress Team participation has reached unprecedented levels, fielding more teams than ever. As part of their expanded activities, the school engages in matches against girls’ schools, specifically Guildford High School and Sutton High School. Additionally, they have also participated in mixed matches alongside those schools

Future plans They have ambitious plans to broaden o erings by establishing connections with additional local girls’ schools, with the aim of fostering increased participation and engagement in sports by providing pupils with more opportunities to play and compete. Furthermore, they are committed to maintaining their status as the host of an MCC hub

Tours In 2017 and 2019, the 1st XI toured Sri Lanka and in 2023 visited Dubai for the first time. They hope to return to Sri Lanka in 2025

100 years until 1972. This two-day game continues today and is hosted in alternate years by the two schools. A one-day game to celebrate Rugby’s 450th anniversary was played on the main square at Lord’s in 2017

Cultural cricketers Giles Clarke (ECB), William Yardley (dramatist), Rupert Brooke (poet) What sets the school apart? Rugby was one of seven schools named in the Public Schools Act (1868)

Finest moment on the field

The report from the 1979 Marlborough match reads: “Rugby were left with 177 to make in 80 minutes; the captain, David Cutter, reached this target with a mighty six o the penultimate ball”

Recent progress The girls’ programme continues to grow, and they have reached the Finals Day of the National 100-ball Cup. The boys are U15 county champions and made it through to the regional Finals Day Future plans A head coach for girls’ cricket has been appointed Tours Tours are planned for Dubai (junior) in 2023 and Sri Lanka (senior) in 2024

SCARBOROUGH COLLEGE

Filey Road, Scarborough YO11 3BA

Established 1896

Number of pupils 539

Director of sport Rob Kench

Professionals Piet Rinke, Ryan Sidebottom, Craig White, Stephen Parry, Stuart Guy

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, Cricket

Centre of Excellence XI Scarborough College Development XI, U17, U15AB, U14AB | Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14

Girls’ cricket They have had nearly 10 di erent nationalities involved in their girls’ teams. The school has several county players but also hosts girls’ cricket festivals in association with The Society of Heads

Fixtures They play more than 100 fixtures per year against county academies, universities, adult teams and schools. Notable games include the MCC, Forty Club, Leeds

MEET THE CRICKET PROFESSIONAL

Few schools can boast the international cricketing diversity of Scarborough College.

O ering the IB diploma programme means they are one of the go-to independent education establishments in the north east for overseas students.

University, Yorkshire Academy, Warwickshire Academy and Durham Academy

Facilities The school has two squares on-site: the pavilion was recently lost in a fire, but there are plans for a state-of-the-art replacement. There are batting cages available for training, as well as two additional grass pitches and four Astro-turf wickets. Indoor training facilities include four nets

Australia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Hungary, Oman and the Caribbean are represented across the 11 teams which supplement the Cricket Centre of Excellence – a partnership between Vitae Sports and Scarborough Cricket Club - giving the school a genuine international feel at a local level.

“A lot of our recruitment into the sixth form is international students,” cricket professional Piet Rinke said.

Club/county a liation The school hosts the Scarborough MCC Foundation hub and holds partnerships with Yorkshire and Lancashire. North Yorkshire and Yorkshire both stage age-group games at the ground, while Scarborough CC’s 3rd XI play home games at the school. Nearly 80 per cent of school players are involved in club cricket Best prospects 1st XI captain Jack

“The cricket culture is quite diverse and vast, and what we try and harness is all the positives from all the di erent cultures around the world.

“We tend to blend it quite well and it makes for quite a senior first team. The teams below feed o that and bring success from a results point of view.

“Those who have come from the European nations have applied to come back again.

“In the di erent elements that we provide, they do see benefits from an individual element and from a family perspective.

“Yes, there is a cricket programme but they obviously come here for an education and development from the academic perspective.”

Rinke, who can count former England men’s internationals Ryan Sidebottom, Craig White and Stephen Parry among his coaching team,

Carney plays for Lancashire’s 2nd XI and has a hundred in the Liverpool Competition for Southport Cricketers of note David Byas (Yorkshire), Richard Doughty (Surrey, Gloucestershire)

Brief history Scarborough won the Bright Bowl competition once in the 1950s and the John Bartli Shield three times in a row

What sets the school apart? The school is proud of its ties with the local community, epitomised by their relationship with Scarborough CC, just 10 minutes down the road. The school plays regular fixtures at North Marine Road, where Yorkshire’s first team also play

Finest moment on the field

Eighteen-year-old Cian Dickinson broke the Roses record for Lancashire 2nd XI against Yorkshire with 184

Recent progress The evolution of girls’ cricket is a source of pride at Scarborough

Future plans Having lost their main pavilion to a fire, the plan is to replace it with an ambitious £500,000 expansion project. Separately, an £80,000 enhancement project to their outdoor netting facility is in the pipeline. This project will see the installation of a new four-lane system consisting of the latest retractable netting and artificial surfacing

Tours There is a plan for a 1st XI tour of Zimbabwe next April

represented Zimbabwe 18 times in one-day internationals in 2006.

He has taken Scarborough College’s cricket output from humble beginnings - he recalls a boys’ XI fixture in September 2020 against The Forty Club comprising six pupils and five teachers - to having more than 100 fixtures (girls protested at a lack of matches and the 2024 schedule will now mirror the boys) and producing an England Under-19 international in Jack Carney.

“We’ve got dreams and ambitions of being the most recognisable school in the country in terms of cricket provision to players,” Rinke, 41, added.

“We are getting kids coming in at a younger age giving us extra time to work with them. That’s where we’re looking at in five years’ time.

“You’ve got to remember we’re a small school so it is pretty much getting the understanding of doing well at the top end of the school - which is where we’re driving the programme - and making it about the younger age groups.”

www.scarboroughcollege.co.uk registrar@scarboroughcollege.co.uk

Piet Rinke Cricket professional

SEAFORD COLLEGE

Lavington Park, Petworth, GU28 0NB

Established 1884

Number of pupils 950

Head of cricket Chris Adams (Sussex, England)

Teams 46 teams between Year 5 and Year 13 for boys and girls, including hardball and softball cricket. Based on expected continued growth of girls’ cricket, Seaford expect to exceed 50 competitive teams within two years

Independent Schools Cup, and younger sides entered national competitions

Girls’ cricket Cricket is now the core summer girls’ sport throughout every year group, with 10 pupils on county pathways. Keira Lewzy, Mollie Adams and Lottie Curling are currently in the Southern Vipers system Fixtures Saturday block fixtures through the summer, as well as entry into national and county cup competitions; the senior girls’ team this year entered the Sussex

Lavington Park in 1946 and cricket has been played in the 450 acres of listed parkland ever since

Cultural cricketers Tom Odell (singer), Toby Stephens (actor) What sets the school apart?

The beautiful surroundings at Lavington Park, with Mansion House – where the HQ Commando Group were stationed during World War Two – in the background

Finest moment on the field In 2022, the 1st XI reached the South East Regional National T20 Final. The school also created history with all three age-group sides making it to the Langdale Cup finals day

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Seaford College is unusual for a school – they conduct their winter training in a marquee, housing three lanes of artificial wickets.

The annual flagship game comes against the MCC. They also compete in the Langdale Cup, a 100-ball competition which comprises nine schools in Sussex. Seaford also take part in an annual four-school festival Facilities Seven grounds, a 10-lane outdoor cricket net facility, two portable cage nets and six indoor nets. They plan to add two grounds and 10 nets by 2024. They use a marquee through winter for use during the winter performance programme. They have also invested in an analysis suite

have also

It is just one of the innovations introduced by Chris Adams, the former England international and County Championshipwinning captain of Sussex, during his six years at the West Sussex college.

“Cricket has absolutely exploded here, in the best possible sense,” said Adams.

“We’ve tripled the number of teams we’re putting out – which is a challenge, but the best possible one. We’re having to change our fixtures, because some of the opposition were unable to put C and D teams against us.

“Like many other cricket schools, we’re now

Club/county a liation Close association with Sussex. They also have links with several local clubs

Best prospects Luc Benkenstein, son of Dale, made his Essex List A debut in 2021

Cricketers of note Jeremy Groome, Charlie Tear, Adrian Jones (all Sussex)

Brief history Seaford moved to

Recent progress They have doubled the participation levels within the girls’ cricket programme

starting to attract some highly talented cricketers to join us in sixth form. We’ve had two bowlers join the Sussex Academy and now have two more not far o Surrey Academy.

“But we’re not as focused on being the best school in a 50-mile radius, or whatever it is. The main thing is to take your pupils as far as each of them can go with your cricket.

“When I first came in, I brought in all the drills I’d used in professional cricket, but I swiftly realised I’d have to do things a bit di erently, because 99 per cent of kids aren’t focused on becoming a professional cricketer.

“And it’s funny how it’s cyclical. You have strong age groups and less strong ones. We had one year with Luc Benkenstein and Charlie Tear. Hurstpierpoint had something similar with a

Future plans They currently run half-term cricket camps entitled Confidence for Cricket. These are open to Seaford College students and any local cricketers from other schools. The plan is to extend that programme, as well as visit local prep schools o ering cricket sessions. They are in discussions with Southern Vipers over a partnership Tours They plan to travel to Spain in 2024

crop of their players.

“Here, we try to keep all our year-groups together until the best players reach year 11.”

Girls’ cricket at Seaford continues to grow exponentially.

With Chris’s daughter Georgia captaining the local regional side Southern Vipers to a domestic double alongside the legendary Charlotte Edwards, Adams has an enviable insight into the trajectory of women’s and girls’ cricket.

“Charlotte and Georgia actually came in here for a day with us, passing on some of their knowledge, and the best thing for us is that they turned round and said: ‘we’ve actually taken a lot from you that we can put back into our system’.

“We’re lucky to have such great links to Vipers and Sussex age groups.

“I can tell you, girls’ cricket is going to be ginormous in three to six years’ time – it’s going to absolutely take o in schools across the country.”

Chris Adams Head of cricket

SEDBERGH SCHOOL

Station Road, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG

Established 1525

Number of pupils 570

Director of cricket Martin Speight Teams 12 teams across the school Girls’ cricket Girls’ teams reached four national competition quarterfinals in 2023; the U15s reached the North of England indoor final in the first year entered into the tournament

Fixtures The 1st XI have over 20 fixtures, the most notable of which include matches against Cumbria, Durham and Lancashire academies, Shrewsbury School and the BOWS festival at the end of the term with Brighton, Oakham and Wellington.

The girls’ 1st XI also play a number of schools and, starting in 2023, the BOWS festival between Brighton, Oakham, Wellington and Sedbergh Facilities Four squares, six outdoor all-weather nets, six indoor lanes and two sports halls for indoor games

Club/county a liation Lancashire play first-class and/or List A fixtures. Cumbria use the school’s indoor facilities and the main ground for fixtures. Lancashire’s 1st XI have played a first-class fixture at Sedbergh and continue to play Metro Bank Cup games at the school. Thunder play a fixture in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Sedbergh.

the local Westmoreland league

Best prospects Left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur made her England Women’s debut in August against Sri Lanka

Cricketers of note Jordan Clark (Lancashire, Surrey), Harry Brook, George Hill, Matty Revis (all Yorkshire)

Brief history Sedbergh boasts one of the most attractive grounds in the country. In recent years teams have reached National Schools finals in every age-group, winning three. The school has produced two international cricketers, in addition to a number of first-class players

Cultural cricketers Will Greenwood (rugby union)

What sets the school apart? Harry Brook is a recent product of the Sedbergh production line.

Finest moment on the field There have been three National Cup victories – two for the U15 sides in T20 (2007 and 2019) and one for the 1st XI in 2017

Recent progress Participation in cricket at the school is at an all-time high, with more than 240 pupils playing competitively Future plans

SHENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Alexander Ln, Shenfield, Brentwood CM15 8RY

Established 1962

Number of pupils 1,530 Master in charge Garry Sapsford

Teams Boys: U12, U13, U14, U15, U17, U19 | Girls: U12, U13, U15, U17 Girls’ cricket Teams play regular fixtures, while several girls represent Hutton CC, who have been integral to the promotion of the sport in the local area. Girls’ cricket has been running at the school since 2000

The 2nd and 3rd XIs play every weekend in

is Tours next

The school is keen to develop their partnership with Cumbria, o ering more cricketers the opportunity to train all year round and help to improve the standard of juniors in the county They are hoping to take boys’ and girls’ squads to Sri Lanka or South Africa in the next 18 months

Fixtures They play 65 fixtures across 10 teams, including a game against the MCC on the last Sunday of June Facilities Shenfield have a sports hall with two indoor nets, as well as an astroturf wicket and two outdoor artificial nets. They play matches at Hutton CC and Shenfield CC Club/county a liation As well as a formal partnership with Hutton, who regularly share their facilities with Shenfield, the school has a less formal relationship with Shenfield CC Best prospects Fast bowler Sam Bear is on Essex’s academy Cricketers of note Matt Salisbury (Leicestershire), Mady Villiers (Essex, Sunrisers, England)

Brief history Shenfield’s cricket programme has long been recognised for its outstanding o ering. They became the first non-selective state school to attend the Sir Garry Sobers tournament in Barbados

The programme began in 2013 with the support of Catherine Dalton, becoming one of the country’s leading cricketing state schools. The school’s academy players train all year round with the U18 squad training Cultural cricketers Philip Hammond (chancellor), Ross Kemp (actor), Richard Madeley (presenter) What sets the school apart? As a non-selective state school, Shenfield gets no additional funding for cricket opportunities it provides. The school’s cricket academy provides three hours’ cricket per week all year round. It is designed for those at 16plus level but also identifies talented younger players. The U15 girls reached the last 16 of the National Cup this year, as well as finishing fourth in the regional indoor finals, while the U17 boys lost a close game to Stamford in the last 32 of the National Cup this year

Finest moment on the field

The school reached the U17 National Schools Cup semi-final in 2017. They won the U13 and 15 girls’ National ‘Chance to Shine’ Cup titles at Loughborough University

Recent progress A trip to Desert Springs improved several players, with the 1st XI showing signs of progression

Future plans There are plans to stream matches in 2024

Tours They took part in The Cricketer’s 100-ball tournament in April, and they hope to tour Cape Town in 2025

Harry Brook at the 2023 World Cup in India

SHREWSBURY SCHOOL

Ashton Rd, Shrewsbury SY3 7BA

Established 1552

Number of pupils 822

Director of cricket Will Hughes

Director of girls’ cricket

Gwen Davies

Professional Adam Shantry

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17, U16, 15ABC, 14ABC | Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 15AB, 14AB

Girls’ cricket 75 girls play cricket across six teams, with three of those taking part in national competitions. Seven girls are on regional performance pathways

Fixtures More than 300 in a full season, including fixtures against Millfield, Eton, Malvern, Sedbergh and Worcestershire Academy. Girls also play against Shropshire, Sta ordshire,

MEET THE DIRECTOR OF CRICKET

When assessing Shrewsbury School’s cricket programme you can’t help but be drawn to the depth of quality coaching.

Warwickshire and Wales U17

Facilities A state-of-the-art indoor cricket centre has been fully refurbished this year, with a new surface and LED lighting, as well as five bowling machines. The school has six squares, 14 grass nets and four all-weather nets, and a new outdoor 4G surface

Club/county a liation Both Worcestershire and Glamorgan run satellite academies at Shrewsbury through the winter. The school also has players a liated to Warwickshire, Lancashire, and Middlesex, as well as strong local links with Shropshire and Shrewsbury CC

Best prospects Isabel Ellsmore plays for Sta ordshire and is on Central Sparks’ academy. She is an opening

Experience across the first-class, regional and T20 system, and knowledge of England Under-19s, National Counties and the club game is a conversation away for over 800 students – a source of pride for director of cricket Will Hughes.

Leading the e ort is cricket professional Adam Shantry, who made nearly 50 appearances for Glamorgan, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire before knee injuries cut short his career in 2011.

“Adam has a good rapport with pupils, finds out what makes them tick and is good at putting in place a targeted programme, making good use of technology to refine techniques,”

bowler and handy batter. Theo Wylie has featured for Warwickshire’s 2nd XI, while Jack Home is a Worcestershire academy batter

Cricketers of note Issy Wong (Birmingham Phoenix, England), James Taylor (England, Notts & Leics), Joe Leach (Worcestershire), Ed Barnard (Worcestershire), David Lloyd (Glamorgan)

Cultural cricketers Charles Darwin (naturalist), Sir Phillip Sydney (poet), Martin Rees (astronomer), Michael Palin (broadcaster)

What sets the school apart?

Shrewsbury’s ‘village green’ pitch locations are picturesque, while the school has eight coaches of at least Level 3 qualifications

Finest moment on the field

Hughes said.

“It is great for him to see players achieve at a high level, getting a vicarious thrill o that. He is getting a lot of pleasure seeing players stepping onto the professional pathway.”

Spearheading the girls’ programme is Gwen Davies, who represented Birmingham Phoenix in the 2022 women’s Hundred and has previously played for Central Sparks and Loughborough Lightning (now The Blaze).

“She sets the girls high standards and expects them to be brave and committed in the field, “ said Hughes. “She knows what it takes to play at the highest level.

“She knows what the girls should be doing and fighting their corner to make sure they are not behind the boys in terms of coaching hours and a quality fixture list. It gives us a real figurehead, a role model and impetus to the programme.

www.shrewsbury.org.uk

Shrewsbury have been crowned national champions twice in the past three years. The girls’ U18 side lifted the national 100-ball trophy in 2021, while the boys’ U17 side were national champions in 2022. The boys’ 1st XI have won two HMC T20 titles

Recent progress Increasing numbers in the girls’ programme has developed three senior teams. The 2nd XI girls’ team now frequently plays fixtures every week

Future plans They are expanding their summer festival programme to include a girls tournament, while a new scoreboard on the senior pitch –and a Truman bowling machine – are in the pipeline

Tours The boys and girls’ toured Cape Town in 2023

Dave Manning, 60, enjoyed several years in the Birmingham Premier League and represented Worcestershire Cricket Board and the MCC. Hughes added: “Dave brings a real pragmatic and streetwise nous to our cricketers who perhaps have lived in quite a cosy bubble; he brings a hard edge slant.

“He is a very good manager, sets very high standards but is excellent at getting the best out of players and he has been instrumental to our success. He leaves no stone unturned.

Ex-Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire opener Greg Smith completed his first year at Shrewsbury in 2022/23, arriving primarily as a geography teacher, and has already made an impact.

“For the young batters in the side to have his calmness in the nets talking through di erent scenarios is like gold dust,” said Hughes.

“He spent the winter taking groups on playing spin and is hugely well connected. We had a talk with Tom Westley, the Essex captain. In terms of the blend he is a recent leaver from the game and brings a real contemporary feel.”

Will Hughes Director of cricket

National Boys’ U17 champions 2022 and 2023

National Boys’ U15 T20 Runners Up 2021

National Girls’ 100 Ball Champions 2021

National Girls’ 100 Ball Runners Up 2022

12 leavers in the past 13 years have played professionally including Issy Wong and Ed Barnard Two 2023 U19 England Representatives

Current pupils are on a variety of professional EPP and Academy pathways

8

SIMON LANGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Langton Ln, Nackington Rd, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7AS

Established 1881

Number of pupils 1,100

Director of cricket James Whitnell

Professional Darren Stevens

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U16, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB, East Kent Cricket Academy XI (in partnership with The Canterbury Academy)

Girls’ cricket It is currently only small group training, but several countylevel girls are set to join the school next year which, it is hoped, will bring about a girls’ fixture list

Fixtures The school plays more than 100 fixtures each year, including against the MCC

Facilities Four bay indoor nets, two newly resurfaced artificial outdoor nets, two grass practice wickets, two pitches

Club/county a liation A partnership with the Canterbury

SOLIHULL SCHOOL

793 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DJ

Established 1560

Number of pupils 1530

Master in charge Darren Maddy

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U17, U16, U15ABCD, U14ABCD, U13ABCD, U12ABCDE. Girls: U18, U17, U15ABCDE, U14ABCDE, U13ABCDEF, U12ADCDEF

Girls’ cricket Solihull fielded 24 girls’ teams in 2023, entering national competitions at U15, U17, and U18 and playing a variety of formats, including 100-ball, T20 and pairs cricket

Fixtures The school played over 200 matches in 2023, involving over 600 pupils. Their fixture list includes matches against Rugby School, Magdalen College, Repton and Wellington School and a game against MCC at the start of cricket week

Facilities Solihull have four squares, including four hybrid wickets on the 1st XI square, six outdoor nets, four indoor nets, multiple bowling machines Club/county a liation The school has partnered with Complete Cricket

Academy helps to provide for the East Kent Cricket Academy, which takes the best senior cricketers from both schools and gives them access to quality coaching from September through to July. The school also has links with Kent

Best prospects Billy Amaouche is an opening batter for Kent at under-16 level

Cricketers of note Mark Dobson (Kent, Glamorgan), Simon Cusden (Kent, Derbyshire)

Brief history Cricket has been played since the school’s formation and is considered a key part of their identity. Many of their former students feature prominently for clubs across Kent and in county agegroup sides

Cultural cricketers Sir Freddie Laker (air travel)

What sets the school apart?

The amount of cricket played for a state school, which relies on a committed group of sta to give up their time and also instil a love of the sport to the students. This year, they made at least the county cup semifinals in every age-group

Finest moment on the field This

year, the U15 team reached the ESCA Regional Finals (top four schools in the South East) as the only state school still present in that part of the competition

Recent progress They have a flourishing one-to-one coaching programme, with Darren Stevens

Academy and has strong links with Warwickshire Cricket Board, who use the facilities to host trials, practices and fixtures, and local clubs

Best prospects Isaac Maddy, a righthanded top-order batter who also bowls medium pace, has represented Warwickshire at U15, U16 and U18.

Allrounder Ben Blakemore is involved with Warwickshire EPP and U18 Cricketers of note Frank Foster

(Warwickshire and England), Ethan Brookes, Ashish Chakrapani, Richard Johnson (all Warwickshire)

Brief history The school upholds a strong cricket tradition. In recent years, they have employed former professional cricketers in David Hemp and more recently Darren Maddy as director of cricket. The school has a former Test match groundsman who curates the

among the coaches

Future plans The school hopes to have its first fully fledged girls’ fixture list next year, with entry into tournaments also among the aims for the girls’ section

Tours The 1st XI are going to St Lucia in February 2024

cricket square

Cultural cricketers Michael Buerk (journalist), Simon Mayo (radio), Richard Hammond (broadcaster) What sets the school apart? The school actively hosts county agegroup matches and trials. Cricket is played throughout the year, with the winter programme beginning in October. A line of mature trees on the fields denotes each century that was scored during a period in the school’s cricketing history

Finest moment on the field

The U13s were national champions in 2016 while the U15s were national runners-up in 2016 and 2017

Recent progress Girls’ cricket has grown exponentially - it is compulsory for girls to play cricket in PE until year 11 - and several pupils are involved with Warwickshire or Central Sparks. A full-time female coach was appointed in 2023 to lead the girls’ cricket programme

Future plans Replacing the artificial wickets on all of the school’s grounds and laying hybrid pitches on the 2nd XI square Tours Girls’ tour to UAE (Easter 2024)

TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS

ST EDWARD’S SCHOOL

Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN

Established 1863

Number of pupils 800

Master in charge Ed Ellis

Professional Dave Simpkins

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U16AB, U15ABC, U14ABC. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, Junior XI

ST GEORGE’S COLLEGE

Weybridge Road, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QS

Established 1869

Number of pupils 1000

Master in charge David Keightley

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABCD. Girls 1st XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABCD

Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket is flourishing at St George’s. The school has won many Surrey Cricket titles and a dozen girls playing at county level or higher

Fixtures Over 200 per year, including matches against Epsom College, Reed’s, KCS Wimbledon, RGS Guildford, and Hurstpierpoint and midweek fixtures against Eton and Hampton. This year’s Cricket Week featured a fixture against MCC

Facilities Six indoor nets with

Girls’ cricket St Edward’s fields three girls’ teams who compete in national competitions. The 2nd XI play both soft and hardball cricket

Fixtures Over 130 matches across all year groups, including notable fixtures against Eton, Harrow, and MCC, and a showcase fixture at Wormsley Cricket Ground featuring the boys’ and girls’ 1st XIs. The school participates in the 50-over John Harvey Cup alongside

access to video analysis, gym, two large studios for technical drills, eight new retractable outdoor nets, five cages for middle practice, four grass cricket squares, and two astroturf wickets

Club/county a liation Weybridge

CC. The school is hosting the Surrey Star Burst, a tournament for state and independent schools attended by over 100 girls

Best prospects Wicketkeeperbatter Ollie Pascall has represented Surrey U18 since he was 14 and has played for Surrey 2nd XI. Charlotte Lambert is involved with Surrey and South East Stars and was a reserve for England for the 2023 Under-19s T20 World Cup

Winchester, Radley, Marlborough, Cheltenham and Bradfield

Facilities Six grounds, four indoor nets in the Douglas Bader Sports Centre, six outdoor astroturf nets, six outdoor grass nets, 18-strip cover on 1st XI square, blotters and a Merlyn bowling machine Club/county a liation The school has partnerships with Gecko cricket, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and Southern Vipers and will be the Oxfordshire MCC Foundation Hub in 2023/24

Best prospects Allrounder Dylan Driscoll progressed through the Oxfordshire pathway and has been involved with Sussex’s academy for two years. Aimee Diab, a top-order batter and seam bowler, players for Oxfordshire and Southern Vipers EPP Cricketers of note Miles Hammond, Ben Charlesworth (both Gloucestershire), Alex Horton (Glamorgan), Harrison Ward (Sussex)

Brief history Cricket has always been played at St Edward’s, with the earliest recorded results dating back to 1873. The 1st XI ground lies less than a mile from the centre of Oxford and hosted

its first National Counties fixture for over 25 years in July 2018. The Martyrs Pavilion was designed by awardwinning architect John Pawson

Cultural cricketers Kenneth Grahame (author), John Woodcock (cricket journalist and former Wisden editor)

Finest moment on the field

Winning the John Harvey Cup for four consecutive years (2013-16) Recent progress The development of both a winter programme and a girls’ cricket programme. Cricket is now o ered to more pupils than ever before due to the indoor facilities and the coaching provided by Dave Simpkins. Girls enjoy regular winter training, an ever-improving summer provision and strong links with Southern Vipers

Future plans To cater for more pupils throughout the winter. The school’s link with Gecko Cricket will allow more cricketers to access the facilities, including MCC Foundation and Oxfordshire Bulls/Falcons

Tours Recent tours have included Barbados, Sri Lanka and South Africa. April 2025 will see the inaugural girls and boys 1st XI trip

match o the final delivery

Cricketers of note Adam Hollioake, Ben Hollioake, Will Jacks (England and Surrey), Tim O’Gorman (Derbyshire), Matt Church (Worcestershire)

Brief history St George’s

College was founded in 1869 by a Belgian Catholic order of priests. Initially in Croydon, the school moved to Weybridge in 1884 and became coeducational in 1998. The school has a strong cricketing history, dating back to PGH Fender (Surrey and England) who attended St George’s pre-WWI Cultural cricketers Richard Moore (head of MI5), James Tindall (Olympic hockey player)

What sets the school apart?

The school’s ground sta provide students with the best facilities Finest moment on the field In 2022/23, the girls’ 1st XI defeated two boys’ 3rd XI teams, winning each

Recent progress The girls’ 1st XI is playing at an incredibly high standard, leading to an increase in participation and more girls playing boys’ cricket. The school has looked to introduce more hardball girls’ cricket, starting with U12B

Future plans Develop a Girls’ Cricket Week, start a B-team cup competition to expose more pupils to competitive cricket and a festival for those new to hardball cricket (boys or girls), and install a new astroturf wicket over the next two years

Tours Easter trip to La Manga alternating with a UK-based tour

Will Jacks celebrates Surrey’s 2023 County Championship victory

ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE

College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE

Established 1879

Number of pupils 420

Director of sport Seth Simmons

Head of cricket Geraint Jones (England, Gloucestershire and Kent)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB, Kirby 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, Sports Excellence XI. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14, U13, U12

Girls’ cricket Girls’ cricket is played across the junior and senior schools, with softball and hardball cricket from U9 to the 1st XI

Fixtures 80-plus matches per year, including fixtures against MCC, Tonbridge School, King’s School Canterbury, Sevenoaks School, Canterbury Academy and Band of Brothers

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

It seems fitting in an Ashes year – and such an absorbing one, at that – that a hero of the 2005 series should ascend to the position of head of cricket at St Lawrence.

Facilities Five cricket pitches (plus one o -site at Broadstairs CC), six artificial nets, two indoor nets, grass nets across the five pitches

Club/county a liation Kent CCC, Sandwich Town CC, Canterbury CC, Broadstairs CC, Whitstable CC, Chestfield CC

Best prospects Duncan Moore is involved with Kent’s academy and regularly plays for the 2nd XI

Former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones took over the post in September, but acknowledges the “amazing job” that predecessor Seth Simmons (who has stepped up to director of sport) has done to establish the school’s cricket programme.

“Seth has set an incredible foundation, so it’s about carrying on his good work,” said Jones, lauding Simmons’ passion, drive and vision.

“For such a small school in relative terms, we have to get as many of the players’ skill levels up as we can. Over the course of the winter, all of the training sessions and the extra training sessions that Seth has put on – for both boys

Cricketers of note Geraint Jones, Kalea Moore (South East Stars, Southern Brave and Kent)

Brief history The earliest surviving photograph of cricket at St Lawrence dates back to 1882. In 1897, land was acquired for a cricket pitch, which remains the main school sports field. The school’s most successful year to date was in 1927 under the captaincy of future headmaster R Prefect.

and girls – is why we’ve got into the top 100.”

Equality is clearly as important to St Lawrence as quality, when it comes to the cricket on o er.

“Every single girl from year seven until year 10 does cricket. At the same time, we have boys’ and girls’ cricket going on in the same sessions. When it comes to the summer, I want to make sure that the girls get that same quality of coaching,” Jones says.

“We’ve had some real success stories. In our under-15s team that [went] to the national finals, five of the girls are in the Kent pathways system. We want to maintain that. There’s a balance, to make sure they don’t feel forced and there’s enjoyment for it.

“But we’ve got good kids who will commit to cricket and are enthusiastic towards it – that’s a big bonus.”

Jones is not the only familiar face on

Cricket has continued to grow over the last century and school runs a very extensive cricket programme What sets the school apart? St Lawrence hosts a very successful cricket week for both the boys and girls 1st XIs in the last week of June. The money raised pays for new bowling machines, winter training equipment, September cricket matches and more. The school has a 100-hour programme for cricket scholars, meaning they train for 100 hours before the outdoor season starts. The programme is recognised as one of the best in Kent

Finest moment on the field In 1927, R Prefect scored the only double century in the school’s history while playing against Hythe CC

Recent progress The development of girls’ cricket throughout the junior and senior school, with five pupils now at county level. St Lawrence’s girls’ teams regularly reach the finals of national competitions

Future plans Continued investment in the school’s sports facilities, developing the already extensive winter programme, and strengthening links with Kent CCC and St Benedicts (South Africa), with whom St Lawrence has an exchange scheme Tours U13 tour to Birmingham and Nottingham (July 2023) www.slcuk.com

hand to share their wisdom with the pupils at St Lawrence; the school regularly runs ‘masterclasses’ from other ex or current professionals, with current and former Kent players Ryan Davies, Alamgir Sheriyar, Imran Qayyum and Tawanda Muyeye running sessions on wintry Wednesday evenings.

“It’s good for the kids to hear a di erent voice, and see that skill level,” Jones says.

So what next? With the cricket programme so well established, Jones now has the opportunity to push on further. Appreciating that cricket in non-fee paying schools is generally on a downward trajectory, he understands the moral obligation that schools like St Lawrence have to promote the game in their locality

“One thing I want to do is expand what we do in the community, including the local grammar and state schools. That might be arranging fun six or eight-a-side tournaments – we’re fortunate at St Lawrence, because the facilities we’ve got are unbelievable. So community engagement is something I’d like to do more of.”

Geraint Jones Head of cricket

ST PETER’S SCHOOL, YORK 13–18

Queen Anne’s Rd, York, YO30 7WA

Established 627

Number of pupils 1100

Master in charge Gareth Sharp (head of cricket)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, Development XI, U15AB, U14AB

Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14

Girls’ cricket There are three teams across the senior school

Fixtures The school plays 20-25 fixtures per week from U9 to U18 (boys and girls). A clash against Pocklington, dating back 120 years, is the highlight of the calendar

Facilities Two sports halls, eight bowling machines, eight-lane artificial net area, 10 grass nets, three turf grounds with covers and one artificial  ground

Club/county a liation St Peter’s share their facilities with York CC and have links to University of York CC, who do winter training at the school Best prospects Wills Bennison is a talented top-order batter and handy leg-spin bowler who has represented Yorkshire’s 2nd XI for the past two years despite being just 16 Cricketers of note Jonny Bairstow (England and Yorkshire), Norman Yardley (England and Yorkshire), Steven Coverdale (Northamptonshire), Frank Mitchell (England and Yorkshire), David Kirby

(Leicestershire)

Brief history St Peter’s is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school (2-18) in the heart of York. The first recorded cricket match was in 1853 when the school XI played Pocklington, a rivalry which stills runs strong to this day. Cricket lies at the centre of the sporting calendar in summer term, with matches played against the stunning backdrops of York Minster and the River Ouse Cultural cricketers Harry Gration (broadcaster), Greg Wise (actor), John Barry (composer)

Finest moment on the field The U17 Development side reached the last eight of the 2023 Cricket Paper Cup. Alex Wood scored 105 runs o just 45 balls in a T20 match in 2023 while Alex Jenkins completed five stumpings in a match against an Australian touring side

Recent progress The girls’ programme continues to go from strength to strength. The school runs an U12 Super-8s competition and from 2024, there will be a girls’ cricket festival to mirror the boys’, featuring Repton, Epsom and Bradfield

Future plans Two Merlyn bowling machines are arriving in 2024 and a dedicated indoor facility is in the pipeline, subject to planning permission Tours U14 and U15 training camp to Desert Springs and the Arch Trophy Abu Dhabi tournament (both 2024). Training camps have previously been held in Spain and across the UK

STAMFORD SCHOOL

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

Established 1532

Number of pupils 1252

Master in charge Tom Brett (director of cricket), Michael O’Connor (head of girls’ cricket)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, age-group sides down to U8 Girls: 1st XI, age-group sides down to U8

Girls’ cricket Stamford, one of the leading independent schools for girls’ cricket, has an extensive coaching programme and fixture list from year 5 upwards. There are three teams per year group, with both weekly and Saturday fixtures plus national competitions

Fixtures 150-200 matches in the summer term, with notable fixtures against MCC (1st XI), Bedford and Repton

Facilities Six outdoor astroturf nets, two astroturf surfaces for middle practice, four indoor cricket nets, four pitches, and an array of bowling machines

Club/county

Year 13) is a powerful batter and right-arm seamer in Leicestershire’s academy. Allrounder Ellie Rowley (Year 9) represents Leicestershire and The Blaze academy

Cricketers of note Shan Masood (Pakistan, Derbyshire and Yorkshire), Joey Evison (Kent and Nottinghamshire), Zak Chappell (Leicestershire and Derbyshire), Josh Hull (Leicestershire)

Brief history Cricket was one of the first sports to be taught at Stamford and was played as early as 1771. Organised games came into fashion in the 19th century and by 1885, the school had its own ground, which has since been expanded

Cultural cricketers MJK Smith (England cricket and rugby) What sets the school apart? The

a liation Lincolnshire CCC and Burghley Park CC use the indoor facilities while the school has a blossoming relationship with The Blaze

Best prospects Jake Tarling (below,

coaching programme is split into three key areas, beginning with a focus on foundational sporting skills and developing a love of the game before shifting to technical skills and tactical awareness as pupils progress up the school. However, the school’s overarching focus is developing a healthy attitude towards physical activity, with the ethos ‘turn up and join in!’

Finest moment on the field 1st XI were unbeaten against Bedford in 2023, the U15 girls reached the national final of the ECB Indoor Schools competition, and Stamford won the Hayes Smith Trophy against Oakham School

Recent progress Cricket is increasingly popular at Stamford with notable growth at U15 level and more pupils selecting cricket as their summer option

Future plans A winter academy so local schools can enjoy masterclassstyle sessions and benefit from Stamford’s facilities Tours India (March 2024)

STOWE SCHOOL

Stowe, Buckingham, MK18 5EH

Established 1923

Number of pupils 920 Master in charge

James Knott (Surrey and Bedfordshire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U17A, U15ABC, U14ABCD. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14

Stratford CC, and Dinton CC

Girls’ cricket There are three girls’ teams who train three times and play one match per week

Fixtures 20-plus fixtures per season, including matches against touring sides and MCC. Stowe contest the Silk Trophy, with Eton and Shrewsbury, and host Harrow and Malvern for a 100-ball festival

Facilities Four lanes of indoor nets, an array of bowling machines, one Bola fielding machine, 11 lanes of turf nets, 10 lanes of astroturf nets, seven turf squares

Club/county a liation Strong links with Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire plus Buckingham Town CC, Stony

Best prospects Aadi Sharma was Northamptonshire’s academy player of the year (2022) and regularly plays for the 2nd XI Cricketers of note Ben Duckett (England, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire), Graeme White (Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire), Mark Nelson, Ben Howgego, Rob White (all Northamptonshire), Sean Morris (Hampshire)

Brief history Stowe opened with its first 99 pupils in 1923, with the school becoming co-educational in 2003. A partnership with the National Trust has helped maintain the grounds while the 1st and 2nd XI squares sit either side of what was once the palace of the Dukes of Buckingham What sets the school apart?

Stowe School is one of the most picturesque settings for cricket in the world, with former England selector Ed Smith describing it as his favourite school ground. The school has a comprehensive year-round training programme, which focuses

on individual player development and covers technique, fitness, and the tactical and mental aspects of cricket Finest moment on the field

Winning the Silk Trophy in 2021 –going into the final day, three teams could have won the title before Stowe clinched the trophy in a rain-a ected match

Recent progress In 2022/23, Stowe won the National U17 Plate trophy and David Capel Cup. Girls’

cricket has grown considerably, now including pre-season and 1:1 coaching as well as squad sessions

Future plans Four lanes of astroturf nets and new netting for the turf nets are being installed. Plans have been drawn up for an indoor cricket centre Tours 1st XI goes on tour every three years, most recently to Cape Town (February 2023). The U15A won a tournament in La Manga (2023), which will become an annual tour

We are Change Makers

James Knott Master in charge

TAUNTON SCHOOL

Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD

Established 1847

Number of pupils 620

Master in charge Peter Sanderson

Professional Marcus Trescothick (England and Somerset), Dave Roberts (Northamptonshire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB

Girls’ cricket The programme is split into two groups: high performance, which has supported the development of a number of Western Storm academy players, and fun cricket. Cricket sessions run throughout summer and winter and girls can play in the boys’ teams

Fixtures Notable matches include Millfield, Clifton, Sherborne, King’s College and MCC

Facilities 12 grass net pitches, 15 artificial nets including seven indoor lanes, six main squares, ‘rabbit’ pitches for softball matches, three bowling machines, a main hall for indoor hardball games

THE BISHOP’S STORTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

London Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3LU

Established 1950

Number of pupils 1200

Master in charge Matthew Hale

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U16, U15ABC, U14AB, U13AB, U12ABC

Fixtures 75 per season, including matches against MCC, Bishop’s Stortford College, The Perse, Bancroft’s, King’s Ely, Elizabeth College (Guernsey) and Guernsey Cricket Board Facilities Indoor sports hall with a four-lane net facility, separate o -site facility at Jobber’s Wood with a pavilion, main grass square, two newlyreplaced artificial pitches. The school also uses the Herts & Essex Cricket Centre (HECC) indoor facility in Sawbridgeworth Club/county a liation Hertfordshire,

Club/county a liation Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset and Devon.

Somerset’s academy and youth teams use the school’s facilities and county coaches assist with school sessions

Best prospects Oscar Coleman made his Somerset 2nd XI debut in 2023, Brooke Oliver-Whittaker represents Somerset, and Alice Robbins is in Western Storm’s academy

Cricketers of note Tom Abell (Somerset), Jodie Dibble (England,

Cambridgeshire, West Essex, Bishop’s Stortford CC and HECC

Best prospects Year seven pupil

Harry Wren is a top-order batter and right-arm medium pacer, representing West Essex and Harlow CC

Somerset and Western Storm) Aftab Habib (England, Middlesex, Essex and Leicestershire), John Jameson (England and Warwickshire), John Cameron (West Indies)

Brief history Taunton School was established in 1847 and merged with Weirfield School in 1976, becoming co-educational in the process. Sport is a major part of school life, with Tom Abell its best product. Peter Sanderson runs cricket from year

three to senior level and since his appointment in 2016, the number of pupils involved with school teams and county age-groups has increased Cultural cricketers Geo rey Cox (Conservative MP), Alan Gibson (cricket writer), Jeremy Wright (attorney general)

What sets the school apart?

The enthusiasm for cricket across the sta , the school’s strong links with Somerset, and the commitment to ensuring all pupils have access to the same facilities and coaching regardless of ability

Finest moment on the field Tom Abell scoring 1,156 runs in a school season. In 2023, Taunton beat King’s School for the first time in 20 years while the girls’ team reached the regional indoor finals

Recent progress Additional lanes have allowed for a greater mix of drilling skills and traditional net practices

Future plans Outdoor facilities in the prep school so there is a fully artificial area for winter and summer use in both schools

Tours Arch Tournament in Dubai plus a pre-season trip to London

Brief history Sport became a focus at Bishop’s Stortford, a state comprehensive school, under Ian Shaw in the 1980s. A sports hall with four nets opened in 1985, followed by a pavilion (1995) and a purpose- built facility at Jobber’s Wood (2001), all of which has contributed to increased participation and an extensive fixture card

Cultural cricketers

Greg James (radio DJ)

What sets the school apart?

The school’s focus is on promoting high levels of participation. Sta across the school, regardless of academic discipline, support the

cricket programme and older pupils are encouraged to work with newer/ young pupils to develop their game Finest moment on the field Bishop’s Stortford defeated MCC in June 2016 despite many senior players, including the captain, opening bowler, and top run-scorer, being unavailable due to exams. An inexperienced XI restricted MCC to 180 for 6

Recent progress Participation continues to rise, with additional before school sessions introduced to cater for demand in year seven. The annual year nine tour to Guernsey involved 39 players across three

teams while tours to Dubai and Sri Lanka have also been successfully launched. The biggest achievement, however, is the number of pupils joining local clubs and becoming fully engaged in cricket

Future plans A project to move the HECC to Jobber’s Wood is progressing well, with the relocation improving access to a high-quality training complex and the associated coaching sta , while the school is due to move to a new site in 2024. More C and D teams are in the pipeline as is establishing a biennial tour to Sri Lanka Tours Dubai and Sri Lanka (summer 2023), annual tour to Guernsey

THE CANTERBURY ACADEMY

Knight Avenue, Canterbury, CT2 8QA

Established 2010

Number of pupils 2400

Master in charge Phil Relf

Professional David Fulton (Kent)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15, U13

Girls’ cricket A number of senior girls participate in the schools’ cricket academy programme (sixth form) while pupils are also involved in the junior cricket groups

Fixtures Around 30 matches per year, including pre-season friendlies against Tonbridge School and Whitgift School

Facilities The school uses facilities at Polo Farm Sports Club and St Lawrence & Highland Court CC Club/county a liation The school receives excellent support from Kent CCC, who provide facility and coaching support, and works closely with a number of local clubs

Best prospects Jaydn Denly, a lefthanded top-order batter and left-arm spinner, is involved in Kent’s academy,

THE HABERDASHERS’ BOYS’ SCHOOL

Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Radlett, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 3AF

Established 1690

Number of pupils 1469

Master in charge

Ryan McIntosh

Professional James Hewitt (Middlesex and Kent)

regularly playing for the 2nd XI. He made his senior debut in the 2023

One-Day Cup, featuring five times

Cricketers of note Ryan Davies (Kent, Somerset, and Durham), Alexa Stonehouse (England U19s, South East Stars and Trent Rockets)

Brief history In 2014, the school set

expand; six grass nets, nine artificial nets, two-lane indoor cricket centre with instant replay and video analysis system

Club/county a liation Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Radlett CC, Exeter CC, Sidmouth CC

Best prospects Atharv Sharma, a top-order batter and left-arm spin bowler, currently plays for Middlesex

Under-13s

Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U15ABCD, U14ABCD, U13ABCDE, U12ABCDEF

Girls’ cricket Despite being an allboys school, coaching opportunities are o ered to pupils at Habs’ Girls’, with 40-plus now regularly training and eight playing for the boys’ teams

Fixtures The school play 250plus fixtures per year, with notable matches against Haileybury, Magdalen College, Merchant Taylors’ and Devon CCC. An annual fixture against the Fraser Bird XI is the highlight of the calendar

Facilities Three grass squares and two astroturf wickets, with plans to

Cricketers of note Richard Yeabsley (Middlesex), Tom Colverd (Cambridge MCCU)

Brief history Sport is an integral part of school life at Habs, with all students provided with opportunities to participate. Cricket is a priority sport in the summer term and is incredibly popular thanks to the school’s excellent indoor facilities. Cricket begins in the prep school at U9 and is played throughout the year

Cultural cricketers Manoj Badale (co-owner of Rajasthan Royals) What sets the school apart? The combination of cricket and academia. Students at Habs commit fully to both

up its sixth form cricket academy to provide an alternative pathway for committed cricketers. It started with one pupil and now boasts 27. Since first fielding a team in 2014, the school now regularly features in the latter stages of the county cup, winning at U13 in 2018 and 2022, and prides

itself on ensuring every student has a positive cricket experience

What sets the school apart?

Canterbury Academy is one of only a few state schools in the southeast providing an intensive cricket programme, including daily training sessions which encompass technical, tactical, mental and physical development. The school’s sixth form programme is available to committed players at no cost and enables them to access high-quality facilities and coaching

Finest moment on the field Being recognised by schools such as Tonbridge and Whitgift in pre-season friendlies

Recent progress Canterbury Academy’s sixth form programme continues to provide cricketing opportunities for an increasing number of pupils. The school are the current holders of The Cricketer TCS100 title having defended the trophy in April 2023

Future plans Funds are being raised to install a purpose-built astroturf outdoor cricket net on site

Tours Desert Springs (2023) as part of The Cricketer 100 competition

Finest moment on the field In 2022, Habs defeated St Albans School in a two-day match, sealing the win in the final over of the second day. Ashish Padki finished with match figures of 10 for 70 from 43 overs. Other notable matches include a touring game at the Test ground in Galle and a T20 fixture against Merchant Taylors’ on the Nursery Ground at Lord’s (2015) Recent progress The number of boys (and girls) playing cricket is a source of great pride – over 80 year seven boys regularly attend after

school practice and the indoor and outdoor nets are in regular use throughout the year. Further up the school, Habs now boast five senior teams

Future plans Installing new grass nets, further development of the fixture calendar, and strengthening the school’s relationship with Middlesex CCC, with the plan of becoming a youth girls’ hub

Tours Annual Devon tour and a major overseas tour every two or three years

Ryan McIntosh Master in charge

Alexa Stonehouse appearing for England U19s

THE JUDD SCHOOL

Brook Street, Tonbridge, TN9 2PN

Established 1888

Number of pupils 1500

Master in charge Ralph Richardson

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABCD, U12ABCDEF

Girls’ cricket Girls join Judd School in the sixth form and those interested can join the senior sides

Fixtures Approximately 100, including matches against MCC, Skinners’ School, Sevenoaks School, Sutton Valence School, and Caterham

Facilities Artificial strip, eight artificial nets, and a four-lane indoor sports hall net on site plus access to two grass cricket squares (with one artificial strip), roll-out artificial strip and five artificial nets o site

Club/county a liation Invicta Cricket, who run several district sides as well as providing coaching and training opportunities

Best prospects Ekansh Singh regularly plays for Kent’s 2nd XI and was the school’s leading run-scorer on a recent tour to Barbados,

THE KING’S SCHOOL, CHESTER

Wrexham Road, Chester, CH4 7QL

Established 1541

Number of pupils 762

Master in charge Mark Baker

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB. Girls: U14, U13, U12AB

Girls’ cricket Cricket is a main summer sport, with regular training, mid-week and Saturday matches, and festivals. Both soft and hardball cricket is o ered

Fixtures 145 fixtures in 2023 – a significant increase on the previous year due to the growth of girls’ cricket. The 1st XI match against MCC is the flagship fixture

Facilities Six-lane artificial outdoor nets facility, one wheel-on mobile batting cage, four-lane indoor nets, three grass cricket squares, one artificial cricket pitch, two Bola bowling machine, multiple Joe Root academy ball feeding machines Club/county a liation Cheshire Cricket Board, North Wales Cricket and a number of local clubs across

averaging 57 and scoring a century in the second match

Cricketers of note David Fulton, Julian Thompson (both Kent) Brief history Cricket has been played at Judd School since it was established in 1888 and remains the main summer sport. The school’s

Cheshire and North Wales. King’s School hosts the local MCC Foundation hub

Best prospects Seam-bowling allrounder Ieuan Morris (below) plays for Cheshire U14 and has already represented the school’s 1st XI Cricketers of note Phil Salt (England, Sussex and Lancashire) Brief history Cricket has been the main summer sport at King’s since the school moved to its current site in the early 1960s. As the school has grown, so too have the cricket facilities and resources, with a profound positive impact on the North Wales school cricket scene.

main objective is to develop a love for playing the game, with as much pride in those pupils who go on to play club cricket as those who progress to a higher representative level. The school aims to provide opportunities for all abilities to represent the school in fixtures and on overseas tours

Cultural cricketers Cecil Powell (Nobel laureate)

What sets the school apart? Judd School is a state grammar school that continues to run a full Saturday fixture programme for all teams from year 7 to sixth form. The school regularly appears in the final stages of county competitions in all age groups, winning the 2022 U13 cup. A winter academy attracts as many as 90 pupils while there are tours at both senior and intermediate level

Finest moment on the field

Reaching the semi-final of the U13 National ESCA David English Cup (2010)

Recent progress The number of pupils training and playing in matches is reassuring to see

Future plans A 10-lane facility with retractable nets has been proposed to replace the current nets. The school hopes to initiate fixtures against local district sides to help develop and challenge the more talented players and introduce an IPL-style franchise tournament for U13 and U12 teams

Tours A five-match tour to Barbados (February 2023), junior tour to Dubai (February 2024)

An annual fixture against MCC has long been the highlight of the summer sporting calendar Cultural cricketers Lewis (TV economist), Ronald Pickup (actor), Nicholas Grace (actor), Jonathan Samuels (journalist) What sets the school apart?

King’s take a leading role in driving the development of girls’ cricket across the region, hosting girls’ cricket festivals and actively pushing the growth of girls’ cricket amongst other schools thanks to director of cricket Mark Baker’s involvement in the Cheshire Schools Cricket Association

Finest moment on the field

Winning the 1st XI cricket festival at AKS Lytham

Recent progress The development of girls’ cricket has been outstanding in 2023, with a

significant participation drive in the summer term, including hosting an U12 cricket festival

Future plans A new Taraflex sports hall surface has been laid ready for the 2023/24 winter programme, delivering umpiring training to upskill students, and a continued focus on girls’ cricket, including growing partnerships with local clubs and introducing more hardball cricket

Tours 1st XI tour to Blackpool for AKS Lytham festival (June 2023), U12/U13 tour to East Midlands (June 2024), senior cricket tour to Sri Lanka (July 2025)

Martin

director Baker’s

THE LEYS

Fen Causeway, Cambridge, CB2 7AD

Established 1875

Number of pupils 575

Master in charge Richard Kaufman Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABC Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U13ABC

Girls’ cricket The school runs seven girls’ teams and reached the final of the National U15 School Sport Magazine T20 competition in 2018 Fixtures 18, including matches against MCC, Felsted, Ipswich, Framlingham and Free Foresters. The season finishes with a festival against St Paul’s, Fettes, and Monkton Combe Facilities Purpose-built two-lane indoor school, two bowling machines, two grass cages, six outdoor artificial lanes (erected in 2018), four grass squares

Club/county a liation Northamptonshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Su olk, and Sunrisers, hosting a preseason fixture for the latter in 2023

Best prospects Sixth form pupil Noah Thain, an opening batter and

THE MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Old Hall Lane, Manchester, M13 0XT

Established 1515

Number of pupils 1394

Master in charge Mike Watkinson (England and Lancashire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U16, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12AB, U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABCD, U8ABCD plus development teams

seam bowler, made his Essex 1st XI debut in 2023, making one first-class and six List A appearances, and has also represented Cambridgeshire Cricketers of note Justin Benson (Ireland and Leicestershire), Andrew Bramley (Northamptonshire 2nd XI)

Brief history The Leys was established in February 1875, with

Club/county a liation Lancashire, Cheshire

Best prospects Corey and Rocky Flinto , sons of former Lancashire and England allrounder Andrew, are both involved with Lancashire’s academy Cricketers of note

Mike Atherton (England and Lancashire, below), John Crawley (England, Lancashire and Hampshire), Mark Chilton (Lancashire), George Bell (Lancashire and England U19)

cricket introduced in the second term, and produced several first-class cricketers before WWI, including Bernard Holloway, who played for Sussex and was a member of the first MCC tour to the West Indies. The school, which sits at the heart of Cambridge next to the river Cam, has strong links with a number of first-

class counties and women’s regional side Sunrisers

What sets the school apart? The Leys continues to punch above its weight, with the 1st XI, U16 boys, U18 girls and U15 girls all reaching the latter stages of county and national competitions in the past five years Finest moment on the field The U15 girls reaching the final of the School Sports T20 competition in 2018, losing to Millfield in the final. The 1st XI boys won the regional T20 in 2017 and 2019

Recent progress The continued development of girls cricket at The Leys has been especially pleasing. Former Southern Brave, Sussex and Southern Vipers wicketkeeper Carla Rudd was appointed director of sport ahead of the 2022/23 academic year and runs the girls’ 1st XI

Future plans To live stream all home fixtures on the 1st XI square and to continue with the development of the Essex Schools League, which includes Framlingham, Brentwood, RHS, Felsted and Ipswich and is run by Essex CCC

Tours Girls’ tour to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (February 2024)

What sets the school apart?

Fixtures Each A team plays around 30 fixtures per year, with notable matches against Shrewsbury, Sedbergh, Trent College and MCC. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in B, C and development team cricket and more internal fixtures

Facilities Purpose-built sports hall with four nets (opened in 2015 by Mike Atherton), three grass spaces (1st XI, intermediate and junior), six grass practice pitches, four outdoor artificial practice nets, two astroturf match pitches. Covers are available for all outdoor pitches

Brief history Since the school moved out from the city centre to a new site in Fallowfield surrounded by pitches during the 1930s, the school has developed a strong cricketing heritage and is immensely proud of the players it has produced Cultural cricketers

Herbert Toft (England rugby union), Robert Crawshaw (water polo – Olympic gold medallist), Douglas Lowe (athletics – Olympic gold medallist)

Every boy is important and can develop as a cricketer, irrespective of their talent – that is the school’s philosophy. Despite not o ering sports scholarships nor actively recruiting promising players, MGS has an excellent record of producing cricketers who go on to play county and international cricket. An elite performers programme enables talented sportsmen to realise their potential with the provision of bespoke training programmes. However, the

emphasis remains on sport for all and encouraging a lifelong love of cricket Finest moment on the field Being crowned U15 national champions in 2015 and reaching the national finals at U18 and U13 in 2023

Recent progress Increasing participation across the school and the achievements of teams and individuals, of which there are too many to list! Future plans Plans are in place for a new cricket pavilion and sixth form centre

Tours The senior team recently took part in the Arch Trophy in the UAE. Previous tours have taken the school to South Africa

Mike Watkinson Master in charge

THE PERSE SCHOOL

Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8QF

Established 1615

Number of pupils 1250

Master in charge Glenn Kirkham, Sean Park (head of cricket)

Professional Jason Coleman (Parramatta CC)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABC. Girls: 1st XI, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABC, indoor – U15, U13 Girls’ cricket Cricket is o ered to all age-groups, both hardball and softball, with pre-season training beginning in January. Matches are played across 14 teams, with considerable success in the Lady Taverners indoor tournament and Schools Magazine National Cup Fixtures Over 190, including matches against MCC, The Leys, Haileybury and Bedford School’s T10 festival.

The boys 1st XI play around 18 fixtures while the girls’ 1st XI have 13 fixtures, including playing MCC Ladies

Facilities Six artificial nets, a roll-on cage, six indoor nets, three grounds

Club/county a liation

Cambridgeshire, Essex, Foxton Granta CC, Sa ron Walden CC, Sawston CC, Thriplow CC

Best prospects Bella Howarth made her Essex debut at 15 and is involved with The Blaze academy. May Busher and Lulu Harding are on Sunrisers’ EPP programme

Cricketers of note Michael Pepper (Essex), Zaman Akhter (Gloucestershire)

Brief history

The earliest recorded match at The Perse was in 1856 and by 1884, regular fixtures were taking place against local village sides.

The MCC fixture was added to the calendar in the 1960s while the first

overseas tour took place in 1983. In 2013, the school became one of the first in the country to introduce girls’ cricket across the year groups

Cultural cricketers Ronald DW Norrish (Nobel prize winner). Mark Saggers (journalist)

What sets the school apart? Two dozen teams are fielded across the upper school, providing equal opportunity for both boys and girls to play cricket for the school while maintaining outstanding academic results

Finest moment on the field In 2006, the 1st XI won a record 14 games in a row and were ranked in the top 10 schools in the Wisden Almanack

Recent progress Over 40 pupils are involved with county pathways while the school enjoys regular success in county and national competitions

Future plans A new sports centre is due to open in September 2024, which would improve winter coaching and allow cricket to be an option during Michaelmas term. To introduce alternative formats to cater for demand, especially at B and C-team level

Tours Annual 1st XI tour with Durham School, Newcastle Boys School and Merchant Taylors’ Crosby, U15 MCS Oxford T20 festival, Sri Lanka (2024)

THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL

St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9PG

Established 1887

Number of pupils 1132

Master in charge Will Burrows

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABCD

Fixtures Around 125 fixtures across a variety of formats. Notable fixtures include MCC, Brighton Grammar School (Melbourne), Band of Brothers and The Forty Club

Facilities A sports hall with five indoor nets, two Bola bowling machines and video analysis, main cricket square with nine match pitches and five practice pitches, one roll-on cage, two artificial wickets, £160,000 enclosed net facility which includes five retractable nets and space for indoor games and fielding practice

Club/county a liation Tunbridge Wells CC, Linden Park CC, and Southborough CC. Tunbridge Wells use the school’s indoor facilities during the winter and make their nets available to pupils during the summer Best prospects

century. Since the construction of the original building back in 1887, further building has taken place in order to accommodate the current school roll, including a £2.7m sports hall opened in 2012

Cultural cricketers Peter Carter (diplomat)

What sets the school apart?

Skinners’ 1st XI play their high-profile matches at the Nevill Ground in Tunbridge Wells, where Kapil Dev scored 175 in the 1983 World Cup against Zimbabwe. Despite being a state school, a full cricket schedule, with midweek and weekend matches, is maintained thanks to the commitment of academic sta . Participation, enjoyment and inclusion are core values

Finest moment on the field Being able to field C and D teams, which highlight the huge interest in cricket at Skinners’

Recent progress More students are continuing to play beyond U14/ U15, unlike in previous years when there has been a noticeable drop-o . There is such a passion for cricket that the school no longer has any issues in fulfilling its fixture card – the challenge now is ensuring there are

Jacob enough matches!

Tully, an U14 seam bowler with good pace and a solid middle-order batter Cricketers of note Bob Woolmer (England and Kent), Phil Edmonds (England and Middlesex)

Brief history Although only 136 years old, Skinners’ is connected to the distinguished London Livery company of the same name, which goes back to the 14th

TIFFIN SCHOOL

Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6RL

Established 1880

Number of pupils 1200

Master in charge Martin Williams

Professional Kapilan Balasubramaniam

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U16, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCDE, U12ABCDE

Girls’ cricket Girls join Ti n School in the sixth form and the programme remains in its infancy

Fixtures 11-15 on Saturdays plus cup and mid-week fixtures. The most notable fixture is against MCC but the school regularly hosts touring sides, including HCC from Den Haag (Netherlands) and an Indian team in 2023

Facilities Five squares (two at the school, three by arrangement with Old Ti nians), four indoor nets, eight outdoor artificial nets Club/county a liation Surrey CCC and a number of local clubs

(Surrey and Middlesex), Chris Aworth (Surrey), David Ottley (Middlesex), Gregor Kennis (Surrey and Somerset), Arun Harinath (Surrey, Leicestershire, and Hampshire)

Brief history The Brigadier Harper, the former headmaster who always considered cricket to be a way of life, was responsible for putting cricket on the map at the school and purchased the Grist’s ground playing fields at Hampton Court in the 1960s. A hugely popular sport, cricket is played before, during and after school at Ti n

Cultural cricketers JeanChristophe Grey (political advisor), Gethin Anthony (actor), Jonnie Lee Miller (actor)

What sets the school apart? Ti n is a highly successful state grammar school where cricket plays a major role in the development of pupils. The commitment of the sta and enthusiasm of the pupils are second to none

Future plans A sports leadership programme started in September 2023 with the ambition of sending pupils to local schools and clubs to deliver cricket sessions – 20 students have signed up. The school are also looking into delivering disability cricket sessions

Tours U15 tour to UAE (Easter 2023)

Best prospects Kajus Sayed is an aggressive batter with excellent technique who plays regularly for the 1st XI and has represented Surrey State Schools in the annual Hobbs Trophy for the past two years

Cricketers of note Alec Stewart (England and Surrey), Mark Feltham

Finest moment on the field The loss to Kingston Grammar School in 1974. Chris Aworth scored a century in a score of over 300 only to be overhauled by KGS. The roar could be heard for miles! Also defeating MCC on a number of occasions

Recent progress Touring has been introduced for all age-groups and more matches have been added at C, D and E level. Groundsman James Bourgeois has made a huge di erence since his appointment

Tours U14 and U15 sides visited Dubai in February 2023 while the U12 and U13 sides spent three days playing at Exeter CC and Budleigh Salterton. In 2024, Ti n School will tour Bath and the Netherlands

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL

High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP

Established 1553

Number of pupils 800

Master in charge Rob Stephen

Professional Ian Baldock (Kent 2nd XI), Richie Oliver (Worcestershire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, 6th XI, U16AB, U15ABCD, U14ABCDE

Fixtures Notable fixtures include a two-day game against Bedford, the Cowdrey Cup against Radley, Eton, Charterhouse, Wellington and Harrow, and an annual festival, which in 2023 featured touring sides from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Facilities Seven grass squares, three astroturf wickets, 10 grass nets, 10 artificial nets, five indoor nets

Club/county a liation Kent CCC, Surrey CCC, Essex CCC, Tunbridge Wells CC, Sevenoaks Vine CC, Linden Park CC, Tonbridge CC, Southborough CC, Cowdrey CC

Cricketers of note Colin Cowdrey (England, MCC and Kent), Graham Cowdrey (Kent), Roger Prideaux

TRENT COLLEGE

Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 4AD

Established 1871

Number of pupils 824

Master in charge Scott Boswell, Bethan Gammon (head of girls’ cricket)

Professional Connor Marshall

(England and Kent), Richard Ellison (England and Kent), Ed Smith (England, Middlesex and Kent), Zak Crawley (England and Kent), Marcus O’Riordan (Kent), Toby Pettman (Nottinghamshire)

Brief history Cricket was being played at Tonbridge School as early as 1851 while its first inter-school match was against Brighton College in 1856. Since then, the school has produced many fine cricketers, including a number of recent internationals. The season is shaped by the Cowdrey Cup blocks which run throughout

local primary schools

the summer, the Bedford two-day match, and a cricket festival against international teams to bring the curtain down on the school year. The position of the 1st XI pitch in the centre of the school, right beside the chapel, has helped to maintain the popularity and success of the game Cultural cricketers Tim Rice-Oxley, Dominic Scott, Richard Hughes, Tom Chaplin (all musicians – Keane), Andy Zaltzman (Test Match Special statistician)

What sets the school apart? The Old Tonbridgians have won The

Cricketer Cup 16 times, the most of any school, and reached the final on another six occasions. They are also the only school to lift the title three years in a row – a fine demonstration of the strength of cricket at the school Finest moment on the field

The school’s recent success in the Cowdrey Cup, notably being crowned champions in 2022. The 1st XI were unbeaten during their cup run – in all, they lost just one match in all competitions – and recorded impressive away wins at Eton and Harrow

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABC, U12ABCDE. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14, U13, U12

Best prospects Freddie McCann, a left-handed batter and o -spin bowler, made his Nottinghamshire 2nd XI debut in 2022 and nailed down a regular spot in the 2nd XI Championship the following year Cricketers of note Fateh Landa (Nottinghamshire), Mitch Wagsta (Derbyshire), Sarah Glenn (England Women, The Blaze, and London Spirit) Noel Gie (Nottinghamshire), Ben Spendlove (Derbyshire)

Girls’ cricket The school runs five teams across the age groups

Fixtures Over 120 per year, including a hotly-anticipated clash with Repton

Facilities Five squares, 12 grass wickets (which can be used as nets), and five indoor lanes Club/county a liation Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and several local clubs. Trent College also hosts a festival for 16

Trent College boasts 22 teams across the age groups and live by the ‘3 Ps’ philosophy: participation, progression and performance. In the past Derbyshire held a number of John Player League matches at the college and it remains a popular venue for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s 2nd XIs

representing the school in weekend matches

Finest moment on the field The past five years have seen great success for the college in national competitions, many pupils are involved in county pathways, and even more are staying in the game after leaving Trent College

Recent progress Over 60 boys and girls were involved in an U15 tour to Dubai while the college also participated in an U15 festival alongside four other schools. There was a successful U12 tour to York while the 2nd XI enjoyed a tour to Durham

What sets the school apart? Trent College has amazing facilities in beautiful grounds and the students are involved in cricket in many di erent capacities, from playing to umpiring and scoring. Being in close proximity to two first-class counties (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) gives students a clear pathway into the professional ranks. What has been  particularly pleasing in recent years is the number of pupils, boys and girls,

Future plans Trent College are keen to expand their touring schedule and improve the cricket facilities – a new four-lane astroturf net facility is under construction – as well as developing stronger links with local clubs and primary schools

Tours Netherlands (2024), Dubai  (2025)

Sarah Glenn signed for Brisbane Heat in the 2023/24 Women’s Big Bash

UPPINGHAM SCHOOL

High St W, Uppingham, Oakham, LE15 9QE

Established 1584

Number of pupils 850

Master in charge Rob Taylor (Leicestershire and Scotland)

Professional Trevor Ward (Kent and Leicestershire), Ian Butcher (Gloucestershire and Leicestershire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U15ABC, U14ABC. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14

Girls’ cricket Uppingham field three girls’ teams. Some girls also play alongside the boys

Fixtures Around 100 fixtures across the school, including 15-20 for the 1st XI. Notable fixtures include MCC, Oundle, Oakham, Repton, Haileybury and a two-day fixture against Shrewsbury. The U15 boys contest the Clarke Williams Trophy

Facilities Five indoor lanes, 16 grass practice pitches, an eight-lane artificial net facility, five bowling machines, and seven cricket squares.

The Upper is the school’s standalone 1st XI ground

WATFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JF

Established 1704

Number of pupils 1400

Master in charge George Moore

Professional Kumar Suraj (Jharkhand)

Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U16, U15ABCD, U14ABCD, U13ABCD, U12ABCD

Fixtures Over 140 matches, with an annual fixture against MCC.

Notable rivalries include St Albans, Haberdashers’ Boys, RGS High Wycombe, and QE Barnet

Facilities Six-lane outdoor artificial nets, four-lane indoor net facility, three grass squares (with 26 strips), two artificial strips, two grass practice strips

Club/county a liation Partnership with West Herts CC, including sharing coaching and playing facilities. The club’s overseas professional coached at Watford Grammar in 2023

Best prospects Jonah Elliott is a hard-hitting batting allrounder. He

Club/county a liation Leicestershire (the school hosts the county’s academy) and Uppingham Town CC

Best prospects Arush Buchake is a right-handed batter and wicketkeeper who has played for Northamptonshire’s 2nd XI. He was the school’s leading run-scorer in 2023 and represented Midlands in the 2021 Bunbury Festival

Cricketers of note Jonathan Agnew, James Whitaker (both England and

scored a century and picked up a fivewicket haul for the 1st XI in 2022/23 despite only being in year nine Cricketers of note Will Jones (Middlesex), Andy Needham (Middlesex and Surrey)

Brief history Cricket has been played at Watford Grammar for over 130 years and continues to be the main summer sport. Every boy participates in cricket in some form through games afternoons and inter-house cricket. The school’s pavilion – the Household Pavilion – is named after Ernest Household, a former 1st XI captain who died during WWI Cultural cricketers Alex Lozowski (England rugby union), Josh Lewsey (British & Irish Lions and England rugby union), Tobias Elliott (Saracens rugby union)

What sets the school apart?

Watford Grammar is one of the leading state schools for cricket, regularly fielding 6-10 sides every Saturday and 6-10 sides midweek against the independent schools in Hertfordshire. The school consistently reaches county finals, winning six titles in the past nine years. The sta are all committed to the

Leicestershire), Shiv Thakor (England U19, Derbyshire and Leicestershire) Brief history Cricket has been a bedrock of sport at Uppingham ever since the school acquired a 1st XI ground, The Upper, in 1828. The school has produced several cricketers of note from university level through to England. Uppingham Rovers, the school’s old boys cricket club, was established in 1863, making it one of the oldest wandering clubs in the world

Cultural cricketers Stephen Fry (actor, comedian and former MCC president)

What sets the school apart?

The winter coaching programme guarantees gifted cricketers six hours a week of cricket skills contact time, plus additional S&C and sports science support. All cricketers, regardless of ability, can attend nets in the spring term while those on county pathways can access bespoke training sessions, including one-toone coaching

Finest moment on the field In 2017, the 1st XI won nine of their 12 matches and only lost once

Recent progress Uppingham won county titles at U14 and U15 while a young 1st XI won seven of their last eight games – in all, 2023 was the school’s best season in the past five years

Future plans Rob Taylor joined Uppingham as director of cricket in September 2023 while the historic ‘Upper’ pavilion is being renovated. Expanding the school’s outreach programme is also a priority

Tours Sri Lanka and UAE (Easter 2024)

packed cricket schedule, volunteering week nights and weekends to run trainings and fixtures

Finest moment on the field The number of pupils playing cricket week in, week out. The school prioritises maximising opportunities over specific victories or titles

Recent progress Participation is booming, with a significant increase in the number of B, C and D-team fixtures to meet demand and over 100 boys involved in inter-house competitions. A full winter programme

was appreciated by the students and there has been significant investment in the school’s facilities

Future plans Developing the relationship between Watford Grammar and West Herts CC, leading to more shared coaching and facility use, and live streaming matches in 2023/24. Umpiring and scoring courses will also be explored for those interested

Tours Castle Schools Festival (2023). Previous destinations have included Barbados and Desert Springs

WELLINGTON COLLEGE

Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7PU

Established 1859

Number of pupils 1100

Master in charge Thea Brookes

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U16, U15ABC, U14ABCD. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB

Girls’ cricket Wellington has around 70 pupils playing cricket every week and a fixture list featuring 38-40 matches per season. The college enters both county and national competitions – in 2023, the U15A reached the county indoor final while the 1st XI reached the last 16 of a national 100-ball tournament

Fixtures Over 100, including matches against MCC (boys and girls), the BOWS festival with Brighton, Oakham and Sedbergh, a two-day fixture against Malvern College, and the Cowdrey Cup with Eton, Harrow, Tonbridge, Radley, and Charterhouse

Facilities Nine grounds, 14 grass nets, 14 astroturf nets, and a four-lane indoor cricket centre Club/county a liation Strong links with Middlesex, Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. South Asian Cricket Association and Cricket for Character Education use the school’s facilities Best prospects allrounder Zaara Noort plays for the girls’ 1st XI and U14A boys teams, and is involved with Surrey and South East Stars’ pathways Cricketers of note Tom Curran, Sam Curran (both England and Surrey), Ben Curran

(Northamptonshire), Ajeet Singh-Dale (Hampshire and Gloucestershire), Lissy MacLeod (Sunrisers)

Brief history Cricket has always been the main summer boys sport at Wellington, although a lack of appropriate pitches held the college back until the early 1900s. It is now a major sport for girls, too, and in 2019, the programme took another step forward with the opening of an indoor  facility

Cultural cricketers Rory Bremner (impressionist), Christopher Lee (actor), Will Young (singer)

What sets the school apart? Five pupils moved into professional cricket between 2014-2019, highlighting Wellington’s talent pathway. Links with Berkshire Women provide opportunities for promising female players Finest moment on the field

Winning the Cowdrey Cup in 2014, reaching National T20 Finals Day in 2015, and two Cricketer Cup wins (1995 and 2017)

Recent progress The girls’ 1st XI defeated MCC in their most recent meeting and a number of pupils (boys and girls) are progressing into MCCU and county cricket. One-to-one coaching is now available to pupils –a legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic

Bowling Tours to Europe

Future plans The college will continue to grow its partnerships with Cricket for Character Education (a charity) and Wellington College Pune, with tours to India in the pipeline

South Africa in February 2024 (boys 1st XI), girls 1st XI tour

WELLINGTON SCHOOL

South Street, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8NT

Established 1837

Number of pupils 816

Master in charge Paul Lawrence

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U17, U16, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB, U11AB, U10AB, U9, U8. Girls: 1st XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9AB, U8AB

Girls’ cricket Wellington field 21 teams from year three to the sixth form, with girls also having the opportunity to train and play alongside the boys

Fixtures Over 200, including matches against Millfield, King’s College Taunton, and Taunton School Facilities Four grass pitches, 11 grass wickets, and four indoor lanes with full run-ups

Club/county a liation Somerset Cricket Board, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Taunton St Andrews CC, Wellington CC and Tiverton Heathcote CC

Best prospects Will Bere and Hugh Moore are promising fast bowlers, who have pushed the speed gun above 80mph, while allrounder Matthew Bonds is involved with Cornwall

Cricketers of note Liam Naylor, Sam Elstone (both Scotland U19s), Jordan Knight (West Indies U19s and Devon), Alisa Scantlebury (Barbados)

Brief history Cricket at Wellington has gone from strength to strength

over the past decade, with participation booming and more teams required to cater for demand. The cricket programme has built a reputation globally, with pupils from overseas increasingly choosing Wellington for their cricketing education

What sets the school apart? The cricket programme is led by Paul Lawrence, who also coaches Dorset on the NCCA circuit. Wellington has a strong pedigree for producing fast bowlers, with the coaches working in line with the PaceLab fast bowling principles

Finest moment on the field In 2022/23, the girls 1st XI reached the third round of the School Sports Magazine National U18 Girls T20 Cup despite the team fielding a number of pupils from year nine

Recent progress The winter and summer training programmes at Wellington School are attracting an ever-increasing number of pupils. The number of boys and girls participating, and enjoying the game, is great to see

Future plans Providing more opportunities for pupils to develop their skills through regular practice and match play throughout the winter and summer. Monitoring the fixture card to ensure it suits the development of all pupils is a priority and talks are underway with other schools in Somerset regarding a possible September fixture block

Tours In April 2023, two mixed boys and girls’ teams enjoyed an 11-day tour to the UAE. The school has previously visited Barbados

Ajeet Singh Dale of Gloucestershire

WHITGIFT SCHOOL

Haling Park Road, South Croydon, CR2 6YT

Established 1596

Number of pupils 1550

Master in charge David Ward (Surrey)

Professional Neil Kendrick (Surrey, Glamorgan – head of cricket performance), Simon Jackson (Jamaica –head of cricket academy)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U16, U15ABC, U14ABCDE, U13ABCDE, U12ABCDE, U11ABC

Fixtures 220-240 per year, with teams also touring South Africa, Australia and Singapore in 2023

Facilities Five cricket squares on site (with access to two more at the Old Boys’ sports ground), 10 grass nets, nine astroturf nets, and a purposebuilt indoor centre with six lanes, full run-ups and a variety of bowling machines

Club/county a liation Old Whitgiftians CC, Surrey, Middlesex and ACE Academy

Cricketers of note Raman Subba

WILSON’S SCHOOL

Mollison Drive, Wallington, SM6 9JW

Established 1615

Number of pupils 1290

Master in charge John Fry (Surrey 2nd XI)

Director of sport Danny Dudley

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U16, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABCD, U12ABCD

Fixtures Over 160 in 2022/23, including 1st XI matches against MCC and the Forty Club

Facilities Two indoor nets, five outdoor artificial nets, one grass square and one non-turf pitch.

The school also uses facilities at The Change Foundation and Sutton CC

Club/county a liation

Surrey and Sutton CC, sharing facilities and winter coaching with the latter

Best prospects

Ansh Bansal, a hard-hitting toporder batter and leg-spin bowler, is on Surrey’s

Row (England), Jason Roy, Rory Burns, Dom Sibley (all England and Surrey), Laurie Evans (Surrey, Warwickshire and Sussex), Michael Burgess (Warwickshire, Sussex and Leicestershire), Jamie Smith, Ryan Patel (both Surrey), Nick Welch (Leicestershire)

Brief history Cricket has been played at Whitgift for over 160 years, with the first inter-school match played against Epsom College in 1871. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that the school began to compete on a national scale but has since enjoyed regular success. Over the past 20 years, 12 pupils have signed professional contracts

Cultural cricketers JB Gill (pop star), Elliott Daly (British & Irish Lion and England rugby union), Danny Cipriani (England rugby union), Pip Burley (Darling Buds of May writer),

General Sir Peter Wall (former head of British Armed Forces)

What sets the school apart?

Whitgift have won the England Schools U13 National Trophy more times than any other school and are

pathway and plays for both Wilson’s and Sutton CC

Cricketers of note Neil Kendrick (Surrey and Glamorgan)

Brief history Cricket has a longstanding tradition at Wilson’s School. The walls of the foundation building showcase team photos from the past when the school was originally located in Camberwell. There is a strong link with Old Wilsonians CC, where many senior cricketers recall their glory days, and many former pupils go on to play at a high standard in the Surrey Championship and beyond

apart?

regular attendees at U15s T20 Finals Day. Surrey have played a number of 1st XI matches at the school and continue to host age-group coaching and matches at Whitgift, demonstrating the quality of the facilities

Finest moment on the field Seeing the hundreds of smiling faces every Saturday morning as teams of all levels take to the field

Recent progress Over the past 12 months, Whitgift has worked hard to increase the cricketing opportunities

available to all pupils, with over 100 matches added to the fixture card and more than 75 boys joining the cricket programme

Future plans Developing the school’s relationship with the ACE Academy and exploring the possibility of becoming an MCC Foundation hub

Tours In 2024, 70 boys will go to Barbados. Previous destinations have included Spain, South Africa, Australia and Singapore

Cultural cricketers John Galliano (fashion designer), Pascal Anson (artist and designer), Sir Michael Caine (actor, left) What sets the school Wilson’s School is extremely proud of the cricket programme provided for state school pupils, with an extensive training

and fixture schedule across a full range of age and abilities. The school prides itself on both participation and performance, o ering year-round coaching to all pupils

Finest moment on the field Wilson’s defeated MCC in 2015, with Ollie Robinson hitting a magnificent century to set up the win. The school

also defeated Whitgift by 16 runs in the 2021 National Cup – the first ever victory over their close rivals

Recent progress

Cricket sessions have been increased for all A and B-team players while the fixture card has grown since the pandemic, including matches over the Easter break and intraschool matches for C and D-teams at U12 and U13 level. All pupils also play ‘astro cricket’, a form of indoor cricket adapted for astroturf football pitches

Future plans

Improving links with local cricket clubs, developing a new on-site fitness suite to give pupils better access to cricket-specific strength and conditioning programmes, and competing in more indoor tournaments hosted by Surrey Cricket Foundation Tours 1st XI tour to Barbados in 2025

David Ward Master in charge

WINCHESTER COLLEGE

College St, Winchester, SO23 9NA

Established 1382

Number of pupils 713

Master in charge James Burridge

Professional Paul Gover

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U16AB, U15ABC, U14ABCD.

Girls: 1st XI

Girls’ cricket Winchester recently took its first intake of girls into the lower sixth form and o ers cricket throughout summer and winter, including softball matches

WOODHOUSE GROVE SCHOOL

Apperley Bridge, Calverley, Bradford, BD10 0NR

Established 1812

Number of pupils 750

Master in charge Gurman Randhawa (Yorkshire, Durham and England U19)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U15, U14, U13AB, U12AB. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U13, U12

Girls’ cricket The girls’ programme is on the rise, with the 1st XI competing in national competitions and the U15 and U13 teams involved in the West Yorkshire Women and Girls League

Fixtures The 1st XI play around 18 matches, with notable fixtures against MCC, Manchester Grammar, St Peter’s York and a two-day match against Greshams

Facilities Four grass squares, one artificial pitch, four indoor cricket nets, and a new state of the art fivelane outdoor practice facility Club/county a liation Yorkshire Cricket Board and local MCC Foundation hub

Fixtures 150-160 per year, including matches against MCC, Eton and Harrow Facilities

Three grass squares (each boasting hybrid wickets), four artificial pitches, two artificial net facilities, four indoor nets (which will become eight upon completion of the new sports centre)

Club/county a liation Hampshire and Southern Vipers, with both teams making use of the college’s facilities for training and matches

Best prospects Batter, star short-leg fielder, and occasional wicketkeeper Wilf la Fontaine Jackson enjoyed a

Best prospects Right-handed batter and right-arm seam bowler Max

Chaplin is contracted to Yorkshire’s EPP and plays for the school’s 1st XI Cricketers of note Ajmal Shahzad (England, Yorkshire, Notts and Sussex), Andrew Bairstow (Derbyshire), Craig Rika (Northamptonshire), Kathryn Leng (England Women)

Brief history Cricket has been the main summer sport at Woodhouse Grove for over 150 years but in the

standout 2022/23 campaign, striking above 100 and heading into the final few weeks of the season with five 50plus knocks to his name, including 183 not out in a memorable victory over MCC. The 1st XI captain is involved with Hampshire’s academy Cricketers of note Douglas Jardine (England and Surrey), Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (India)

Brief history Winchester enjoys a rich cricketing history, with the sport a fixture of the summer calendar for more than 150 years. First-class matches have been played at the college’s beautiful ground and 10 former pupils have gone on to play Test cricket

Cultural cricketers

Rishi Sunak (prime minister, right)

Vipers also o er an excellent stepping stone for pupils to excel

Finest moment on the field The victory over MCC in 2022/23 ranks highly, as does winning the John Harvey Trophy in 2009

Recent progress Access to oneto-one coaching with professional coaching increased last winter with a visible improvement in player development

What sets the school apart? The focus of the cricket programme is helping pupils towards their individual goals and nurturing a love of the game which will hopefully last a lifetime. Winchester’s links with Hampshire and Southern

past 30 years, the playing standards and the quality of the fixture list have improved massively. The 1st XI pitch slopes away from the imposing façade of the main school building and from this elevated vantage point, it is possible to see five cricket matches taking place

Cultural cricketers General Sir Nicholas Houghton, Lord Michael Walker of Aldringham (both former chief of defence sta of British

a new scoring system

Future plans Improved changing facilities and a new scoring system on the 1st XI pitch are in the pipeline, as is a return to having four grass squares. The new sports centre will allow for more cricket during the winter for pupils at the school, those involved in Hampshire’s pathway, and local clubs

as is a return to

Tours In April 2023, an U18 and U15 team competed in the Arch Trophy in Dubai, with the U18s claiming the title

Armed Forces)

What sets the school apart? The school has been able to maintain a strong cricketing tradition locally but has also developed a more regional and national reputation. Woodhouse Grove regularly produces representative cricketers

Finest moment on the field Winning the National Schools T20 competition at Arundel Castle in 2014 and winning all 18 completed 1st XI matches in the same season, Woodhouse Grange U14/15 team being crowned county champions seven times in 13 seasons (2006-18), and the international success of past pupils Shahzad and Leng

Recent progress Huge progress has been made in the girls’ programme, with more girls playing competitive fixtures than ever before in the school’s history

Future plans Expanding the girls’ programme and investing in further coaching resources for their various teams. Plans are in the pipeline to make the outdoor net facility fully covered and functional during winter Tours Senior boys tour to Barbados and St Lucia (2023)

Ajmal Shahzad celebrates a wicket against Bangladesh in 2010

WORKSOP COLLEGE

Cuthbert’s Avenue, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3AP

Established 1890

Number of pupils 520

Master in charge Adam Tilcock (Nottinghamshire), Ian Parkin (1st XI coach)

Professional Karanjit Bansal (Notts 2nd XI, Lincolnshire)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15, U14, U13, U12AB. Girls: U15, U14, U13AB, U12ABC

Girls’ cricket Cricket coaching is o ered during term time and through extra-curricular sessions, including hardball cricket for those interested. Nottinghamshire CCC have started running girls’ sessions at the college Fixtures 26 1st XI fixtures in 2022/23, including tours to Shrewsbury and Woodard Festival to bookend the season. Notable matches include MCC, Nottinghamshire academy, Worcestershire academy, Repton and Hurstpierpoint

Facilities Four hardball pitches, four softball pitches, 12 outdoor grass nets, four indoor nets, and a specialist

strength and conditioning suite Club/county a liation Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, supporting training and age-group and 2nd XI fixtures, and Root Academy

Best prospects 16-year-old bowling allrounder Tom Giles, who can swing the ball both ways and scored two centuries for Worksop in 2023, represents Nottinghamshire’s 2nd XI. Leg-spinner Tommy Bush (13) is on Derbyshire’s pathway

Cricketers of note Joe Root (England and Yorkshire), Samit Patel (England and Nottinghamshire), Phil Sharpe (England and Yorkshire), Ken Farnes (England and Essex), Richard Kettleborough (Yorkshire and Middlesex)

Brief history Worksop is a small school but its cricketing prowess is up there with the big boys. Unity and team spirit are cornerstones of the college’s philosophy and teams always aim to take the positive option during fixtures, with the opportunity to learn from the success or failure this might bring

Cultural cricketers David Coote (Premier League football referee), Craig Woodhouse (journalist)

WORTH SCHOOL

Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, RH10 4SD

Established 1933

Number of pupils 610

Master in charge

Raj Chaudhuri

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB.

Girls: 1st XI, U15, U13

Girls’ cricket Worth School runs three girls’ teams. More competent players are encouraged to train and play with the boys

Fixtures Around 20 per season for the 1st XI, with

Finest moment on the field Worksop College enjoyed an unbeaten season in 2008 and reached the last eight of the National T20 Cup in 2008, 2021 and 2023 Recent progress The development of the girls’ cricket programme has been magnificent and the girls’ attitudes towards trying a new sport has been integral to this. To see competitive hardball matches being played has been the highlight of the summer term

notable matches against MCC, Sussex Martlets and touring sides

Facilities Four grounds, eight grass nets, an indoor centre with five lanes and three astroturfs

Club/county a liation Sussex, Surrey, Kent, East Grinstead CC, Three Bridges CC and Cuckfield CC Best prospects Worth School has a number of players involved with county and women’s regional pathways

Cricketers of note James Heywood (Cambridge MCCU), Nikki Chaudhuri (Surrey and Worcestershire), Claudie Cooper (South East Stars and Oval Invincibles), Alice Grant (South East Stars and Kent)

Brief history Cricket is an integral part of life at Worth School. Many pupils go on to play cricket to a high standard, from ECB Premier League clubs to county pathways, 2nd XIs and women’s regional sides

What sets the school apart? The cricket programme is committed to balancing performance and participation and has a strong track record of developing homegrown talent. Students play cricket

Future plans Creating more sides at junior level to allow more pupils to be engaged in the sport and experience matches; growing the girls’ hardball programme, both in terms of participation and matches, and setting up a girls’ senior side; and installing hybrid wickets and exploring astroturf wickets with an eye on hosting more fixtures

Tours Annual Shrewsbury and Woodard Festivals and the Root Academy junior tour to Ipswich

throughout the year and the winter programme allows pupils to train for 10-12 hours per week. However, there are also more casual sessions and matches to cater for all abilities and the focus is on allowing players to mature at their own pace. Worth School coach the art and science of the game, using simple methods and maintaining a strong belief in the fundamentals as well as promoting the discipline of the longer game before introducing shorter formats

Finest moment on the field

Winning the TISB Cup in India in 2006 and the twin success of victories in the U15 Sussex Cup and U14

Holdsworth Cup

Recent progress A young 1st XI finished the 2022/23 season with a 60 per cent winning record, a testament to their hard work and commitment

Future plans A new sports hall is in progress, which will include state of the art facilities. Developing the school’s relationships with local clubs is also a priority, with the number of pupils getting involved in league cricket a fabulous sign for the sport in the local area

Tours India (2025)

Raj Chaudhuri Master in charge

WREKIN COLLEGE

Sutherland Road, Wellington, Telford, TF1 3BH

Established 1880

Number of pupils 563

Master in charge

James Shaw

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U17, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB. Girls: 1st XI, U15, U14, U13AB, U12 Girls’ cricket The girls’ programme at Wrekin is going from strength to strength, with fixtures o ered to all pupils and regular entry into national competitions

CC, Shrewsbury CC, Bridgnorth CC and Sentinel CC

Best prospects Top-order batter Matthew Lamb has represented the 1st XI since year nine, taking five wickets on debut, scoring centuries against MCC and Denstone College and captaining the side for two years. He regularly features for Shropshire in NCCA fixtures Cricketers of note Dillon Pennington, Richard Oliver (both Worcestershire), Charlie Home (Shropshire and Loughborough MCCU). JP Duminy, Andrew Puttick, Rory Kleinveldt (South Africa – exchange pupils)

Fixtures Over 120, including 15 for the 1st XI boys. Notable matches include Shrewsbury School, Denstone College, King’s School Chester and Ellesmere College

Facilities Four cricket pitches, six astroturf nets, four indoor cricket nets with mats, and three mobile net cages which allow teams to practise on all of the wickets

Club/county a liation Shropshire Cricket Board, Wellington CC, Shifnal

Brief history From hosting international friendly fixtures between Australia and England in the 1920s to hosting Shropshire Cricket Board, cricket has been a huge part of life at Wrekin and the college regularly produces National Counties players

What sets the school apart?

Wrekin College has a fantastic cricket programme which attracts exchange students from around the world, perhaps most notably JP Duminy, and maintains a strong relationship with

Rondebosch Boys High School. The college is also the home of Shropshire cricket, with the county academy using the facilities at the school. This relationship provides a clear pathway for pupils

Finest moment on the field

Reaching the last eight of the national HMC T20 competition in 2014 Recent progress Despite its small size, Wrekin continues to punch above its weight, boasting an extensive fixture list and even

welcoming two touring sides from Australia in 2023. The college also held a prep school cricket festival for over 32 teams from across the Midlands, which provides opportunities for lots of boys and girls to play fun, competitive cricket

Future plans Investing in new outdoor cricket nets to broaden the coaching o ered at the college

Tours 17 students visited Barbados in July 2022 and there are plans to tour St Lucia in 2024

James Shaw Master in charge

WYMONDHAM COLLEGE

Golf Links Rd, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 9SZ

Established 1951

Number of pupils 1427

Master in charge Richard Grove

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15AB, U14AB, U12. Girls: 1st, U15, U14, U13AB

Girls’ cricket The first girls’ match at Wymondham was played in 2017. Considerable success has followed at both county and national level while

YORKSHIRE CRICKET COLLEGE

Headingley Stadium, St Michael’s Lane, Leeds, LS6 3BU

Established 2017

Number of pupils 76

Head of college Nick Robinson

Head coaches David Wainwright (Yorkshire and Derbyshire) and Matt Green

Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI

Girls’ cricket There are five girls enrolled at the college who train and play alongside the boys

Fixtures 26 were played in 2023, up from 17 the previous year. Notable matches include Woodhouse Grove, St Peter’s York, Queen Ethelburga’s, MCC and Northern Diamonds, as well as national cup competitions

Facilities Two four-lane indoor courts, new on-site college gym, occasional use of Headingley’s outfield, and home matches at Kirkstall CC

Club/county a liation Yorkshire and cricket charities Cricket-Eat, Enjoy, and Pop-Up Cricket, which aim to introduce the sport

nearly a dozen pupils are involved with either Norfolk or Sunrisers. In 2023, the 1st XI defeated MCC Fixtures 50-60 per summer, including matches against MCC (boys and girls) and the Forty Club as well as block fixtures against local independent schools across East Anglia

Facilities Three grass cricket squares, six outdoor astroturf nets, and four indoor nets

Club/county a liation Great Melton CC, Swardeston CC, Rocklands CC, Great Ellingham CC,

to local children

Best prospects Josh Hen Boisen, a middle-order batter who will become a genuine allrounder in time, is involved with Yorkshire’s 2nd XI. Clean-hitting batter Erin Thomas

Brooke CC, and Norfolk Cricket Board, with the latter hosting fixtures at Wymondham and assisting with the college’s bid for Sport England funding

Best prospects Emma Thompson took up cricket in year seven and now represents Norfolk and Sunrisers EPP as well as being invited to play for MCC

Cricketers of note Justin Edrich (Su olk and Middlesex 2nd XI) Brief history Wymondham College was founded in 1951 in the buildings of a WWII American army hospital. It is the largest state boarding school in the UK

Cultural cricketers Will Evans (Harlequins rugby union), George Worth (Leicester Tigers rugby union)

What sets the school apart?

Wymondham is the only state school in Norfolk to run a full Saturday

trains with Northern Diamonds’ senior squad

Cricketers of note Sam Wisniewski (Yorkshire and Pune Devils), Phoebe Turner, Grace Hall, Jess Woolston (Northern Diamonds)

fixture programme for all age groups. The college regularly features at the business end of county and national competitions and runs an evening cricket academy, which o ers two hours of coaching for 80 boys and girls throughout the school year

Finest moment on the field In 2023, the 1st XI boys reached the last 32 of the National U17 Cup, beating Perse and Greshams on the way, while the 1st XI girls reached the last 32 of the national 100-ball competition and defeated MCC

Recent progress The development of girls’ cricket at Wymondham continues to surpass expectation, as does the enthusiasm of all pupils involved in the sport. Over 30 regularly turn up after school for training and several pupils have represented Norwich MCC hub, with two players reaching the national semi-finals as part of the U16 team

Future plans Hosting a local state school festival to increase playing opportunities for new players, developing the cricket academy coaching programme, and opening a new sports pavilion in 2024 Tours Dubai (2019)

Brief history

Established in 2017, Yorkshire Cricket College has quickly progressed to fielding three teams that facilitate opportunities for cricketers of all abilities to play competitive cricket. The college is based at Headingley, with classrooms overlooking the hallowed turf What sets the school apart? All students benefit from six hours of training per week around their academic timetable, focusing on all aspects of the game: technical, tactical, and strength and conditioning. Students benefit from masterclasses from Yorkshire players and

coaches, can train next to Yorkshire and England stars – sometimes even serving as net bowlers, and have compulsory work experience at Headingley’s major match days, allowing them to develop new skills from media to hospitality Finest moment on the field Northern Diamonds winning the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Lord’s (2022) with three former pupils in the squad

Recent progress The fixture card has grown and features an increasingly diverse range of opposition while the college also entered the National Schools U18 T20 competition for the first time; the on-site gym has improved the strength and conditioning programme; and more girls are enrolled at the college than ever before

Future plans Increasing the number of female students by developing the college’s relationship with Northern Diamonds to o er the best coaching, match and mentorship opportunities, and continuing to o er a balance between education and cricketing pursuits Tours Cape Town (2024)

Touring special feature

Canterbury Academy Triumph in Spain

Touring with a Smile

TOP 10 TOUR TIPS!

Giles

“Smile Group

It’s not just cricket

Cricket tours are about much more than wickets and runs – personal development and cultural experiences

are just as important, writes Adam

Marshall

Travelling to the subcontinent, Caribbean or Antipodes to play cricket is the dream of most professional cricketers, let alone school children and club players. And yet – as we continue to emerge from the pandemic – boarding a plane to take amateur teams to far flung fields is an increasingly common way to kickstart a season.

Yes, in large part this is to get game time into the muscles and expose players to di erent conditions and tracks. But for most school masters and coaches, there are grander aims at the heart of such tours.

Ian McGowan is director of cricket at Merchant Taylors' School, which features in the list of top 100 Senior Schools in The Cricketer’s Schools Guide 2024. Dubai and Antigua are among destinations for their most recent tours, giving players of all levels – not just their elite cricketers – the “chance to get them to fall in love with the sport that they’re playing through touring.”

As well as promoting the experience of facing di erent sorts of on-pitch challenges, the importance of personal development is equally paramount. “We try and use it as an opportunity to learn about di erent cultures away from home and to get involved with those cultures as much as we can. That’s fascinating for our boys.

“The boys become a bit more self-aware. They have to look after themselves; they have to mix with boys they wouldn’t normally mix with.”

For the young people at Merchant Taylors’, that’s a combination of considering the environmental impact of their trip and taking invaluable school equipment out and fundraising for local charities, all the way to quad bike adventures and water park visits. Cultural excursions are also an integral part, with plans to squeeze in a visit to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi next year.

“We spent time learning about Antigua & Barbuda as islands and had awesome opportunities for the boys to speak on national radio. We actually got three of them speaking on national TV on Good Morning Antigua!” said McGowan.

“There are those sorts of opportunities that presented themselves out there that just wouldn’t have been presented in the UK. They had to lean on what they’ve been taught at school and the experiences they had… it was great to see how they coped under unusual circumstances.

“It’s not just the cricket you play, it’s the life experiences and standing on your own two feet,” concurs former Kent captain Dave Fulton. Outside of his duties as a Sky Sports News broadcaster, he coaches at The Canterbury Academy (alongside director of

Merchant Taylors’ School on tour in Abu Dhabi; meeting Rahkeem Cornwall in Barbados

Fulton was exposed to touring from an early age himself, visiting New Zealand and Singapore as a 15-year-old with Kent Schools Cricket Association. “I was very wet behind the ears, very naive… but you grow up on tours like that.”

As well as individual personal development, travelling as a group in such close quarters is a unique environment to meld the squad. “What we’ve prided ourselves on as a school is that real togetherness, and bonding that group as a unit… we really try to build that identity,” says Fulton. “The being together, the rooming together, the eating together in the evenings – all of those experiences bring you closer as a group. It bonds that team a little bit closer.”

Depending on the timing of your tour, though, these trips are also a fantastic way to prepare for the new season. Getting away from the cold, drizzly UK spring for a few days to somewhere that guarantees clear, warm weather can really give the girls and boys a head start.

“To get outdoor practice in March or April was absolutely key to hitting the ground running when we got back, and we certainly found we had an advantage over other schools that we played against early season that hadn’t been away,” says Fulton. “And we also did it in a way where we weren’t ever going out there to win the competition, but for us it was just making sure that everybody got opportunity.

“So we rotated everybody around - gave everybody game time - making sure there would be no one in those touring parties that didn’t get a fair crack of the whip.”

ABOVE

David Fulton and The Canterbury Academy; Merchant Taylors’ School in Barbados

BELOW Cricket at Desert Springs

Top tips to tourists

From their own experiences taking teams on tour, we asked Ian and Dave how to get the most out of your time away:

• Get together before the tour: Both in a cricketing and social setting, you’ll have an opportunity to answer any pre-tour anxieties and get an idea of the group dynamic

• Set expectations early: Let the players know the personal standards you expect from them, including any ground rules, preparation and how they carry themselves on and o the pitch

• Sort your sta ng: As well as cricket-focused coaches and experienced tour leaders, adding a responsible adult coming with a more pastoral approach will improve the tourists’ enjoyment of the trip

• Work closely with the travel agent: Make sure that they understand what you want to get from the trip and maintain regular communication so that they can sort out any issues that arise while away

• Competition is key: Be honest with the tour organiser on the quality of the teams you’re taking out – truly competitive fixtures and a mix of wins and losses will benefit the players in the long run

cricket Phil Relf). They have won the last two iterations of The Cricketer Schools 100 that takes place each Easter at the Desert Springs Resort in Spain.

THE CRICKETER SCHOOLS 100-BALL CHALLENGE

UK schools’ premier 1st XI pre-season tournament

DESERT SPRINGS RESORT, ANDALUCIA, SOUTH-EAST SPAIN APRIL 1-6 2024

High-octane 100-ball tournament played in 2024 Easter holidays

Fantastic pre-season training opportunity

Access to world-class practice facilities as used by the England Test and ODI Team

Each team to play a minimum of five matches

Luxury resort accommodation set around swimming pools and landscaped gardens

Full board catering service from award-winning restaurants

Cost per player €740. Price includes full board accommodation, access to cricket facilities, swimming pool and gym. To enter, teams are required to pay a deposit of €2,590.

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

COST PER PLAYER

€740

Specialising in supporting the development of women and girls cricket in schools and clubs, Cricket for Girls offers a variety of options to help inspire, educate and motivate everyone involved at the grassroots level of the women and girls game.

• Teacher and coach training courses

• Free online resources on our website

• Taster sessions to kickstart school and club programmes

• Masterclasses with double World Cup winner Lydia Greenway To

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Actions not words benefit women’s game

Former England international Lydia Greenway looks back on a summer to remember for women’s and girls’ cricket

have to start with last summer’s Ashes. The series was amazing and there were a number of turning points for me that showed yet more progress for the women’s game. Take into account the scheduling which saw it enjoy the primetime summer slot. Then the locations for the matches – Test match venues like the Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge, Lord’s and the Ageas Bowl. This shows a real shift in mindset by the powers that be. And the timing of the Ashes meant that it naturally then fed into The Hundred, where it is well documented just what a positive impact this new format of the game has had on women’s cricket.

We’ve also seen that the growing number of role models in the women’s game are also heroes to boys, not just girls. The queues for autographs at the marquee games this summer were just getting longer and longer.

The outcome of all of this is that we are seeing more and more women and girls take up the game. Not just because they

feel they have a chance of becoming a professional cricketer, but because cricket is a game that feels more for them than ever before. And when you take into account the growing number of women coaches, in both men’s and women’s cricket, this momentum is only going to continue. The Multan Sultans’ Pakistan Super League franchise is a great example – with the coaching sta for this elite men’s team being made up by a number of women’s coaches, with a woman also in charge as the first general manager of a franchise in South East Asia. Throw in the strides taken by Sue Redfern and Anna Harris as umpires on the professional circuit and the game does feel far more inclusive.

ABOVE

Kate Cross celebrates a wicket in the 2023 Ashes BELOW

Sue Redfern umpiring in the LV= County Championship

This progress combined with the recent ICEC report has meant far more actions, not just words, that positively impacted in growing the women’s game. This has created tangible outcomes that benefit the women’s game and cement the base that has been built in recent years.

A practical example in grassroots

cricket is that committees who might run a local club are becoming far more representative of the club and all the players and teams that play. Momentum is slowly building in this space but it is sustainable and should create a legacy change. Mind you, there are international governing bodies who might also take note. Take Cricket South Africa, for example, where their women’s team reached the finals of the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Not because of the infrastructure that they have put in place for women’s cricket – far from it, in fact. Their female players have developed because they have been picked up in franchise cricket around the world – and South Africa were fortunate to benefit from the experience gained by their stars. This ‘fingers -crossed’ policy is not sustainable and they, along with other countries, should be held to account and invest more in the women’s game. Progress is never going to be smooth across the board but it is being made. I was honoured earlier this year to accept an OBE for services to cricket. When I think back to where it all began – as a schoolgirl where I didn’t even realise there was an England women’s team. My dad was my role model and the reason I took up the game. During my time as a player, both at domestic and international level, the evolution of the game was sluggish. It’s only in the last few years that the pace has picked up and women’s and girls’ cricket is now in a more representative position. This makes all the fantastic coaching at schools within these pages so important. And crucially, initiatives like the MCC Hub Foundations, created exclusively for state school cricketers. With an ambition that in future, the hubs will be made of 50 per cent girls, this is another fundamental shift that will positively impact on women and girls’ cricket for years to come.

Greenway is making the game more accessible for girls through Cricket For Girls, working with schools and clubs to guide and support the delivery of highquality cricket programmes. For more, visit www.cricketforgirls.com

STEVE BARDENS/HARRY TRUMP/GETTY IMAGES

TOP 20 GIRLS SCHOOLS

BENENDEN SCHOOL

Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AA

Established 1923

Number of pupils 546

Head of cricket Liam Cook

Teams 13 1st XI, under-15A (hardball), U15BC (softball); U14A (hardball), U14BC (softball); U13A (hardball), U13BC (softball), U12ABC (softball)

Brief history Cricket is relatively new to Benenden but over the last 3 years there has been considerable growth. Every pupil now has the chance to play cricket during games lessons. The school has also added provision for extra-curricular softball and hardball cricket to all students. This year saw Benenden enter the Sussex Independent Schools League and the introduction of extra training for highpotential cricketers

Fixtures Hardball 15–20, softball 20–25 (all external); plus a house cricket competition (for all ages)

Facilities 5 indoor nets, 1 non-turf Astro pitch, 3 turf pitches (softball only) plus use local facilities at

CHELTENHAM LADIES’ COLLEGE

Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3EP

Established 1853

Number of pupils 872

Head of cricket Fiona Najim

Teams U18A, U15AB, U14AB, U13AB, U12AB

Fixtures Weekly fixtures against local schools. The best weekend of fixtures was a bumper day at St Edward’s Cheltenham for junior fixtures in the morning and St Edward’s Oxford in the afternoon. 70 girls played cricket across the course of the day

Facilities New for the 2023 season was a new 6-lane square on the Health and Fitness site

Club/county a liation

Gloucestershire Cricket use the school nets throughout the winter season for the girls. A strong partnership with Cheltenham CC who use the facilities for winter training and matches for their girls’ section

Best prospects A number of girls are involved in pathway programmes and

Sissinghurst CC Club/county a liation Sissinghurst CC winter and summer; Sussex and Kent CCCs

What sets the school apart? Every student has the opportunity to play hardball and softball cricket. From January to July cricket is a part of the games programme for all students.

their dedication and commitment is outstanding. There are a growing number involved with local clubs and two girls playing for their country of residence in European tournaments and friendly games

Benenden cricket prides itself on being competitive on the field while playing the game in the right spirit Cultural cricketers Alysa Hubbard (Hong Kong international) Finest moment on the field

The under-15A side playing Bedes on May 4 this year, the school’s first competitive fixture in the

Brief history Cricket has always been part of Cheltenham Ladies’ College’s history. It is proud of the journey it is on, raising the profile of the game, seeing a rise in participation rates and, most

Sussex League

Recent progress Over the last 12 months the Under-13As and Under15s have played their first competitive league fixtures in the Sussex Cricket

Independent Schools League

Future plans This summer plans to install a non-turf wicket for hardball matches at the school in 2024

importantly, the girls enjoying playing What sets the school apart?

The driving force is always the girls enjoying playing their sport. The school is passionate about facilitating positive sporting opportunities

Recent progress Seeing more girls engaged in the game, a huge desire to play hard ball, learn more technical skills and try something new in a game. Now at the stage of hardball fixtures with U18- U13. The school is in a strong position. Senior girls were on a performance-based tour to Loughborough University and were lucky enough to have a workshop with England legspinner Sarah Glenn

Tours In Easter 2024 a joint netball and cricket tour to Barbados

DENMARK ROAD HIGH SCHOOL

Denmark Road, Gloucester GL1 3JN

Established 1883

Number of pupils 988

Head of cricket James Schofield Teams U12, U13, U14, and U15 hardball and softball. Hoping soon to enter an under-18 hardball team into the School Sports Magazine National T20 Brief history Cricket at Denmark Road is all about giving girls of all levels a chance to play as much cricket as possible. The more talented players play in the National T20 competitions against public schools, while the school also enters the Lady Taverners national indoor competition, as well as other softball competitions such as Chance to Shine state school events

Fixtures Lady Taverners indoor softball U13 and U15; Chance to Shine outdoor softball U13 and U15; School Sports Magazine outdoor hardball competition U15 (and U18 when possible). Most notable fixture is against local rivals King’s School, Gloucester

DOWNE HOUSE

Hermitage Rd, Cold Ash, Thatcham RG18 9JJ

Established 1907

Number of pupils 590

Head of cricket Tash Dixon

Teams 8 (from under-12 to senior XI)

Brief history Cricket established itself as a main summer sports in 2021 and has continued to thrive since. The school runs 8 teams on a weekly basis; that includes practices, lesson time and net sessions for all age groups and abilities. It is primarily hard ball cricket with some softball games dotted throughout the season

Fixtures Between 20–22 during the summer term. Most notable

are the under-15 Schools Cup Tournament. Fixtures with local rivals Lord Wandsworth College are often memorable Facilities 1 main pitch with a second

Facilities A variety of spaces to practise – a sports hall, the tennis courts, and a field. Play matches at local club, Kingsholm. Primary focus on softball cricket and participation Club/county a liation Kingsholm

CC, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation

Best prospects Katie Jones is a recent ex-pupil (now in Y12 at another school) who made her Western Storm senior debut in the summer of 2023; Flo Hampton (Y11) is a multitalented athlete, involved in the Elite Player Pathway at Gloucestershire, and has had training sessions with the Western Storm Academy

What sets the school apart?

Team spirit

Finest moment on the field 3rd in the country and being the only state school to make the National Finals at Lord’s in the Lady Taverners indoor softball in May 2019

Recent progress Students are so keen and willing to help out with lower school cricket club – this year, two of the Y9 students helped teachers organise Y7 & 8 sessions

Future plans More practice sessions plus introducing winter training

smaller one, both located at main playing fields. A cricket net. School also uses good facilities at Brockhurst and Marlston House School each week. This includes sta attending cricket sessions for CPD training as well as students attending net sessions each week

Best prospects The senior XI team have had a strong season What sets the school apart? “The teamwork that is shown week in, week out at practice and in matches. The girls never fail to support each other, no matter what cricket challenge faces them”

Finest moment on the field

Winning in the final over against LWC, a hard-earned victory after they had su ered a heavy loss to the same team a few weeks earlier

Recent progress The growth of cricket across all age groups. Seeing so many more girls competing each week

Future plans The school is looking to build both indoor and outdoor nets for the girls to use. This will include two indoor lanes that can be used all year round as well as two outdoor lanes that can be used for net sessions in the summer and to warm up for matches

TOP 20 GIRLS SCHOOLS

THE GODOLPHIN & LATYMER SCHOOL

I ey Road, London. W6 0PG

Established 1905

Number of pupils 850

Director of sport Ellen Elfick Teams U18, U15, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC

Fixtures Over 55 fixtures, mainly in the summer term, plus annual indoor competitions at Lord’s involving U12s, U13s, U14s and U15s

Facilities 4 nets in a sports hall, 3 astro pitches for softball/one indoor pitch on-site, a Junior BOLA, use of King’s House sports ground for hardball training and fixtures Club/county a liation Strong links with local Premier League clubs, including Richmond CC and Spencer CC. Coaches Mark and Buddy Mason run the MCC Girls section which gives many of the school’s girls the opportunity to play competitive hardball cricket, and train indoors at Lord’s throughout the winter, with a number going on to play for London Schools Cricket Association and counties. The Masons won 2022 Coach of the Year award

cricket club – launched in 2005 with 30 girls and one coach – now has over 120 girls attending each week, with four coaches. The school also have an elite academy for gifted players. In 2017 they introduced cricket into the summer term curriculum replacing one unit of rounders and now only do cricket fixtures. The school won the Lady Taverners U13 Indoor Competition in 2011, were runnersup in 2017 and for the last nine years have represented Middlesex at the regional finals. Hardball training is now a weekly feature and the U15 team only have hardball fixtures with some U13 fixtures being added as well to develop girls’ cricket across all age groups

What sets the school apart? Few facilities but the girls’ passion and commitment, along with the coaches, is an inspiration. Many then join clubs in the local community which helps develop their skills further.

GUILDFORD HIGH SCHOOL

London Road, Guildford, SGU1 1SJ

Established 1888

Number of pupils 1,000 Head of cricket Keely Harper (director of senior school sport) and Georgie Dustin (director of junior school sport)

Cricket professional Ben Collins Teams 42 – U8ABCDEF, U9ABCDEF, U10ABCDEF, U11ABCDEF (all softball); U12ABCDE and club, U13ABCDE and club, U14ABC and club, U15AB (all softball and hardball)

Brief history Cricket has been an extra-curricular club for 8 years and from 2019 it has been a main curriculum sport. One extracurricular team has grown to 39 (an additional 12 this year) with more attending regular extra-curricular practices

Fixtures 6 softball pairs days per year per year group for all junior school students from Years 3-6. Senior School: Years 7–10 students have the opportunity to play in weekly after-school fixtures against other schools during the summer term. U12, U13, U14 and U15s all entered the Surrey Hardball Cups, as well as the U15s entering the U15 National Cup. School runs an internal cricket festival every year for each year group

Facilities 4 nets in sports hall and 2 new outdoor artificial nets, along with one cage that can be used on the squares. Cricket squares are used by junior and senior schools. Stoke Park (which the school backs onto, owned by Guildford Borough Council) is used for lessons and 2 cricket pitches are hired for fixtures. Bowling machine

Club/county a liation Cricket for Girls – Lydia Greenway runs a yearly course for senior school students. The school also hosted a Cricket for Girls Teachers inset; Surrey CCC; Blackheath, Esher, Guildford, Horsley & Send, and Merrow CCs

Best prospects Sahana Aiyer (Year 8 allrounder), Clara Pyecroft (Year 8 swing bowler), Liv Tufts (Year 10 allrounder), Mia Mason Bailey (Year 13 allrounder, Surrey CCC U18s) What sets the school apart? On the cricket field a passion for the sport and desire to improve. The school ran Easter courses for years 3–10, with more than 100 girls attending. Lydia Greenway running an excellent course

Finest moment on the field Junior school giving 160 students the opportunity to play in matches against other schools; Senior School: Under-14s beating Charterhouse School in the Surrey Hardball Cup; Under-13s beating KES in the Surrey Hardball Cup

which

Three ECB Level 3 Advanced coaches is quite unique

Best prospects A number of girls play representative cricket for Surrey, Middlesex and Warwickshire

Cricketers of note

Gayatri Gole (Sunrisers), Shimako Kato (Japan Women)

Brief history The extra-curricular

Finest moment on the field Winning the 2011 Lady Taverners indoor national finals and 2017 runners-up

Recent progress Regular insets on cricket so sta feel happy to umpire softball matches and they have added a fourth coach due to

indoor national finals and 2017 so numbers on-site capture Some could hardball the nets, while softball

Future plans Looking at ways to incorporate hardball training on-site safely, as this will capture more girls over the year. Some could do hardball training in the nets, while softball continues outside on the astro

Gayatri Gole of Sunrisers bowling in the Charlotte Edwards Cup in 2022

HEADINGTON SCHOOL

Headington Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TD

Established 1915

Number of pupils 1,066

Head of cricket Sarah Huggins (director of sport), Laura Smith (head of sport prep)

Professionals Arthur Muir and

LOUGHBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

Burton Walks, Loughborough LE11 2DU

Rosalyn Porter

Teams 15 – U15AB; U14AB; U13AB; U12ABC, U11ABC, U10ABC

Brief history Cricket has grown impressively over the last 20 years at the school, and for the last three it has become one of the major summer sports. Matches and tournaments begin at under-10 level. The senior school has several clubs and fixtures that run each week and now hardball

inter-house cricket competitions, with indoor cricket during the winter months. There are some training sessions with the boys to provide more hardball opportunities for the girls

cricket is on the rise

Fixtures 25–35 a year for the senior school. These include the Lady Taverners tournaments. Most notable fixtures are the hardball matches against the Oxfordshire Falcons. The girls’ favourite is the inter-house tournament. At the prep school, the girls had weekly fixtures last summer Facilities A wide range of outdoor spaces, a sports hall and an astro turf. For matches, 2 pitches on a school field for softball cricket. Hardball matches and training on astro. Partnership with New College School using their pitches Club/county a liation Muir is a well-established coach across Oxford. Porter is also a major organiser for the women’s and girls’ game in Oxford

What sets the school apart? So many pupils playing club and county cricket; the school ensures that its cricket is fully inclusive and enjoyable Finest moment on the field The under-13s winning the Lady Taverners tournament in Oxfordshire in 2020. The same team at under-15s age group finishing second in the tournament last year

Recent progress The introduction of Muir has had a huge impact. All Prep School sports sta now attend an umpiring and scoring inset; organising a primary schools cricket festival in May 2023

Future plans Nets installed for the 2024 season. Increase CPD for sta through ECB courses and insets and develop fixture programme to have more hardball fixtures but also more fixtures overall; growing the festival (see above)

Established 1850

Number of pupils

Head of cricket Quemby

Teams U12AB, U13AB, U14A, U15. Plans for a senior team next year

Brief history Until a few years ago the school predominantly played rounders.

In the last 4 years cricket has become the major summer sport. Numbers continue to grow at extra-curricular clubs across all age groups and the fixture programme is expanding. All girls play during KS3 and as an option for KS4/5. The girls also compete in

Most Saturdays, as well as regular midweek fixtures for all age groups during the summer term Facilities Indoor sports halls, indoor nets, outdoor nets, 5 pitches at the Quorn facility and 1st XI pitch on campus. School also uses the facilities at Loughborough Town CC Club/county a liation Loughborough Town CC; Leicestershire CCC

Best prospects Prisha Thanawala (Year 11 o spinning allrounder, Blaze Academy), Olivia Baker (Year 12 seamer, Blaze Academy)

What sets the school apart? The girls are so supportive of one another and show amazing team spirit and positivity

Finest moment on the field Block fixture against Stamford school, with the school having 4 teams in action, 2 hardball and 2 softball; being regional representatives at the indoor cricket finals this year and Team Leicestershire finalists at under-13 level

Recent progress Growth of indoor cricket during the winter months and attending regional indoor finals again this year. Team Leicestershire finalists for U13 outdoor this summer. The school has also hosted Level 1 and

Greenway

Future plans Continuing to give as many opportunities as possible for girls to play cricket, with more hardball opportunities. Investing in more hardball equipment. Continuing to work closely with Loughborough Town CC who are developing their junior girls’ section

Tours Taking 60 girls from years 6–13 to watch the Women’s Ashes T20I last summer. Looking into some short haul tours

Level 2 Cricket for Girls courses led by Lydia

524

Alice

Fixtures as

MALVERN ST JAMES GIRLS’ SCHOOL

15 Avenue Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3BA

Established 1893

Number of pupils 380

Director of sport Hannah Leathart Master in charge Fred Notman

Teams 1st XI, U15, U14, U13, U12AB, U11AB, U10AB, U9, U8. Indoor winter programme U15 and U13

Fixtures Senior cricket currently have 3 fixtures, with U15, U14 and U13 playing approximately 5 fixtures. Prep school teams play 6 fixtures over the summer. This summer the school have played a total of 35 games, the most notable fixture a close T20 Cup game against Malvern College, which looked destined for an exciting finish until rain stopped play

Facilities A beautiful setting, but not yet a full outdoor wicket. The school have hired rollers and utilised the astroturf pitch. A spacious sports hall Club/county a liation The school are keen to forge greater links with the wider community. They already o er a community outreach programme

where they invite local primary schools to coaching sessions and a festival. They hope to o er a girls’ cricket camp at Easter 2024 open to all girls. The installation of indoor nets will allow local clubs to hire school facilities

Best prospects Emma Bowyer (Year 11) started at Apperley CC when she was 11 and plays in their boys’ and men’s teams, and for Cheltenham

CC women’s and girls’. Her proudest moment is scoring 81 opening for Worcestershire against Warwickshire. She has the ambition of playing for the Central Sparks

Brief history Cricket was due to be introduced to the curriculum and summer fixtures programme just as the pandemic hit. Cricket has grown so much it is now delivered across the whole school including the prep school

Cultural cricketers Cally Barlow (née Reece), who left in 1956, is president of the Cheltenham Cricket Society, and used to score for Gloucestershire CCC. She was married to Eddie Barlow

What sets the school apart? Win or lose the girls are reflective about how

they played

Finest moment on the field When girls take their first wicket or hit their first boundary

Recent progress New intra-school festivals give more opportunities to players and teaching sta delivering cricket across the programme

Future plans To install indoor nets in the next year, and will be using a Flicx wicket next summer to build the hardball programme

Tours Ambitions to tour Barbados in the next couple of years, and looking forward to smaller, more local tours

MAYFIELD SCHOOL

The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex TN20 6PH

Established 1872

Number of pupils 420

Head of cricket Emily Starr (director of sport)

Teams 9 U13ABCD, U15ABCD, U18A

Brief history Cricket started at Mayfield in 2016 and has since gone from strength to strength, with A and B teams playing hardball, and for the first time a full senior team being run

Fixtures 78. Most notable MCC

Facilities The school has a sponsorship deal with Bells Yew Green CC which involves the use of both grass pitches and nets. 2

MEET THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT

When director of sport Emily Starr was recruited by Mayfield School in 2016, she was tasked with introducing cricket to the curriculum. Fast forward seven years and the programme has gone from strength to strength.

outdoor nets, 1 artificial wicket Club/county a liation Bells Yew Green CC. Starr is on the advisory board for The Girls Cricket Club founded by Lydia Greenway Best prospects Florence York (Year 7, Kent U13s pathway and EPP, opening bat/legspinner)

What sets the school apart? The number of teams being put out

What began as invitational sessions and a handful of softball matches has become the main summer sport at Mayfield. The school now fields nine teams across the age groups, five of which play hard-ball, and runs extracurricular “academies” for pace bowling, spin bowling, wicketkeeping and batting to allow pupils to hone specific skills. Around half-a-dozen pupils are involved with county pathways and Mayfield enjoys an annual, and increasingly competitive, fixture against MCC Women.

weekly due to the depth of playing pool

Finest moment on the field Making it to the quarter-finals of the

Under-17 National Eclipse Cup Recent progress U13A, U13B, U15A and seniors now playing hardball cricket. The number of sta who feel confident delivering hardball sessions, umpiring hardball games

“I always say the MCC game is the best part of our year,” says Starr, who represented Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and England Indoor. “I don’t know if you’re allowed to [beat them] – I’d love to! They bring a strong team every year, which is a testament to our girls, the hard work they’ve put in and how far they’ve come.”

But while results are important, something Starr “prides the whole department on” is the overarching focus on participation.

“I want to push girls to be the best at whatever sport it is, but it’s also important that we get the depth and every girl has the opportunity to play team sport,” she says.

“That’s why we still have softball in our C and D teams – they’re being exposed to a team sport, they’re still being exposed to cricket. It

and the number of girls playing hardball cricket

Future plans Developing fixture programme to accommodate C and D teams. Developing a cricket academy for local prep and primary schools. The development of a grass wicket and electronic scoreboard. Tours Dubai (Easter 2023). There are plans to repeat this in 2025

doesn’t matter what ability, hardball, softball… everyone will play and that’s really important to me.”

That same inclusive approach applies to touring. In 2023, 24 girls - roughly a 1st XI and an under-14/15 combined XI - enjoyed a 10-day cricket and netball tour to Dubai. Next year, South Africa, Dubai or Barbados are all possible destinations, while a pre-season tour to Isle of Wight is also on the table.

“It was fantastic,” Starr reflects. “Some of the stadiums we played at were phenomenal – the girls loved that. We played against Ipswich School, who are national champions for the last three or four years. Some of our girls took wickets and were thrilled, getting them out meant the world to them.

“The one thing [we said] was we’ll open it to everyone. We want everyone to experience it. Why shouldn’t they? It doesn’t matter if they’re not playing county cricket or representative cricket. They all deserve the opportunity to play.”

Emily Starr Director of Sport

Mayfield

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NOTTING HILL AND EALING HIGH SCHOOL

2 Cleveland Road, London, W13 8AX

Established 1873

Number of pupils 905

Head of cricket Andy Bennett (director of sport) and Juan Henri (head coach of supreme sports coaching)

Teams 9 – U11, U12AB, U13AB, U14AB, U15AB

Brief history In 1887 fearless 13-yearold Georgina Walrond convinced the headmistress to allow girls to play cricket. The new XI won their debut game against Princess Helena College. In 2017 cricket restarted at NHEHS with eight trailblazing girls. By 2019 participation had grown and pupils had one weekly after-school session in autumn and spring, and three in summer. In 2022 NHEHS ranked in the top 20 all-girls’ schools by The Cricketer and the U12s and U13s won the Lady Taverners tournament. The school now has 70 girls playing weekly

Fixtures 26. Plus the Lady Taverners indoor tournament with U11,

U12, U13, U14 and U15 teams, the Schools Cricket Association of Middlesex (SCAM) league, and the School Sports Magazine national competition

Facilities Indoor nets in the sports hall. Pitches at Gunnersbury Sports Hub, as well as the sports fields and indoor nets at Ealing Trailfinders CC Club/county a liation Ealing Trailfinders and Ealing CCs, Middlesex CCC

Best prospects Sofia Younis

(bowling allrounder for Middlesex Under-15s and Richmond CC); Lilly Bachir, Manpreet Gill, Joanna Dizayee, Lana Gandhi and Nishka Patel all play for Middlesex U13s Cricketers of note Jenny Dawson now plays for Middlesex Under-20s Finest moment on the field This year winning the Middlesex U13 Lady Taverners tournament and representing Middlesex in the regional rounds. Prior to that in 2021/22 winning the U15 Lady Taverners

indoor tournament, progressing to win the county indoor tournament, then playing the best schools in the region at the U15 regional indoor tournament, finishing in the top 10 Recent progress More girls playing hardball. Three sixth-formers enrolling in Level 1 coaching and coach support workers’ courses. Intermediary aeroball sessions have built confidence with Year 8 and 9 pupils. Participating in Middlesex tournaments/cup matches (soft ball and hardball). 6 pupils playing for Middlesex squads. 5 pupils selected for the London Youth Games representing Ealing Borough. Coaches running that side. Entering the Lady Taverners Tournament at Lord’s. From September 2023, every sports scholar will also have a complimentary one-to-one session per week. 2 new nets

Tours The school runs a biennial senior sports tour abroad for hockey, netball and waterpolo and there is a plan to include cricket next time Future plans Working more closely with Ealing Trailfinders and Supreme Sports Coaching. 4 lunchtime sessions in the summer terms

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PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

25 Kent Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3EQ

25 per cent increase. The prep school played 22 fixtures

Facilities Sport England-standard sports hall used throughout the school year. A small, enclosed astroturf at the prep school. Use of Portsmouth CC for training and fixtures in summer term: 2 astro nets, cut grass square, a training square and 2 astro pitches

Established

Number of pupils

Teachers in charge

Vaughan-Woods (senior) and Louise Hall (prep)

Teams 1st XI, U16A, U15AB, U14, 13ABC, U12AB, U10/11ABCDEF, U8/9ABCD

Fixtures In 2023 season the senior programme progressed from 20 the previous season to 30 outdoor in the summer term plus 10 indoor in spring. Going forward they are hoping for a

Club/county a liation The school train at Portsmouth CC and many girls are members. Some pupils members at Havant CC, Portsmouth & Southsea CC and St Cross CC. The school are planning an outreach day for local primary schools in July 2024 at Portsmouth & Southsea run by school sta and sports scholars

Best prospects Darcey

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Cricket returned to the senior curriculum at Portsmouth High School in 2022.

Clarke (St Cross CC & Hampshire CCC U18) is an opening batter averaging 40 and medium-fast inswing bowler. Maya Devenish (Portsmouth CC) is a strong opening batter and fast bowler

season with one team at each junior age group. The prep school started including cricket in curriculum in 2019. The full re-introduction of cricket to the curriculum and sports programme sparked great interest in girls to join local clubs

after reaching 25, followed by Immy retiring again in the next game against Croydon HS. Overall, the attitude of all girls no matter the score

Thanks to the foundations laid lower down the school, and a holistic approach from pre-prep to sixth form, what started as a “handful of casual fixtures” has quickly developed into regular coaching and a formal fixture card.

That schedule includes indoor competitions in autumn and spring terms, for 10 teams from under-12 upwards. Such is the interest, the school may launch an under-12 C team in 2024, something of which is “unheard” at many schools.

“We’re practicing ball skills in every sport from reception. By the time they come into year three they’ve experienced some form of cricket,” explains prep school coordinator Louise Hall. “It’s very much about developing the fundamental skills and then bringing them in competitively.

“It’s about participation, skill development and having fun, and we can confidently say 100 per cent of our girls are playing weekly cricket in

Brief history

The senior school restarted competitive cricket in 2022

What sets the school apart? The most successful players aspire to be in the Girls’ Day School Trust select XI – the best U18 players from across 25 schools

Finest moment on the field Opening batters Isla and Immy retiring in the GDST regional play-o game against Sutton HS

the summer term.”

“The year sevens are really keen and that’s the impact of playing younger,” continues senior coach Rebecca Vaughan-Woods.

“If they come from other schools and haven’t played cricket, they’re encouraged by all the girls who have experienced the game for five or six years of cricket. It’s a gradual progression as the years go through and maintaining that engagement throughout the school. We’ve got some fantastic

Recent progress Maintaining the connection to Portsmouth CC. Arranging 1st XI and U16A fixtures for the first time. Having two U16 players selected for GDST select team in 2023, who then went on to beat MCC Future plans Will look at acquiring portable cricket nets for the sports hall, followed by a bowling machine. The sports hall could potentially hold four nets

Tours In the o ng for 2025

role models at the top of the school.”

Those role models include Darcey Clarke and Maya Devenish, who earned selection for the Girls’ Day School Trust select side in 2023, a representative side drawn from 25 schools.

The school is keen to develop links with local clubs, with a view to getting more pupils onto county pathways, and relaunch overseas touring from 2025. But for now, Vaughan-Woods and Hall will continue to be “creative” as they take the cricket programme from strength to strength.

“We go for eight-a-side soft-ball prep school] but if we’ve got 10 and another school’s got 11, we make it work. Some weeks we have an astroturf divided into four or six pitches or a really short boundary. It’s a hugely adapted game but making it fun for everyone,” Hall says.

“You could just pick the eight best pupils but that’s not our focus. It’s about adapting the game to make it work in the best interest of the girls. We are creative in how we deliver [cricket] so the girls can enjoy it, be engaged and learn every single week.”

L: Rebecca Vaughan-Woods, teacher in charge (senior) R: Louise Hall, teacher in charge (prep)

1872 550 Rebecca

Educating

girls aged 3 – 18

TOP 20 GIRLS SCHOOLS

PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL

35 Putney Hill, London SW15 6BH

Established 1893

Number of pupils 740 (1,060 including junior school and sixth form)

Head of cricket Emma Fraser (director of sport)

Professional Alastair Fraser (Middlesex, Essex and Young England)

Teams 12 softball – U12 ABCD, U13 ABCD; 6 hardball U12AB, U13AB, U14A, U15A, U18

Brief history Competitive cricket replaced rounders at the school five years ago and since then the programme has gone from strength to strength with all students playing cricket as one of the major summer term sports

Fixtures Weekly over the summer term, softball and hardball for each age-group. This year in Surrey there is now a T20 cup competition at every age-group

Facilities 2 indoor nets allowing for hardball cricket to be played yearround; training at Wimbledon CC. Nets at Roehampton playing fields

ROEDEAN SCHOOL

Roedean Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5RQ

Established 1885

Number of pupils 710

Head of cricket Mike Smethurst (Lancashire)

Teams 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABCDE

Fixtures 60 outdoor during the summer term, including U12E and U13D teams. Plans to play Sussex Martlets and a possible triangular

Club/county a liation Barn Elms, Roehampton playing fields and Wimbledon CC

Best prospects A number of girls are in the Surrey and Middlesex programmes

What sets the school apart? It has a strong sporting reputation across

with MCC Women in 2024. Indoor, Roedean enter the Lady Taverners U13 and U15 events

Facilities 2 astro wickets, 1 grass square plus softball fixtures on the hockey Astro. They have also hosted fixtures at a local club, Rottingdean CC. For training, 3 indoor nets, 2 outdoor astro wickets with cages, 6 grass nets (were new for summer 2022) and one grass square Club/county a liation Roedean were involved in early discussions around the Brighton Urban Cricket Plan, to o er the use of facilities to

the board

Recent progress The addition of indoor nets has enabled students to train all year round and at break and lunchtimes. This uninterrupted access to cricket has improved the technique of many students, the benefits of which are starting to

be seen in fixtures this term. The Under-13s have made it through to the final of the Surrey hardball Cup. The school won the ESCA U13 Surrey hardball Cup v Cranleigh last summer

Future plans For more students to be playing at county level and in clubs outside of school

the community. Informal partnership with Rottingdean CC to use their ground to host some fixtures

Best prospects Bella Dye. Year 7 quick bowler, aggressive batter and strong fielder. Currently in the Sussex U12 team

Brief history Records exist from 1889 and the Lords and Commons previously held an annual cricket fixture at the school

Cultural cricketers Cecilia Robinson coached cricket at Roedean between 1949 and 1981 and toured Australia with the England women’s team in 1963

What sets the school apart?

Roedean has a strong history with Sussex Women’s cricket. It was

previously the venue for squad trials and fixtures as the women’s game was beginning to develop

Finest moment on the field A once-annual Lords v Commons fixture used to take place at Roedean Recent progress Introduced fixtures for U12E and U13D teams, to give more girls the opportunity to play. There was a tie in an U14C fixture, four other fixtures have been won or lost by one run and they had an U14A T20 game which went down to the final two balls

Future plans Plans to erect a fence to protect an adjacent main road, which will allow them to host more home fixtures, and resurrect use of the grass square

Cecilia Robinson coaching in 1955

SHERBORNE GIRLS’ SCHOOL // ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL, BRAMLEY

SHERBORNE GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Bradford Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3QN

Established 1899

Number of pupils 492

Master in charge James Bell

Teams Hardball – 1st XI, 2nd XI, U15, U14, U13. Softball – 1st XI, 2nd XI, U13ABCDE. Indoor – U15AB

Fixtures 61 fixtures excluding later rounds of cup competitions. Millfield, Canford, King’s Taunton. Ryde’s School with Upper Chine requires a ferry trip to the Isle of Wight Facilities Cricket has moved on to the top playing fields, taking pride of place at the centre of school. They have purchased 2 batting cages, 2 Flicx wickets and are in the process of getting a 4-bay indoor net set up in the sports hall

Club/county a liation Sherborne CC, Compton House CC, Hardington & West Coker CC

Best prospects Emma Phillipson

(Year 12 wicketkeeper/batter) joined Sherborne this year but is now part of the Western Storm EPP and

ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL, BRAMLEY

Station Road, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0DF

Established 1885

Number of pupils 900

Head of cricket Tamsyn White

Teams Hardball – U17A, U15A, U14, U13A, U12; Softball – U15ABCD, U14ABCD, U13ABCD, U12ABCD

Fixtures The school tends to o er three fixtures per team. The Softball and Hardball League teams usually play more due to the nature of the league structure

Facilities Use of Bramley CC

Club/county a liation Bramley CC

Brief history The school first introduced cricket in 2019. Since then, they have developed the sport in both hardball and softball and now o er fixtures to over 15 teams, playing a range of opposition

Finest moment on the field In 2023 the school made the semi-finals of the U15 Softball League

Recent progress A team of highly motivated and skilled teachers, all o ering fun and engaging sessions

Future plans Plan to invest in permanent cricket nets next year

Somerset programme, Year 11 bowler Mabel Martin and Year 10 bowler Rose Wingfield-Digby. Phillipson has got cricket sessions six days a week and recently linked with Sherborne School and is playing for one of their boys’ teams.

Brief history Cricket started fully six years ago, and the school has made cricket a summer term sport option What sets the school apart? Working collaboratively with girls to allow them to direct the programme in a manner they feel in control of

Finest moment on the field Finishing third in the County Indoor Cup competition and the development of the group and facilities. Two years ago cricket was played on the bottom fields in uncut areas with a small number of girls. This year they have had almost 30 girls in each age-group wanting to play in matches, along with moving up to the top fields, getting 2 batting cages, with county system nets, along with ordering new equipment for the girls including bats, pads and helmets

Recent progress Links with the boys’ school. The development of the school site within the last 12 months doubled numbers

Future plans Due to set up and run their own Prep/Primary pairs tournament, alongside hosting U12 Dorset Change to Shine tournaments. Integrating the 2 batting cages from last year with County System nets and increasing access to pads and bats. The school have invested in girls’-specific clothing so they field comfortable while maintaining the functionality and Sherborne Girls’ look

ST HELEN & ST KATHARINE

Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1BE

Established 1903

Number of pupils 721

Teams U18, U15AB, U14AB, U13ABC, U12ABC, U11ABC, U10AB

Fixtures 44 fixtures across summer term, on top of ECB Indoor Schools rounds. Block fixtures against Haileybury, Berkhamsted and Cheltenham

Facilities Indoor net facility installed in Easter 2022 and new hardball pitch this year over at Church Farm, where there is space for 6 softball games.

The school also use Abingdon School for larger block fixtures and have access to Kingston Bagpuize CC for National Cup Club/county a liation Host Oxfordshire pathway sessions at school net facilities through the winter. Links with clubs, and host partnership events with local primary schools and skills festival with local schools

Looking at Flicx/artificial pitches to host two or three fixtures at one time.

winter. Links with clubs, and host for a

Best prospects Sophia Hanson (Oxfordshire Girls U15 Pathway, Jersey, Oxfordshire); Georgia Prestedge (Oxfordshire Girls U15 Pathway, Oxfordshire); Nicole Harper (Oxfordshire Girls U15 Pathway, Southern Vipers EPP trialist); Niamh Rogan (Oxfordshire Girls U15 Pathway, Southern Vipers EPP trialist) Brief history Cricket was established in the curriculum in 2020 and since then has taken o . The school o er curriculum sessions for all year groups, as well as a range of extracurricular clubs

throughout the year both tailored for hardball-confident cricketers, and softball beginners. Before 2020 the school entered competitions, but facilities and regular training were not established. Since then indoor nets, a pitch and an extensive cricket fixture calendar have launched

What sets the school apart? When in a tough situation the girls come together and work through it

Finest moment on the field Huge indoor success in 2023 as double indoor national champions at U13 and U15 at Lord’s. Outdoors, reached the fourth round of the National Cup in both U15 and U18

Recent progress Aside from

indoor success, coach development sessions. The school now have two teachers running age group sides at U12 and U14, as well as running training sessions for their age group

Future plans To become an internal cricket academy o ering one-to-one coaching throughout the school day, with additional learning opportunities for both elite players and newcomers. Hope to install additional hardball wickets to host weekend blocks. The school wishes to increase engagement with local community clubs and and provide facilities for the county and clubs through the winter Tours Sri Lanka for Year 9-11 for 12 days in August 2024

ST SWITHUN’S SCHOOL, WINCHESTER

Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HA

Established 1884

Number of pupils 500 (senior) and 220 (prep)

Master in charge Sara He ernan (assistant head of sport), Jon Riley (director of sport)

Teams U12ABC, U13ABC, U14AB, U15AB, U18A

Fixtures Friendly fixtures almost every Saturday throughout the Summer term – a mix of hardball and softball depending on the year group and opposition. Major local opposition King Edward’s, Lord Wandsworth, Portsmouth Grammar, St Helen and St Katharine, Embley Park and Godolphin. More than 60 matches in 2023 season

Facilities Artificial wicket installed in pride of place at the front of school. Two Flicx pitches get great use throughout the year from indoor nets and are invaluable in providing hardball experience Club/county a liation

training sessions for girls. Cricket is o ered as part of St Swithun’s growing primary schools’ partnership programme – where pupils and sta deliver weekly coaching sessions to a number of local state primary school children across Winchester,

In the spring term, St Swithun’s partner two local clubs – Easton CC and St Cross Symondians CC – who use the school’s indoor nets and allow pupils to join weekly

including All Saints Primary School Best prospects

Eliza Bristowe (Southern Vipers EPP), Emily Wilson (Hampshire U15), Isabella Peters (Hampshire U13), Scarlett De Krester (Hampshire U13)

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

There will be a glorious sight for cricket fans at St Swithun’s School next summer.

Brief history

Cricketers of note Emma Phillipson (Western Storm EPP) Cricket was first introduced in 1912. Learie Constantine visited the school in the 1930s during a West Indies tour

As parents and visitors travel up the Winchester school’s magnificent drive, they will see cricket being played by girls on the left pitch, the right pitch, and in the nets. This uplifting scene will serve as testimony to the great work done by the Hampshire school’s head of cricket, Sara He ernan.

Although cricket was first played in the 1910s, it gradually disappeared from the curriculum to be replaced by activities like tennis and athletics. He ernan, who plays for Alton CC, led the renaissance, however, and she says: “Cricket is part of our culture now. The girls

to coach. In recent years the school qualified for the ECB Indoor Schools competition national finals twice, finishing as runners-up in 2019 Cultural cricketers Lucia Kendall played England representative cricket before signing a professional contract with Southampton FC last year What sets the school apart? There is a strong culture of cricket with pupils playing at break times with their friends, and discussing matches. Great links with local clubs to encourage girls to play outside of school, and onto the Hampshire Player Pathway where appropriate. All girls from Years 7 to 9 play in games session with a further after-school session as well as matches at all levels. In total, four to five hours of cricket on o er a week Finest moment on the field 2023 achievements: U15 finalists at ECB National Indoor Competition at

come up to me during the lunchbreak and tell me the latest scores. They say, “Did you see the England result at the weekend?” They also practise and play matches through their lunch breaks. There has been a cultural change at St Swithun’s, and it started from scratch.

“This summer was amazing. We had a fantastic array of fixtures against the local schools. We entered various cups, and our under-13 and under-15 sides both reached the county finals, playing alongside each other in the finals. It was an amazing sight.”

The school team went into the summer in great spirits, after reaching the under-15 indoor national finals at Lord’s. “It was such an amazing experience for the girls,” said He ernan. “It gave

Lord’s (county and regional knockout winners); finalists in the U13 and U15 Hampshire County Cup

Recent progress A first match against Winchester College boys at U14 level was a great success. Additional hardball development games have been added. Addition of an S&C coach to St Swithun’s. This year the school encouraged U15/U14 pupils to get involved in coaching younger age groups. All U12-U14s took part in the inter-form tournament

Future plans Looking at another artificial pitch as well as outdoor nets. On return in September they will be o ering small group sessions for all girls during lunch. Next year they are looking to work with Hampshire Cricket Board to send pupils on their female-only intro to umpiring, scoring and coach activator courses

us real momentum going into the season.” The school were also defeated indoor finalists at Lord’s in 2019.

St Swithun’s has an artificial pitch on the front field, with another one being installed on the other side next Easter. There are two indoor nets, with outdoor nets on their way.

“Parents will come in and see cricket everywhere, on the left and right pitches and in the nets… it will be a stunning sight!” said He ernan.

The school has matches every Saturday through the term, and the dedicated girls practise through the winter.

Tradition says that if it rains on St Swithun’s Day – July 15 – it will rain every day for the rest of the summer. He ernan confirms that alas it did rain in 2023, and it went on to be a wet summer. But as long as it stays dry in 2024, the school’s 140th year, St Swithun’s cricketers are seemingly poised to achieve great things again.

Sara He ernan Assistant head of sport

across Winchester,

first introduced in 1912. Learie

TOP 20 GIRLS SCHOOLS

THE MARY ERSKINE SCHOOL

Ravelston Dykes Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH4 3NT

Established 1694

Number of pupils 750

Master in charge Caroline Heron, Tom McBratney

Professional Hannah Short (Tasmania Women)

Teams U10, U11AB, U12AB, U13AB, U15, U18

Fixtures 39 fixtures across all year groups, excluding Scottish Cup for U18 seniors

Facilities An excellent indoor facility with nets, used by Cricket Scotland men and women’s teams in the evening. The school host softball matches on the 2 astroturf pitches. They also recently purchased a Flicx wicket which was laid on the school site over the summer months, allowing them to train hardball outside and host matches. Mary Erskine

have access to Inverleith, a liated with Stewart’s Melville CC. They hosted their first ever hardball festival this year on the main square Club/county a liation Stewart’s Melville CC an integral player in the school’s success. Short, head coach of the women’s team, delivers all Mary Erskine sessions from U10-U18 in the summer term, which has been key in the transition to hardball Best prospects Katherine Fraser captained Scotland at the 2023 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa in January and signed a contract with the Northern Diamonds for 2023

WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL

Mansel Road, London, SW19 4AB

Established 1880

Number of pupils 900

Master in charge James Price, Catriona Coutts-Wood (director of sport)

Teams 1st XI, U17, U15AB, U14ABC, U13ABCD, U12ABCD, U11ABCDEF, U10ABCDEF, U9BCDEF, U8ABCDEF

Fixtures On a weekly basis and some Saturday matches. Entering U12, U13, U14, U15, U17 and U18 Cup competitions. U15s had a round 2 Hardball Cup match against Emanuel, with rising prospect Alicia Adams top-scoring with 99

Facilities Raynes Park Sports Ground, in partnership with Wimbledon CC. Full-size astro turf for softball fixtures. Bowling machine. 3 mobile nets. 4 indoor nets installed in August 2023, which have allowed the school to o er extensive programme of pre-season training Club/county a liation

Brief history The Mary Erskine School cricket programme was set up in 2015 by PE teacher Pippa Johnson, with the support of Cricket Scotland and coaches from Stewart’s Melville, headed up by former pupil David Gibson, who o ers weekly coaching sessions with the girls and up-skills teachers to deliver high quality sessions for our pupils.

Wimbledon CC

Best prospects Caitlin Harris (U12, Wimbledon CC, Surrey age-groups), Jessica Marshall (U13, Spencer CC),

What sets the school apart? The number of girls playing at the school, thanks to an excellent pathway whether only interested in softball or seeking to progress to hardball

Finest moment on the field During the school’s first hosted hardball festival on the main wicket at Inverleith, they secured a draw o the final ball

Recent progress The successful transition to hardball. They played 13 hardball fixtures in the 2023 season,

Alicia Adams (U14, Wimbledon CC, Surrey CC), Eve Hitchcock (U15, Spencer CC)

Brief history Cricket has grown

which is incredible considering the first hardball match was in 2021

Future plans The school is yet to host a fixture on the grounds of Mary Erskine. The main goal next year will be to o er an array of fixtures on the home pitch. This will let the younger age groups aspire to be the next top cricketers in the school

Tours The school is attending the Newcastle Royal Grammar School event with two teams competing in the U13 and U16 competition

in the last six years with over 200 senior school students representing the school in fixtures this year. Co-curricular clubs happen for all age groups with good numbers attending. They have two weekly invitational sessions before school training at Wimbledon CC with cricket professionals

What sets the school apart? The partnership with Wimbledon CC, one of the biggest clubs in the country

Finest moment on the field Under-15sA team reached round two of the SOCS Hardball Cup. Playing up a year, Adams became a valued member of the team

Recent progress Wimbledon

High have recently developed a new partnership with Wimbledon CC. The addition of cricket professionals has allowed the school to give weekly sta CPD to progress and upskill sta , so they are now all comfortable leading an age group

Future plans Four new indoor nets being installed in our Sports Hall in August

Tours Under consideration

TOP 50 PREP/JUNIOR SCHOOLS

One of the highlights of reading The Cricketer Schools Guide is perusing the ‘cultural cricketers’ section.

There are some famous alumni listed.

I love the thought of them at the crease, waiting for the bowler to come in, trying to stay relaxed by formulating plans for their future careers.

Take Sir John Barry, the gifted composer of 11 James Bond films.

Could he have had something resembling the Goldfinger tune already swirling around in his head as he clipped one o his pads for four, batting for St Peter’s School, York?

What about Formula One ace Stirling Moss… did he acquire a taste for speed, bowling for Shrewsbury House School, Surbiton?

There was Oliver Reed, the actor and

hellraiser of Hollywood? Did the skipper of Rokeby School in Kingston upon Thames have trouble keeping him in line? Wouldn’t it have been amazing if, somehow, all the Dragon School’s famous sons and daughters had taken the field together in Oxford? Tim Henman (a wicketkeeper), Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hollander, Dom Joly and Jack Whitehall… with all the acting and japery, it would have been di cult to focus on the game, surely.

Future Foreign Secretaries Douglas Hurd, at Twyford School in Hampshire, and Jack Straw, at Brentwood in Essex, must have been more serious cricketers, even if overseas relations and crises were not keeping them awake at night yet.

Was Sir Stephen Lander already a great keeper of secrets, batting for Bishop’s Stortford College Prep, before he went on to become director-general of Mi5?

ABOVE Clifton College Prep

BELOW

Sir John Barry in 1967

I trust Siegfried Sassoon was able to concentrate on his batting at The New Beacon School in Sevenoaks, with no ideas of the horrors of the First World War that lay ahead. It must be certain that he was already writing poetry, though. Alas we must rely on our imagination to bring these cricket careers to life, but it was fun thinking about it.

Meanwhile their successors continue to do extraordinary things. Take Westbrook Hay in Hemel Hempstead, who won the Hertfordshire Cup three times in four years. Or St Peter’s of York, whose under-13 boys reached the IAPS Cup finals nine times in 12 years, winning on three occasions. Such successes are achieved by dedicated cricketers, working together, giving it their all, coached and rocket-fuelled by passionate coaches. We salute you.

Huw Turbervill

TOP 50 PREP/JUNIOR SCHOOLS

ALDRO

Lombard Steet, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS

Established 1898

Number of pupils 234

Master in charge

Guy Drayton (director of sport & enrichment)

Teams 17 boys U8s–U13s, 7 girls U8s–U13s

Guy Drayton Director of sport & enrichment

Girls’ cricket Throughout the school

Fixtures U10-U13 teams play every

Wednesday and some Saturdays. U8 & U9 teams play every Thursday;

plus tournaments, cup competitions and tours.

Cranleigh is a notable fixture

Facilities 2 bespoke on-site squares, 2 Flicx wickets, 1 grass wicket, 2 o site club grounds, 2 sets of 3 outdoor artificial nets, 1 set of 3 indoor cricket nets

Best prospects The school has a number of boys who represent either Surrey or Hampshire at U11 & U13 level

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 cricket matches on its beautiful grounds since 1940. The unique grounds were developed around a lake which hosts wildlife as well as sailing and rowing and provides the idyllic setting for cricket. 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 inter-school fixtures on a strong prep school circuit in Surrey

Finest moment on the field

Reaching the U11 Surrey Cup semi-final this year; the U13s’ tour of Kent playing Tonbridge, Sutton Valence & Wellesley House. The introduction of girls’ cricket at Aldro. Opening the Aldro Cricket Academy in 2016 to provide children with specialist coaching during the winter

Future plans Introducing hardball cricket as mainstream for girls; developing further relationships with local clubs, using more club grounds for fixtures

Tours U13s to Cape Town in February 2025

AYSGARTH SCHOOL

Bedale, North Yorkshire DL8 1TF

Established 1877

Number of pupils 130 in prep, 80 in pre-prep

Master in charge James Alderson (head of science, evening activities coordinator and head of cricket, ex-Durham CCC)

Professionals Paul Grayson (Yorkshire, Essex and England), Alex Lane (Herefordshire Junior)

Teams 15 from U8–U13, Mixed U8ABC, U9AB, U10AB, U11AB, U12ABC, U13ABC

Girls’ cricket Core skills coaching in pre-prep Years 1-3. Regular fixtures as part of the U8 mixed-team matches and at least 2 coaching sessions a week in summer

Fixtures More than 100. List includes prestigious public and state schools in the north of England, and clubs like Richmond CC. Also county, regional and national tournaments (Bunbury

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

You would naturally expect any cricket-focused prep school to establish the fundamental skills as a priority, but Aysgarth School’s head of cricket James Alderson understands the importance of going above and beyond teaching what’s in the textbook.

Cup & IAPS). The school hosts the entire Yorkshire round of the English Schools Cricket Association (ESCA) 8-a-side U11 national competition

Facilities 4 indoor nets, 7 outdoor grass, 5 outdoor pitches and squares. The school has a sports hall which is one of the best cricket-training facilities between Headingley and Chester-le-Street. It has four fulllength nets, bowling machines and a multi-purpose floor Club/county a liation Yorkshire and Durham CC Boards. There are a number of current pupils in the Yorkshire CCC pathways programme. School regularly hosts North Yorkshire matches and trials. Other local teams include Crakehall, Newton-le-Willows and West Tanfield. The school supports blind cricket Best prospects 7 pupils in the Yorkshire CCC pathways

Brief history Cricket has been played in some form or another since 1877.

Headmaster Frank Joy (1919-1936) was a fanatic. He oversaw the building

“Positive cricket is really important,” says Alderson. And while he certainly is not talking about adopting ‘Bazball’ (though he is developing young cricketers who want to try to score a run or take a wicket every ball) he is focused on encouraging the older children to consider tactical awareness and read the game.

“It’s making sure that they’ve got the right attitude. Playing with grace, making sure that they’re playing in the right spirit of cricket,” he says. “That’s a big thing at our school and on our cricket pitches – making sure that the boys are always carrying themselves and representing the school in the best light to set them up, so

of the pavilion in 1927. The unique game of COW (possibly standing for ‘cricket on the wall’) is still the mainstay of school life Cultural cricketers Matthew Pinsent, Jonathan Ru er, Robert Swan

What sets the school apart?

U10 matches and above are uploaded to Play-Cricket

Finest moment on the field

Aysgarth School U12 clinched the Under 12 Bunbury Cup to become Yorkshire County Champions on July 4, 2023. James Alderson, Head of Cricket at Aysgarth School, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this victory. Yorkshire has arguably the most competitive standard of school cricket in the country, so succeeding in this competition does not come easily. It is a testament to the hard

that when they go to senior schools they can give a good account of themselves.”

This outlook clearly chimes with the school’s general values of respect, endeavour and courage.

Alderson is ably assisted by ECB Level 4 coach and former England allrounder Paul Grayson, together with a further four Level 2 coaches.

“We’ve got loads of qualified coaching, and [the boys] are getting coaching non-stop,” says Alderson.

The children have the benefit of a sports hall and bowling machines in the winter and seven grass wickets available in the summer. And running fixtures in individual year groups gives a greater number of pupils the opportunity to experience competitive cricket.

While personal development is clearly key at Aysgarth, it is always gratifying when those e orts transfer to on-pitch success. This year saw the school’s under-12s win the Yorkshire regional Bunbury Cup; no mean feat

www.aysgarthschool.co.uk

work, dedication, and skill of the team. They have shown exceptional sportsmanship, teamwork, and a relentless drive to succeed.”

Recent progress Caspar Stone (2012-2018) played for Harrow v Eton at Lord’s on May 12 2023. His brother, Oliver Stone (2011-2016) played for Eton in 2021

Future plans Reinforcing already strong relationships with local and regional cricketing bodies and clubs; expanding the coaching workforce; improving outfield squares and practice areas; strengthening fixture list; purchasing a mounted sport camera for livestreaming

Tours Pre-season to Oundle School; Form 5 went to Oxford: fixtures v Dragon, Caldicott, Summer Fields and Warwick School. Next year an international trip

considering the competition is 64 teams strong.

“We’ve got 160 kids in our school and a lot of teams we played against have got more than that in a year group, so it was a really massive achievement for us,” says Alderson.

“Eight straight wins meant cup glory and automatic entry to the national rounds the following year.

“But travel is no oddity to many of these boys, as there are annual pre-season tours available (for cricket and other sports alike), with an eye on visiting the kind of secondary schools that Aysgarth alumni are likely to feed into. Previous tours, for example, have taken in the likes of Oundle, Rugby, Sedbergh and Repton.

And with Alderson able to utilise his connections at Yorkshire, Aysgarth is giving its pupils ample opportunity to develop their talents further by forming a pathways relationship with the county.

“It will be fruitful in the future getting boys on to those courses as they’re going to develop loads more skills,” he says.

“It might be the same messages as what we’re giving them at school, but getting it from somebody di erent can be really beneficial.”

James Alderson Head of cricket

Alex Lane Director of sport

Paul Grayson Cricket professional

BEDE’S PREP

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

Number of pupils 250

Master in charge Alan Wells (Sussex and England)

Teams 16 across age-groups in the prep school

Girls’ cricket O ered for many years

Fixtures 111 a year across senior and prep schools. Most notable v Eton and Tonbridge alongside national and county cups

Facilities 4 grass pitches, 8 outdoor and 6 indoor nets

Club/county a liation

Sussex and Kent CCCs

Best prospects Jake Vosloo (Sussex senior adult disability team, aged 13)

Cricketers of note Luke Wells, Fynn HudsonPrentice, Henry Crocombe, Archie Lenham, Dan Ibrahim, Ali Orr, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp

Brief history Archie Lenham’s grandfather, Peter Pyemont, was the founder of Bede’s School; he championed all sports and had a special love for cricket. Cricket at the school has since gone from strength to strength, stepping up to the next level under previous headmaster, Steve Cole, who created a director of cricket role, enabling the school to run a professional-standard

programme

What sets the school apart?

Unique bespoke cricket programme for all, run all year round. At the prep school there is a strong pathway through to the senior school. Strength and conditioning coach works with pupils at the prep school

Recent progress The development of girls’ cricket. Having trailblazers Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp at Bede’s has inspired the other girls

BEDFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

De Parys Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 2TU

Established 1552

Master in charge Gary Steer (director of cricket, ex-Derbyshire CCC)

Teams U8ABCDE, U9ABCDE, U10ABCD, U11ABCDE, U12ABC, U13ABCDEFG

Fixtures About 230, most notable opponents are Caldicott, Stamford, Merchant Taylors’, Haileybury, London Schools and various county teams

Facilities 8 grounds, 7 grass nets, 11 artificial, 6 indoor nets Club/county a liation

Bedfordshire Cricket Board, Bedfordshire Schools Cricket Association, Northamptonshire CCC, Derbyshire CCC, Essex CCC Cricketers of note Sir Alastair Cook (Essex/England), Alex Wakely, Harry Gouldstone, Emilio Gay (all Northamptonshire), James Kettleborough (Northamptonshire, Glamorgan, Derbyshire), Will Smith

(Nottinghamshire/Durham/ Hampshire)

Brief history Cricket began at the school in 1886. Cook’s presence raised the profile. Derek Randall was the school coach. The school won the National Under-17 tournament in 2010 and 2014.

What sets the school apart?

Steer was academy director at Warwickshire for 13 years. And cricket development manager at the ECB. Bedford Prep run an under-11 six-a-side festival every year with 12 teams including Beds and Northants. Leading players Adam Rossington, Lloyd Tennant, James Kettleborough and Peter Willey have been recent features of the winter training programme, delivering indoor masterclass sessions for those interested. Additionally, boys have been coached by England coaches and former Northants players David Ripley and David Sales throughout the winter months.

Finest moment on the field Winning the IAPS national cup competition

Tours The school tours Cape Town every two years

Alice Capsey playing for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred in 2023

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 fixtures for

boys and girls

Girls’ cricket All the girls from U8 to U16 now do cricket for games as main sport

Fixtures 234 – notable fixtures being against Bedford, Haileybury and Felsted

Facilities 7 main squares (senior school but also used by prep school), 16 artificial outdoor nets, 2 mobile net cages, 2 indoor nets plus 10 shared training/match pitches Club/county a liation

Hertfordshire CCC, Bishop’s Stortford CC. Hughes is also head coach of the

1st XI at Bishop’s Stortford CC. Boys and girls play for Hertfordshire and Essex at various age-group levels. Luke Humphrey of Herts & Essex Cricket Centre holds training camps in the holidays and coaching sessions through the year; Essex head scout also attends fixtures

Best prospects Under-13 boys were strong. Including Charlie Waugh, Will Hodges and Will Richardson; and Mattie Hughes (bowling allrounder) and Evie Chidgey (batter)

Cricketers of note AG (Graham) Doggart (Middlesex), Charles (CH)

Titchmarsh played for MCC against New Zealand (1922/23) and West Indies (1923)

Cultural cricketers Sir Stephen Lander, former director-general of MI5; Andy Peebles (former Radio 1 DJ)

What sets the school apart? The college o ers sports scholarships and talented players an elite cricket programme throughout the oseason. Regular overseas 1st XI pre-season tours to Cape Town. The outfield for the 1st XI square is one of the best in the region

Finest moment on the field The college was the first UK school to tour Sri Lanka in 1985/86 and played in the inaugural Sir Garfield Sobers International Cricket Schools Festival in Barbados

Recent progress The speed of uptake of girls’ cricket

Future plans To develop and enhance already strong links with Essex CCC

Dave Hughes Master in charge

The Modern Face of Independent Education

Come and find out what that feels like

Co-Educational Day and Boarding 4 to 18 Years

bishopsstortfordcollege.org /bishopsstortfordcollege

TOP 50 PREP/JUNIOR SCHOOLS

BRENTWOOD PREPARATORY

Middleton Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8EE

Established 1892

Number of pupils 583

Master in charge Les Wingrove Professional Jaik Mickleburgh (Essex)

Teams U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9 ABCDEFG, U8ABCDEFG. Option for further teams/mixed ability/mixed gender, especially in younger age groups – 6 to 8-a-side games

Girls’ cricket Invited to winter academy where they receive high-quality coaching from cricket professional and Kelly Castle, Essex CCC women’s captain; also enter the IAPS girls’ competition and local festivals

Fixtures 100 a summer; also Eastern region IAPS boys and girls’ festival, attending boys’ festivals at Orwell Park and Bancroft’s U11 County Cup Facilities Outdoor facility with 6 nets as well as two roll-on nets, based on the main and prep School site. New 4-lane batting cage on the prep site.

Hopefully an additional Astro-turf pitch will be installed for the 2024 season. Three hardball pitches on three sites with 4 junior softball pitches and access to an astro-turf for terrier formatted games, practices. Partnership with Brentwood CC who have 2 outdoor nets and an extra senior pitch during the week. Indoor

sports hall with 4 nets as well as using a local indoor cricket centre with 3 nets

Club/county Partnerships with Brentwood CC and Essex CCC Academy

Best prospects William Peck, aged 10, on the county development programme. Technically sound bat

and aggressive seam bowler

Cricketers of note Kishen Velhani, Robin Das (both Essex), Rishi Patel (Leicestershire)

Brief history Brentwood Prep has a strong cricket history, with many pupils progressing onto the senior school sides 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 X1, across both genders Cultural cricketers Frank Lampard, Olly Lee, Elliott Lee (all footballers), Jack Straw MP, David Acfield (Essex CCC)

What sets the school apart?

Excellent and popular winter academy. Pros including Adam Wheater, Paul Walter, Jamie Porter, Sam Cook, Mark Pettini and Kelly Castle have come into coach, plus Nick Down & Nick Hobbs from Essex Academy

Finest moment on the field 80-plus attendees in the new after-school cricket specific clubs

Future plans Winter coaching for 60–70 pupils; installation of stand-alone batting cage; improved drainage

BRIGHTON COLLEGE NURSERY, PRE-PREP AND PREP SCHOOL

Walpole Lodge, Walpole Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 OEU

Established 1845

Number of pupils 500

Head of cricket Edward Hopkins

Professional Mark Davis (Sussex)

Teams U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13

Girls’ cricket Hardball and softball have been run for girls both independently and mixed. There are U8–U13 teams

Fixtures Between 110-120 a season, including Bede’s, St Andrew, Westbourne House, Cumnor House (Sussex), Hurstpierpoint College, Ardingly College and Great Walstead

Facilities Outside: 12 net lanes,

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Brighton is famous for the sea fret which drifts over the city at times of the year.

But Brighton College prep school director of sport Edward Hopkins says the city’s unusual climate often means the worst weather blows through when it might be raining in other parts of Sussex.

2 grass squares. 1 artificial wicket. Pitches hired at clubs. Indoor: The School of Science and Sport has 4 nets and space for fielding practice plus a 3-lane cricket gallery in the basement with 4 bowling machines Club/county a liation Sussex CCC & Sussex Cricket Board

Best prospects Joseph Scorey (U12, RHB/WK), Sammy Woods (cricket scholar 13+), Alice Worne (U10, RHB, RFM)

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, Georgia Adams

Woods played Test cricket for England and Australia and rugby union for England 13 times, five as captain

Brief history Cricket is the core 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 the women’s and the men’s game. The school aims to inspire a lifelong love of the game

What sets the school apart? Brighton College is the most successful school for girls’ cricket in the country

a core sport. Consolidation of the progressive programme from Year 1 to Year 8. Increase in pupils engaging in the All Stars and Dynamos programmes at local clubs and more pupils selected into the Sussex Pathway. College specialist sta working with the prep school

Future plans The ‘home ground’ on the main site is in the process of being re-laid to incorporate a square for the College 1st XI and two adjacent coltssized pitches. Expansion of winter programme

Cultural cricketers

Sammy

Good news for cricket, then – and Brighton prep lost only a couple of blocks of 2023 fixtures to rain in what was otherwise a fairly wet British summer.

Their most memorable moments came in the County Cup: the U13 boys went on to win the tournament after somehow managing to get 31 o the last two overs to beat Brighton Aldridge Community Academy in the first round; and the U12 boys triumphed in a heartstopping

Finest moment on the field Producing pupils who continue to play the game at all levels. U12s won the Sussex Cup 2023 defeating Seaford College in the final and have qualified to represent Sussex in the Bunbury Cup as U13s in 2024. U13s won the Sussex Cup 2023, defeating Windlesham House in the final Recent progress Girls’ cricket becoming further embedded as

final against Seaford College by scrambling two o the last ball.

And it will all begin again after the autumn half-term.

“We’re very lucky to have our rustic three-lane indoor centre located in the basement of our School of Science and Sport, underneath the main sports hall, dedicated to cricket,” says Hopkins.

“After half-term we’ll get six boys and six girls from Years 5 to 8 in there every Friday evening, to get them started before Christmas. We’ll get the spine of the teams worked out for next season.

“We used to go to the Sussex indoor school, but it’s much easier being able to do it on-site, cutting out the travel-time.”

Then, as cricket season approaches, participation for the lower levels and lower years really kicks in – including a ‘cricket carousel’ for

www.brightoncollege.org.uk

Tours The College have had a 1st XI tour to Dubai, two U15 tours to Sri Lanka and girls’ 1st XI tour to Sri Lanka since 2014. The prep plan to introduce a boys and girls cricket tour in 2025

Reception to Year 3 based on short, engaging drills to get the youngsters started, with the first matches starting in Year 3.

“During the season, the kids dash out of the dining hall to net at lunchtimes, and they try to stretch it out into their next period!” says Hopkins.

In summer, juggling all the teams across years and genders is “a bit like air tra c control” says Hopkins, especially with the college’s home pitch being re-laid ready for the 2025 season.

“It will be an unbelievable facility,” he says. The school are lucky to have their Jubilee Ground on the edge of the Sussex Downs, plus access to good public facilities o school grounds.

Brighton College is the school that produced Clare Connor, Sarah Taylor and several more of England’s best-ever women players.

“We’re always trying to raise the profile our girls’ cricket and balance the profile of boys and girls’ cricket, while not wanting to compromise pitches on the boys’ side of things,” says Hopkins.

Edward Hopkins Head of cricket

Bazid Khan, Neil Lenham,

CALDICOTT SCHOOL

Crown Lane, Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire SL2 3SL

Established 1904

Number of pupils 240

Master in charge Terrence Zengerink

Teams 23 – U12 & U13 ABCDEFGH; U11ABCD

U10ABC; U9ABCD; U8ABCD

Fixtures 205 including 13 block fixtures against other schools. Also internal fixtures as well as a competitive house competition. Highlight of the season is the final of the CPL (Caldicott Premier League), a tournament made up of all U12 & U13 boys in the 5th–8th XIs.

Facilities nets, 4 indoor, 2 squares, 4 artificial pitches

Best prospects Hughes – Y6, but played in every 1st XI

; Dennis

CARGILFIELD

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

Established 1873

Number of pupils 310

Master in charge David Walker

Professional Ewan Harrison

Teams Boys: U13ABC, U11ABC, U9ABC. Girls: U13 hardball, U13AB softball; 11ABC softball; U9AB softball

Girls’ cricket Programme runs from U9–13. All girls over 11 given option to play hardball cricket and 1st XI play hardball matches every week, taking part in Cricket Scotland Schools’ Cup competitions and playing senior school teams. At Under-9 level they play mixed matches, and all girls play three times a week throughout the summer term

Fixtures 70 boys’, girls’ and mixed. Most notable Scottish rival is Merchiston, but have started playing the larger Edinburgh day schools to get more competitive matches across the age groups. 1st XI boys’ team take part in Cricket Scotland cup competitions, and also in a triangular start-of-season festival with

fixture last season. He has already earned his honours cap for scoring more than 200 runs in the season. He has scored two half-centuries this season and is an excellent fielder. He has two years left at the school Cricketers of note Andrew Strauss, Fabian Cowdrey, Jack Rogers, Alex Sho (USA U19), Mark Dickson Cultural cricketers Sir Tom Stoppard played on main field when son Ed was skipper; Oli Broom (old boy) cycled from Lord’s to Brisbane for the Ashes in 2010/11 and wrote the book Cycling to the Ashes; Dennis time;

Silk and Hubert Doggart were regulars on the boundary What sets the school apart? Every boy represents the school and gets the opportunity to feel part of a team, with excellent coaching and regular games time;

producing gentleman who know how to win and lose with dignity and respect for the opposition Finest moment on the field Touring South Africa in 2017 and beating

Bishops, SACS, Western Province Prep then returning to the UK and winning the National T20 cup. Future plans Building of the new pavilion

Tours South Africa in February 2023; repeated every 2 years Sir Andrew Strauss

Sedbergh and Merchiston. Matches with local rivals Fettes are always hard fought, and U13 girls play Fettes U15s every season

Facilities 2 grass squares, 2 astroturfs for softball games and training, 2 indoor nets in sports hall

Club/county a liation Close links with the Grange CC in Edinburgh, with a large number of boys and girls taking part in the junior programme, receiving quality coaching from John Blain, former Yorkshire CC and Scotland bowler. The school plays Grange CC in matches across the age groups. Some of the chool’s under-13

girls play in the WPL Senior League for the Grange Women; also strong links with Royal High Corstorphine CC, who use the school’s facilities in the winter, and George Munsey, star Scotland batter and RHCC player, comes in and does weekly coaching sessions with girls and boys throughout the winter Best prospects Rory Grant – U15 this year, but made debut for 1st XI while still in 3rd form. Plays in Warwickshire CCC elite development system. Also plays for Scotland age group teams and Grange CC 1st XI; Harry Armstrong plays for Scotland

Under-18s and Stewart’s Melville CC 1st XI; Isabella Armstrong (U13) plays for Stewart’s Melville Women in the WPL and is also part of the Scotland age-group system

Cricketers of note Chris Sole (Scotland) and Tom Sole (Northants and Scotland)

Brief history Cargilfield was founded in 1873 in Edinburgh. Cricket has always been central to the boys’, and now girls’, lives throughout the summer

Cultural cricketers David Sole (Scotland rugby captain)

Finest moment on the field on the cricket field? Having a girl represent the school 1st XI last summer on merit Recent progress The steady improvement in the girls’ programme. Cargilfield has the strongest cricket programme of any junior/prep school in Scotland

Future plans Continuing strong links with cricket clubs in Edinburgh, and making use of having Scotland batter Munsey in coaching every week throughout the winter. Also to upgrade indoor facilities by adding an extra net. Indoor lighting has already been replaced

6 outdoor Rory

CASTERTON, SEDBERGH PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria LA6 2SG

Established 2013

Number of pupils 200

Head of cricket Rupert Bunday (director of sport)

Professional Asher Hart (Hampshire)

Teams 14 – U13ABC for boys and girls; U11AB for boys and girls; U9AB for boys and girls. Mixed teams play at all age groups

Girls’ cricket It is the No.1 girls’ summer sport. The girls’ cricket club meet on Wednesday mornings before school and there are indoor nets all year round to supplement the summer playing season. The school entered under-13 girls’ teams in both the indoor and outdoor national cups last summer, reaching the finals at Lord’s for the former and the quarter-finals for the latter. They also recently took part in the new Fibrus100 league. Seven of the school’s girls play county cricket with

CHEAM SCHOOL

Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD

Established 1645

Number of pupils 375

Teachers in charge Dominic Pike (boys) and Coco Bartlett (girls)

Teams 31 – boys: 1sts, 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5th; U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC, U8AB. Girls: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th; U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC, U8AB Girls’ cricket It is the major sport for

Cumbria, in the under-13 age group, and a number will be invited to be part of the newly formed under-11 age group in 2024. The school has hosted girls’ and ladies’ county matches. They have been coached by Martin Speight and Asher Hart, with support from Mahika Gaur (Sedbergh School, Lancashire, Thunder, UAE & England)

Fixtures 100, split 60/40 between boys and girls.

Notable fixtures are the National Cup games and the boys’ against Aysgarth School

Facilities 3 indoor nets and a bowling machine, 2 outdoor nets, 2 astro wickets, 1 grass square but also access to 5 senior school squares as well as the local pitch at Kirkby Lonsdale CC

Club/county a liation

Kirkby Lonsdale and Burneside CCs/Cumbria

CCC

Best prospects Harriet

Barker (Year 8, Cumbria CCC, Lancashire EPP)

Cricketers of note Tom Aspinwall, Chris Sanders

the girls in the summer term Fixtures Cheam run a full and comprehensive fixture programme, starting in Year 2 through to Year 8. Each team plays about 10 fixtures in the term, with a number of sides playing many more. For boys and girls, the annual home and away ‘double header’ with Farleigh is always enjoyable, enabling 23 sides to play

Facilities Cheam’s 100-acre site houses 10 hardball pitches, one artificial wicket and up to 11 softball

the

within the national IAPS competition. This year the under-11 boys reached the north finals

What sets the school apart? The opportunities and facilities available to all cricketers, boys and girls, from Year 3 upwards

Brief history Boys’ cricket has been played since CSPS was formed in 2013 and the girls are now in the process of writing their own history, with a trip to the national indoor finals at Lord’s already under their belt. The under-13 boys have reached the north finals in the Bunbury Cup seven times in the last 11 years and made the national semi-finals in 2013. They are also regular quarter-finalists

Finest moment on the field The under-13 girls reaching the national indoor finals at Lord’s just two years after the girls’ cricket programme started. The girls love the game

Future plans Two more artificial wickets being installed. Increasing links with local primary schools

wickets. Nine artificial nets are outdoors, with a newly refurbished 4-lane system in the sports centre Club/county a liation Cheam feed to Berkshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire cricket boards and a number of pupils are part of these pathways. An increasing number of pupils are also playing club cricket with local sides including East Woodhay, Falkland, Overton and Basingstoke

Cricketers of note Rupert Cox (Hampshire)

Tours To the Midlands. Hosting Scottish schools including Merchiston and Cargilfield

What sets the school apart? The beautiful grounds. The inclusive approach to cricket. Pupils are given mini bats for scores of 50-plus and five-wicket hauls. In the 1st XI, boys and girls can receive their 1st XI Cap once they have scored 100+ runs or taken 10+ wickets. Annual parent and pupil matches occur with leavers in Year 8, and the house cricket competition is a hotly fought contest across all year groups. This year the school used a number of rules and ideas from The Hundred which went down well

Cultural cricketers King Charles III, HRH Prince Philip, Ivo Bligh

Finest moment on the field Last season saw the highest number of mini bats given out for pupil achievements: 41 scores of 50-plus or five-wicket hauls were logged, including for a century in the 2nd XI

Recent progress Increased participation by the girls

Future plans The indoor nets have been replaced, and will make a di erence for the pupils in the winter months in particular

Tours Senior pupils at Easter or during the summer of 2024

Asher Hart Cricket professional outdoor nets, 2 astro wickets,

TOP 50 PREP/JUNIOR SCHOOLS CHELTENHAM COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL // CLAYESMORE PREP SCHOOL

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL

Thirlestaine Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7AB

Established 1865

Number of pupils 430 pupils aged

CLAYESMORE PREP SCHOOL

Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8LL

Established 1937

Number of pupils 188

Head of cricket Debbie Spokes-Phillips

Professionals Dan Conway (Herefordshire), Simon Porter (Gloucestershire)

3-13 playing competitive mixed boys and girls hardball and softball house cricket, all on 18 pitches across school

Head of cricket Jamie Diamond (Gloucestershire)

Professionals Mark Briers (Durham & Worcestershire), Rob Hall (Herts)

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th

Head of Boys

Teams All cricket now considered mixed with hardball and incrediball teams depending on ability: hardball – U13ABC, U12ABC, U11AB, U10AB, U9AB; Incrediball: U13AB, U12AB, U11AB, U10A, U9AB

Girls’ cricket All teams are mixed, with girls having the choice of either format. Numerous girls have played for the 1st XI over the last two years, including county-level players. The under-13 girls won the Dorset County Cup this year

Fixtures About 140 in the season, including local rivals Port Regis and Sandroyd. However, the annual leavers vs parents match is perhaps the most keenly contested of them all

Facilities 4 permanently maintained squares, with space for 5 other fixtures to be played on the extensive school sports fields. New outdoor 8-lane ECBstandard net complex, with 4 astroturf and 4 grass net, in addition to 6 grass nets and 4 indoor nets. The school maintains and has access to facilities at Iwerne Minster CC Club/county a liation Dorset CC, Shroton CC, Blandford CC, Iwerne Minster CC

Cricketers of note Lewis McManus (Hampshire, Northamptonshire), Jamie Price (Dorset CC)

Brief history Cricket was first played at the original school site at Charlton Marshall in the summer of 1937 under the founding Headmaster RAL Everett. In the 1980s a prep school cricketer made the national headlines for taking 10 wickets in a match for only 3 runs. In more recent times Clayesmore have been county champions in at least one age group for the last six years, including the under13As who have been champions five times across di erent

XI, 5th XI, 11ABC, 10ABC, 9ABC, 8AB.

Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 11AB, 10AB, 9ABC, 8AB

Girls’ cricket 3 hardball teams (aiming for 5) and 13 softball teams

Fixtures 175 with notable block fixtures Clifton, Bromsgrove, Dean Close, Pinewood, Dragon, Beaudesert

Facilities 8 grass pitches with another 10 softball outfield. A double sports hall with 8 indoor nets, barn nets which include 4 smaller nets, 4 artificial nets and 4 outdoor grass  nets

Club/county a liation

Gloucestershire CCC, Cheltenham CC, Charlton Kings CC, IAPS

Best prospects Ethan DP (a batting allrounder). Made 90 for the school, and 238 not out for Gloucs U12s

Brief history The school has hosted a cricket festival every year since 1872

Cultural cricketers Ollie Thorley (Gloucestershire Rugby)

What sets the school apart?

Hosting the Cheltenham Cricket Festival and the amount of grass pitches available

Finest moment on the field The whole school playing competitive hard and softball house cricket with more 420 pupils taking part on 18 pitches across the school

Recent progress Delivering a full hardball winter programme

Future plans Building links with nearby clubs for Friday night T20

Tours Hoping to return to Desert Springs, Spain

formats, and the under-11s who have won twice

Cultural cricketers Tony Hart (artist and TV presenter), Brian Epstein (The Beatles manager).

What sets the school apart? the ‘Sport for All’ ethos at Clayesmore is not just a strapline. Every boy and girl in the prep school is involved in at least 6-8 fixtures each term. aiming to instil a love of cricket for a lifetime. The school has five male or female Level 2 or above coaches. McManus and Fran Wilson have visited to coach

Finest moment on the field In 2020 the under-12 boys claimed the Dorset County Cup in a thrilling final Recent progress The formal move to totally mixed cricket

Future plans Expanding the community engagement scheme with masterclasses being delivered to local primary and prep schools from the school’s county coaches. Extending holiday programmes. The sports hall is being revamped

Tours Mixed tour to the south-west of England in 2024

Bertie Hopkin,

CLIFTON COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Clifton College, 32 College Road, Clifton, Bristol B58 3JH

Established 1862

Number of pupils 350

Head of cricket Louise Catchpole

Professionals Tim Hancock and James Averis (both Gloucestershire CCC)

Teams Mixed 1st XI, Boys U13BC, Boys U12ABC, Girls U13ABC, Mixed U11ABC, Mixed U10ABCD, Mixed U9ABCDE

Girls’ cricket 3 teams in Years 7 and 8, and all girls eligible to be selected in the mixed 1st XI (2 girls selected in 2022). In 2023 the girls’ 1st XI took part in the Commemoration Cup for the first time. All Years 4, 5 & 6 play mixed-gender cricket. Many of the girls represent Frenchay CC with some in the county set-up Fixtures Each team has between 8–15 matches. A Commemoration Cup fixture is played on The Close each year featuring the mixed and girls’ 1st XIs

Facilities 6 grass squares, 4 artificial wickets, 10 artificial nets, 6 indoor nets. Use of hockey astros for junior cricket Club/county a liation Many pupils are in the Gloucestershire CCC pathway and the school’s facilities are used throughout the summer by the county age groups. In 2022 the college hosted a Gloucestershire men’s 1st XI match against a ‘Best of’ WEPL team as a warm-up for the T20 Blast

(Gloucestershire CCC)

Brief history Clifton College was one of the original eight ‘Lord’s Schools’ who could play at the Home of Cricket. In June 1899 AEJ Collins made 628 not out – the most runs recorded in a game – in a house match. The record stood for 116 years. The field on which the game took place is now known as Collins Cultural cricketers Sir Henry Newbolt, an OC and nearby resident to the school, wrote his most famous poem Vitaï Lampada featuring the opening lines “There’s a breathless hush in the Close to-night, Ten to make and the match to win.” The Close that is mentioned is where the College’s 1st XI still play to this day Finest moment on the field Gloucestershire County Cup Winners 2017

Future plans The Chellaram Sports Complex is to be completed for September 2024 and will feature a 10-lane indoor school.

Tours St Peter’s Super-8s Tour for U12As every year. Planning to find a girls’ tour at the same time next year. Before the pandemic tours to Barbados and South Africa. This year the school hosted Elizabeth College, Guernsey, and a return tour

is hoped for

Best prospects Jonty Grindal is part of the Gloucestershire agegroup set-up

Cricketers of note

Matt Windows

COTHILL HOUSE

Cothill, Oxfordshire OX13 6JL

Established 1870

Number of pupils 165

Head of cricket Rory Gri ths (director of sport)

Professional Alex Kidd (Oxfordshire CCC) runs 1st XI with Revd Chris Ashton. Ross Martin, ECB Level 3 coach, also assists training programme

Teams 16 – 1st–8th XI; U11ABCD, U10AB, U9AB. Often everyone in the school playing Fixtures Between 150–180. Most notable against local rivals Dragon and Summer Fields, and longstanding fixture against Ludgrove Facilities 8 pitches including 4 year-round protected squares; 8 grass nets on rotation and 8 hard nets. New sports centre opened in July, including 4 indoor nets for a winter training programme. Two pavilions, two scoreboxes, one giant electronic scoreboard, 4 bowling machines Club/county a liation Oxfordshire CCC; annual fixtures against Oxfordshire Bulls, made up of local

state school boys

Best prospects Allrounders Casper Green (U13) and Rowley Greaves (U12) are in the Oxfordshire set-up. Edward Moss (U12) is a talented bowler in the Hampshire set-up Cricketers of note Charlie van der Gucht (Hampshire)

Brief history Cricket has been central to Cothill since founding in 1870. Breaktime is filled with the sound of boys playing yard cricket or padding up in the nets. Alastair Cook, Shane Warne, Sir Garfield Sobers and Ed Smith have visited the school in recent years

Finest moment on the field When every pitch is in use and every boy is playing cricket In 2000 at Lord’s both Eton & Harrow were captained by old Cothillians, David Ferreira and Luke de Rougemont respectively. Recently old Cothillian Ottie Landale scored a 50 at Lords for Eton v Harrow, captaining the side.

Recent progress The Colts A performed brilliantly last summer with some exciting talents

Future plans More ties with the local community

Tours Sri Lanka Easter 2024

COTTESMORE SCHOOL

Buchan Hill, Pease Cottage, West Sussex RH11 9AU

Established 1894

Number of pupils 200 Head of cricket Andy Walker (director of sport, played for Horsham CC and Sussex CCC)

Teams 18

Girls’ cricket The major sport for girls

Fixtures Every year ‘Cottesmore Sixes’ tournament is hosted. The 1st XI play up to 12 fixtures. Notable fixtures against Windlesham, Brambletye, Sunningdale and Woodcote House. All other teams enjoy a least an 8-game fixture card Facilities 7 grass squares. The 1st XI square and colts square have 10 strips. 5 nets. A state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard, made by Durant Cricket, for the 1st XI pitch. Building 3 new nets

Club/count a liation Sussex CCC. Ro ey and Horsham CCs

Best prospects George Bamford, who plays for the 1st XI (allrounder and captain, 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. A famous match saw Cottesmore bowled out for 7, only to dismiss Mowden for 5. Monty Panesar visited to lead a cricket session in 2019 Finest moment on the field Touring Barbados, South Africa and the UAE over the last 25 years. 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. Andy Walker asked some visiting umpires if they would o ciate. They obliged, and turned out to be international umpires checking out the ground for the England game the next day Recent progress Breaking ground for the creation of a new U13s pitch

and square, and creating a pitch specifically for girls’ cricket

Future plans Investing £200,000 into a new pitch to increase on-site provision. Starting to reach out to local professionals with an invitation to Cottesmore to contribute towards a cricket-packed day of training Tours UAE 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and a Jamaica tour. Trip planned for spring 2024

Andy Walker Head of Cricket

CRANMORE SCHOOL

Epsom Road, West Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24 6AT

Established 1968

Number of pupils 475

Head of cricket Antony Down Teams 26 from under-8 to under-13 Girls’ cricket For girls up to the end of Year 2. They then move site to St Teresa’s in E ngham where they enjoy a full programme of coaching and fixtures

Fixtures 220 matches and tournaments – most notable fixture is against Rokeby School in Surrey where, over a week in May, 150 of the Cranmore’s pupils play in 15

CUMNOR HOUSE SUSSEX

London Road, Danehill, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7HT

Established 1931

Number of pupils 280

Head of cricket Rob Park, working with Ben Chapman (boys) and Caroline Park (girls)

Teams 26 boys and girls teams from U8–U13

Fixtures More than 200 in the summer term. New Beacon, Ardingly, Brighton, Hurstpierpoint, Holmewood House, Great Walstead, St Andrews, Handcross Park, Copthorne Prep, Cottesmore. School also hosts a touring school from South Africa every season

Girls’ cricket It started in 2015 and since 2016 it has been the main summer sport for all pupils. Regular fixtures 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

matches from under-8 to 1st XI level, competing for a trophy Facilities 4 grounds. 5 full-length indoor nets allow an extensive winter programme including 3 bowling machines. Two outdoor portable nets recently purchased Club/county a liation Surrey CCC – school hosts county age-group training throughout the winter and have been the centre for their coach education programme. Horsley & Send CC and Guildford CC. Hosts training for Afghan refugees in the area

Best prospects A strong under-11s Professional cricketers Nick Peters (Surrey CCC)

Brief history Cricket commenced at

County Cup in 2018 and 2019. They also reached the final in 2021

Facilities 2 indoor nets, 4 artificial outdoor nets, 2 cricket cages.

Facilities allow hosting of 12 fixtures at any one time. Also use facilities at Fletching CC and Horsted Keynes CC Club/county a liation Sussex

CCC. Fletching CC, Horsted Keynes CC, Lindfield CC, Haywards Heath CC, Ditchling CC, Newick CC and Cuckfield CC. 3 local primary schools Danehill, Horsted Keynes and Plumpton use the school’s facilities and Cumnor House provide coaching Best prospects Daisy Maclay – bats in the top order and a good medium-

Cranmore under the watchful eye of Hartley Bishop. He was responsible for the building of the Sports Hall in 1984, an outstanding facility (providing 5 nets) used for county age-group training. This continues today. Many coaches received their education at Cranmore as it was the centre for ECB level 1 and 2 courses in the county. A number of pupils have represented district or county agegroup sides and have benefitted from coaching from former pros like Adam Hollioake and Alex Tudor. Major tours are undertaken every two years

Cultural cricketers Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter)

What sets the school apart?

The game ‘Cranmore Cricket’ was

pace bowler. Plays for Sussex U12s, part of the Sussex pathway, and Fletching CC. Has scored more than 250 runs in 8 innings this season and taken 16 wickets

Cricketers of note Freya Kemp (England A, England Academy, Sussex CCC, Southern Vipers and Southern Brave)

Brief history Cricket has been played at the school since its inception in 1931. The school has outstanding Cultural cricketers Piers Morgan (journalist), Simon Williams (actor), Rebecca Hall (actress)

What sets the school apart?

Cumnor House Sussex has a clear

created at the school and is still used in coaching sessions throughout the county

Finest moment on the field

Cranmore has won the Surrey Prep Schools Cup several times at under-11 and under-13 level. Also winning the Tonbridge School Under-11 Prep Cup in 2022

Recent progress Placing emphasis on the scholarship programme, including weekly practical sessions, mentoring of pupils including online meetings with parents and recent seminars on nutrition and the importance of sleep. Additional coaching sessions at lunch times and leadership meetings for captains of each age group

Future plans The E ngham Cricket Development Centre based at Cranmore is new and has allowed boys and girls from the area to receive expert coaching. Cranmore merged with St Teresa’s School in 2020 and is going to 18. This has led to a heavy investment in the facilities including extension of indoor nets and additional sightscreens

Tours Barbados Easter 2023 and plans to return to South Africa in 2024

‘sport for all ethos’. All pupils play in regular fixtures throughout the term. This has meant more than 20 teams playing on a Wednesday. U8/9s play 6-a-side fun games, i.e. hutch cricket, round-the-clock cricket, and pairs cricket leading into 8-a-side, and 10-a-side matches. The school is located in the stunning Ashdown Forest Finest moment on the field In 2019 Wilf Pickard and Paddy Cooper were involved in a record opening stand of 190 in a Sussex Cup match. The girls’ 1st XI are U13 Sussex County Champions for 2023. They also reached the IAPS National U13 Girls finals day in Shropshire. They lost both matches on the day narrowly –the semi-final by 4 runs, and the 3/4th place play-o o the last ball of the match.

Recent progress The school places emphasis on participation. The school has 6 boys and 6 girls on the Sussex Pathway program at di erent age ranges

Future plans The school has submitted plans for a sports hall to incorporate cricket nets with 4 lanes Tours Planned trip to Cape Town

DRAGON SCHOOL, OXFORD

Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6SS

Established 1877

Number of pupils 820

Head of cricket Harry Paget (boys), Clare King (girls)

Teams 62 – 33 boys, 29 girls

Girls’ cricket Hardball in higher ability teams from under-11 upwards

Fixtures 160 for boys, 130 for girls; boys have big rivalry with Summer Fields and Caldicott; the girls have close matches with Farleigh Facilities 6 grass pitches.

Refurbished nets with another 10 outdoor and 4 indoor Club/county a liation Tiddington CC; annual fixtures against Oxfordshire Bulls and Falcons. The Oxfordshire Bulls/Falcons initiative for state school youngsters was established several years ago through the e orts of Neil Pickup, a member of sta at Dragon

Best prospects Hector Gray, a wicketkeeper/batsman who has scored several half-centuries at both 1st XI and under-12A level this year, having made his maiden hundred for Oxfordshire Under-11s at the RHS festival last summer. Hebe Kingsbury (Under-11As) is also a talented wicketkeeper/batter

Cricketers of note Maia Bouchier (England), George Munsey (Scotland)

Brief history Cricket has flourished at Bardwell Road over many years, and the proximity to Oxford University has seen many former pupils make the short trip to the colleges and on to first-class experiences. The Snapdragons is a traditional side, still running today. They were originally the Headmaster’s XI, comprised of

characters who needed closer supervision

Cultural cricketers Tim Henman (kept wicket for the 1st XI in the 1980s), Emma Watson, Sebastian Croft, Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hollander, Dom Joly and Jack Whitehall

What sets the school apart? It’s not unusual for the school to field 30 or more sides on any one Wednesday or Saturday. Supporting state school cricket, as per Oxfordshire Bulls initiative

Finest moment on the field

Winning the U12 Oxfordshire Cup at Wormsley last year; Jasper Smallwood taking 4 wickets in an over for the under-10As at the Stowe tournament (there was also a runout); Josh Antoniou taking a hat-trick on debut for the 12As in the cup Recent progress The growth of the girls’ game

Future plans Continuing to develop partnerships with Oxfordshire Cricket and local clubs and state schools, hosting one of the county’s cricket week summer camps in August Tours 2022 32 children went to Barbados (including meeting Jofra Archer, below)

EAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL

Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8PH

Established 1820

Number of pupils 360

Head of cricket Richard Barron

Professional Lewis Sharp (Finchampstead CC and Berkshire CCC)

Teams 27 – 9 senior, 10 middles, 8 junior

Girls’ cricket It is now the major summer sport: 15 teams play weekly. 1st XI and U11A girls play hardball matches, the rest of the teams play softball or incredi cricket Fixtures 180 a year. Each team plays 7 or 8 fixtures a year, the 1st XI 11 or 12. Longest running is against Papplewick, since 1952. Traditional rivalries with Feltonfleet and Lambrook. The school usually hosts a touring team from South Africa – this year Trinity Prep

Facilities 3 ovals at Eagle House –Railton (Junior and middle pitch), Manor field and Main field (1st and 2nd XI pitch). 3 temporary pitches. Also matches at Wellington College. 2 outdoor turf nets, 4 outdoor artificial nets, 2 indoor nets in the sports hall. A bowling machine Club/county a liation Eversley, Wokingham, Crowthorne & Crown Wood and Finchhampstead CCs. Berkshire CCC

Best prospects Arabella Djemil (RH top-order bat/ LA seamer, plays for Hook & Newnham CC and Hampshire CCC)

Cultural cricketers

Bill Waugh (England hockey), Lewis Moody (rugby), Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart (broadcaster), Stuart Burge (film director), Nick Drake (singer/ songwriter)

Brief history Cricket has been the traditional summer sport since at least 1902. However, in a publication entitled Unwillingly to School written by BW Johnson, which is a brief account of Eagle House history from 1820–1995, there are accounts dating back to 1820s of boys playing cricket on fields near Hammersmith (the old school location). This is an excerpt from the school magazine in 1902: “There is always a slight feeling of sadness when the long evenings and the falling leaves remind us that the summer is leaving us; and I am sure that this feeling of sadness is engendered in the hearts of many of us by the fact that cricket is over” Finest moment on the field In 2009 the 1st XI won the Berkshire Schools Under-13 Cricket trophy, the Dennis Wright Cup; the 2nd XI won the Berkshire Schools U13 plate trophy, The Chris Potter Trophy; and the U11As won the Berkshire U11 Hardball 8-a-side competition, The Jonathan Hall Memorial Trophy

Recent progress

The rise of girls’ cricket; all pupils have the opportunity to represent the school Future plans More ‘drives’ to engage the children in club cricket

Tours South Africa (Durban and Cape Town) in 2012 and 2015; Antigua in 2018

ELSTREE SCHOOL // FELSTED PREP SCHOOL

ELSTREE SCHOOL

Woolhampton Hill, Upper Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5TD

Established 1848

Number of pupils 295

Master in charge James Morris (ex-Berkshire CCC captain), plus Ben Champkin (director of sport) and Katie Sanford (head of girls’ games)

Teams 20

Girls’ cricket Actively encouraged. All teams are mixed

Fixtures 20 days across the six year groups. Matches with Ludgrove, Summer Fields, Cheam, Lambrook, Farleigh, Pilgrims and Cothill. Annual tournament at Bradfield College. Local tournaments such as the Under-11 mixed festival at Wellington College, the Under-11 tournament at Sherborne School and the Under-10 at The Oratory Facilities 7 grounds including one with a new astro wicket. 6 outdoor grass nets near the main school building and another new grass net next to 1st XI pitch. 4 indoor nets with a bowling machine

FELSTED PREP SCHOOL

Felsted, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL

Established 1895

Club/county a liation Berkshire CCC. Thatcham and Falkland CC. Outreach Kwik cricket day for Year 2 and local primary schools and host preseason courses run by Serious Cricket Best prospects Wilf Foulds (allrounder cricketer/ left-arm seamer, good cricket brain) and Harry Clothier (opening bowler)

Cricketers of note Nick Gubbins (Middlesex and England Lions) and Archie MacLaren (Lancashire and England captain for 35 Tests between 1898 and 1909). Headmaster Sid Inglis won 3 international caps for Chile Brief history Since the school moved to Berkshire in 1848, the facilities have adapted and improved. The Bramel Sports Hall is fitted with indoor nets and outdoor nets were updated in 2020. Two fine pavilions and earlier this year an astro wicket was installed as well as new covers and grass nets next to the 1st XI pitch. A new mower has also been bought. In 2020 Elstree made the move to become fully co-educational and now field mixed teams

Cultural cricketers Sir Alexander Robert Badcock (army o cer), James Blunt (singer-songwriter),

Edwin Bramall (Field Marshal), Sandy Wilson (songwriter-lyricist), Christopher Bonham-Carter (naval o cer), Charles Montagu Doughty (poet/writer), Rookes Evelyn Bell Crompton (engineer), Sebastian Faulks (novelist), Walter George Headlam (classical scholar and poet), Sir Philip Bennet Joubert de la Ferté (RAF commander), John Whitehead (ornithologist/explorer), George Ratcli e Woodward (Anglican priest)

What sets the school apart?

The grounds and traditions. ‘Bat

Room cricket’ is a lively component of break-times. The headmaster this year awarded a signed mini bat to 25 pupils who scored 50 or took 5 wickets

Finest moment on the field Seeing girls and boys play together. This year the 1st XI lost only one match

Recent progress The recent integration of girls into teams

Future plans Welcoming Year 2 pre-prep pupils and local primary school children to enjoy tournaments at Elstree

Head of cricket Hector Bevitt-Smith and Nick Mansfield

Professional Jason Gallian

Teams 28 – U13 boys ABCDE, girls ABCDEFG; U11 boys ABCDE, girls ABCDE; U9 boys ABCD, girls AB

Fixtures On average one per week. Bishop’s Stortford College is the derby Facilities 5 hardball pitches. Access to 8 further hardball pitches at the senior school and nets with 10 lanes. 2 sports halls

Club/county a liation Essex CCC partnership

Cricketers of note JHWT Douglas, Derek Pringle, John Stephenson, Nick Knight, Tim Phillips, Elliot Wilson, Jordan Cox, William Buttleman, Poppy Timson, Grace Poole, Emma Jones

Cultural cricketers Former England captain JHWT Douglas, who was also a gold medallist in Boxing at London 1908

What sets the school apart?

champions, 2017 girls’ national outdoor champions, 2019 girls’ 1st XI national champions

Brief history First cricket field was established in 1805. ‘The Front’ pavilion is a unique feature in schools’ cricket, which contains a dedicated museum. The Prep School introduced a girl’s programme in 2015

The school has a long history of producing first-class and international cricketers

Finest moment on the field 2004 and 2005 National T20 champions, 2017 girls’ under-15 national indoor

Recent progress The continued development of girls’ cricket throughout the prep school, with girls introduced to cricket in the preprep (aged 4); A dedicated winter programme for prep students

Tours Australia in 2024 (Senior School)

Nick Knight celebrates a century for Warwickshire in 1995

TOP 50 PREP/JUNIOR SCHOOLS

FELTONFLEET SCHOOL

Byfleet

Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1DR

Established 1903

Number of pupils 467

Head of cricket Andrew Rishton Teams 44 – U8ABCD, U9ABCD, U10ABCD, U11ABCD, 1-6ths – All both boys and girls

Girls’ cricket Open cricket clubs through the autumn and spring term as an afterschool club. In the summer term all girls train and play fixtures as core sport. Next year hardball fixtures to 5 girls’ teams across the school Fixtures 176 across the school from Years 3–8. Epsom College, St John’s

HEATHFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL

Cobbett Road, Twickenham TW2 6EN

Head of cricket James Watson, with Callum Donnelly coaching the girls

and St George’s Weybridge. Facilities New multi-use games area with 5 nets outdoors. 1 square with 7 grass wickets. Sports hall has 4 indoor

lanes with new netting (2021) and performance lighting (2022). Club/county a liation Horsley & Send CC, Cobham Avorians CC,

Teams Year 4 boys and girls; Year 5 boys AB + girls; Year 6 Boys ABC + girls

Girls’ cricket Specific girls’ hardball, softball, squad and inclusive clubs.

The top girls now play at Hampton Wick Royal CC. The school have beaten East Molesey CC twice in two separate Surrey SMASH events. They also defeated Leatherhead CC, Dulwich, Teddington and Sunbury in softball matches and in the Middlesex softball leagues. The girls were top of the Middlesex softball league and the Surrey hardball league at time of going to press. The girls won the Richmond schools Kwik Cricket competition and represented Richmond at the London Youth Games. The girls also competed at the Chance to Shine National Street Finals at Edgbaston Fixtures Games against local clubs

and schools and play in local club festivals. Sta v pupils Facilities Main pitch, multiuse hall and a playground. Two nets with Flicx pitches; a Flicx pitch for games donated by Middlesex CCC Club/county a liation Middlesex CCC; Chance to Shine; Sheen, Bushy Park Girls, Sunbury, Teddington, Teddington Town and Twickenham CCs. Watson is coaching the Hounslow Street cricket team for the London Youth Games. 46 children signed up for the Heathfield Dynamos cricket programme and 36 for the All Stars programme

Best prospects Tia Balanta (year 6, hard-hitter/inswing bowler)

Brief history Before lockdown the majority of pupils had never seen a cricket bat or ball before. Now cricket is the main sport with the highest participation levels. Pupils chosen to sing the national anthem at the T20 World Cup in 2021

What sets the school apart? Monte Lynch commented that he had never seen such an uptake in a state school

Stoke D’Abernon CC and Whitley

Village CC; Surrey CCC use school’s facilities in the winter

Best prospects Charlie Attenborough (aged 11) and Chloe Tempest (10) are promising allrounders. The school has 14 boys in the Surrey Performance programme

What sets the school apart?

The school o ers cricket to everyone between Years 3–8 all year round; using local coaches on four afternoons to help run cricket training provision in the summer term Finest moment on the field Winning the under-13 Surrey Prep School Cup 2023

Recent progress Helping boys and girls into the county pathway system, watching them grow, improve and perform at club, school and county level. Earning Sport scholarships (primary sport of cricket) at both 11-plus and 13-plus age groups into senior schools (4 in 2023)

Future plans Continuing to build the winter programme. Introducing cricket into the PE curriculum from Nursery to Year 2 Tours Barbados at Easter 2024

Future plans Hoping

Finest moment on the field Seeing pupils on the big screens at the 2021 T20 World Cup singing the national anthem; Boys and girls were borough champions 2023. Boys and girls competing at the Chance to

Shine National Street finals 2023; the first time the school had a boy representing the borough team, Aarav Hegede

to run a borough indoor tournament

James Watson Head of cricket

HIGHFIELD & BROOKHAM SCHOOLS

Highfield Lane, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ

Established 1907

Number of pupils 495

Head of cricket Richard Dunn

Teams 34 – under-13 boys and Girls ABCDEF; under-11s boys and

girls ABC; under-10s boys and girls ABC; under-9s boys and girls ABC; under-8s boys and girls AB

Girls’ cricket Main sport in summer term plus all-year-round nets Fixtures 230, with notable fixtures against Aldro, Twyford and Westbourne House. Another highlight was welcoming back Trinity House School from South Africa Facilities 12 pitches. 3 artificial

outdoor nets and 3 indoor nets. 4 grass nets. 2 mobile cages. 3 bowling machines, 3 covers for the 1st XI square and 2 Flicx pitches on the astro Club/county a liation Liphook & Ripsley, Fernhurst, Haslemere and Grayshott, Hampshire Hogs CCs Best prospects Tom Reid (RHB/RAMF)

What sets the school apart? Matches are o ered for all ages and

ability – for cricket to be “enjoyable for all”

Finest moment on the field Last season 3 di erent children took hat-tricks – 2 girls and 1 boy; a Spanish pupil hit a superb 52 not out; winning 5 matches out of 5 in Barbados

Future plans Upgrading outdoor nets to a 5-lane all-weather provision Tours Barbados

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE

Barrow Lane, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 OEB

Established 1945

Number of pupils 470

Head of cricket Simon Leegood

Professional James Hockley (Kent CCC)

Teams Boys 1st–3rd XIs, under-11AB, under-10AB, under-9s AB pairs, U8AB pairs. Girls 1st–3rd XIs, under11ABCD (pairs), under-10s ABC

(pairs), under-9s AB (pairs), under-8s ABC (pairs)

Girls’ cricket As major summer sport

Fixtures Throughout the summer term

Facilities 10 outdoor nets, 4 indoor nets, 6 squares (3 boys, 3 girls), 2 astro pitches Clubs/county a liations

Tunbridge Wells, Penshurst Park, Withyham, Mayfield, Bells Yew Green CCs

Best prospects Azlan

Kumar (Kent CC Under-13s allrounder, also plays for Haroldwood and Tunbridge Wells CCs). The school captain has gained a cricket scholarship to Stowe school; Zach Hockley (Sussex CC Under-12s) is an opening bat and e ective bowler, he took a hat-trick for the school; Aurora Crathern – school captain allrounder. plays for the district and Tunbridge Wells CC Cricketers of note Tony Pigott (England, Sussex, Surrey), Alice Davidson-Richards (England, Kent, Yorkshire Diamonds, South-East Stars), Dr Julian Thompson (Kent), Matthew Banes (Kent), Ben Hutton (Middlesex), Marcus O’Riordan (Kent & Ireland A), Coco Streets (Kent), Toby Pettman (Notts)

glorious surroundings since 1945. It has been a passion for the children, sta and parents. Holmewood House has a rich cricket history and its pitches are admired

Cultural cricketers Nana AkuloAddo (president of Ghana), Sir Terence Etherton (Master of the Rolls), Bob Woolmer (member of sta ), Andy Zaltzman (comedian/ TMS statistician), Shane MacGowan (lead singer of The Pogues)

What sets the school apart? The pitches, facilities and grounds have hosted many age-group matches Finest moment on the field

Brief history Cricket has been played in the school’s

Winning the JET (Joint Educational Trust) national cup in 1993; winning the Tonbridge School Under-11 sixa-side competition in 2011; winning the Under-10 six-a-side competition at Sutton Valence in 2021; runnersup of the girls’ under-11 South-East Competition 2023

Recent progress All pupils being given the chance to represent the school in matches

Future plans An electric scoreboard is on order; ever-greater links with local clubs

Tours West Indies and South Africa

Alice Davidson-Richards celebrates a Test century against South Africa in 2022

the Davidson-Richards

Matthew

HURSTPIERPOINT COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL

College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9JS

Established 1849

Number of pupils 350

Head of boys’ sport Ben Dewey

Head of Cricket Jimmy Anyon (Warwickshire & Sussex)

Professional, Mark Nash (Sussex)

Teams Boys: U13ABCDEFGH, U11ABCD, U9ABCD. Girls: U13ABCDEFGH, U11ABCD, U9ABCD

Girls’ cricket 12 teams from U8-U13. They have a head of girls’ cricket and a female cricket professional

Fixtures All teams have around 10 fixtures. Local derbies v Brighton College and Ardingly College are always close a airs. They also host touring teams from across the country

Facilities 7 grass pitches, 3 astro pitches, brand-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 grounds

LOCKERS PARK

Lockers Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 1TL

Established 1874

Number of pupils 187

Director of sport Jack Doyle

Teams U13ABCD, U11ABCDE, U9ABCD

Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school

Fixtures 89 in summer term. Most notable Haileybury

Facilities 3 outdoor nets, 4 indoor nets, 1 grass square, 1 astro strip pitch, 1 hockey astroturf for soft ball cricket Club/county a liation A liations with Harpenden CC, Hemel Hempstead CC and Tring Park CC. Links also with Hertfordshire CCC and Buckinghamshire CCC. The local community work engages with local primary schools and training sessions at school using facilities and coaching sta . There are also plans for soft ball primary schools tournament in 2024, the school’s 150th year

Best prospects Leon Vandra-Simon, U12 top order batter and opening bowler, played in the 1st XI as a Year 7 and looked comfortable. He bowls a

as a junior hub during the summer as well as many sta also coaching at Sussex

Best prospects Some great developing players in senior prep school. Oscar Long stands out as a

prolific spin bowler

Cricketers of note George Garton, Jack Carson and Tom Haines (all Sussex), Jonty Jenner (Jersey)

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. They have a very competitive fixture list and play teams across the south-east of England

What sets the school apart?

Hurstpierpoint believe they have among the longest squares in the country. A hub for Sussex Cricket from this season. They host Hurst Cricket Week, where old boys’ teams from all around the country come and camp to play a series of matches during a week in August

Finest moment on the field Senior school won National T20 4 years ago

Recent progress The introduction of girls’ cricket has been prolific. Hurst have led in this area and have a similar number of girls to boys teams throughout the school

Future plans Brand-new bank of 12 nets now ready for use. Will continue as a junior cricket hub for Sussex Cricket

Tours Looking at starting a UK-based tour for the prep school. Senior school toured South Africa 2 years ago and were due to tour India this year

good pace and has natural movement away from the bat

Cricketers of note Stanley Jackson (Yorkshire & England, right), Bryan Valentine (Kent & England), Nawab of Pataudi (Sussex & India), Tom Pugh (Gloucestershire) Ronnie Aird (Hampshire, MCC president), George Garrett (Warwickshire)

Brief history Starting with Henry Draper in 1874, Lockers Park has been blessed with a series of headmasters who were fanatical cricketers. It has always been a sport for all with cricket played every day throughout summer term. In the 1970s the first school in the area to introduce limited-overs cricket and have embraced 100-ball and coloured-kit games

Cultural cricketers Lord

Mountbatten, Sir Alistair Aird, MPs Keith Joseph, Sir Anthony Berry, Paul Channon. Guy Mansfield, James Honeybourne. Have also hosted current MP Sir Mike Penning’s constituency match

What sets the school apart?

v Ludgrove was one of the earliest recorded prep matches, which they hope to recreate for 150th year celebrations in 2024. Jackson was the first England cricketer to receive a knighthood Finest moment on the field In 2011 unbeaten season over

14 matches

Recent progress

With the change

to evening activities, have a week throughout

introduced 3 cricket sessions

winter: 60 boys able to train from September through to April in newly renovated sports hall. All sessions taught by subject specialist for boys

in Year 3-8

Future plans New

state-of-the-art pavilion planned for 1st XI ground. This new area will allow a

fantastic view of school Tours South Africa tour

every other year, pleased to be returning in February 2024

Lockers Park

LUDGROVE SCHOOL

Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3AB

Established 1892

Number of pupils 200

Master in charge

Gabriel French

Teams 16 teams run over a total of 5 years, senior boys (Year 7 and 8 play together)

Girls’ cricket An all-boys school

Fixtures Approx 12 fixtures a year, plus various tournaments and tours. The derby fixtures are Summer Fields, Lambrook and Caldicott

Facilities 8 grass nets, 4 astro nets, one cage and 9 wickets, of which only one is roll out, the rest grass

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ PREP SCHOOL

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

Established 1922

Number of pupils 350

Director of cricket Christopher ‘Mex’ Horne

Teams 4 teams in Years 3-6. 5 XIs for combined Years 7/8

Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school

Fixtures Around 60 local games including both other prep schools and the senior school’s Year 7/8. Year 4 have a mini local festival. Years 5 enter a larger festival. Year 6 enter the Herts U11 County Cup. Year 8 enter the IAPS nationals and 2 local tournaments

Facilities 4 Indoor nets including a TrueMan bowling machine. Main square with 8 wickets. 2 other squares with artificial wickets and a fourth seasonal wicket, all maintained by a full-time specialist groundsman. The 2 main pitches have roped boundaries. The main square has roll-on covers, sightscreens and a

Club/county a liation Binfield CC. The school o er out their wicket for the local state senior school Best prospects Max Bischo , a spin bowler who finished the season with a record 35 wickets

Cultural cricketers John Major famously played matches at the school. Bear Grylls played in the school XI

What sets the school apart? Ludgrove tour annually pre-season, taking a large group of boys to Spain where they are coached and readied for the season. It has been very successful in ensuring the team hits the ground running. The school has an exceptional cricket culture Finest moment on the field The

scorebox. 2 portable cages and an outdoor bowling machine as well as use of neighbouring senior school’s extensive facilities

Club/county a liation Most A-teamers play for Middlesex boroughs or South Herts. Strong connections with Old Merchant Taylors’ CC and Eastcote CC Best prospects Levin Chakravorty (Middlesex U13s), opening bat and

class of 2019 went undefeated, and in 2023 the boys won the first five games

Recent progress Having played 5 sets of fixtures, the school at one stage had a win ratio of 75 per cent across the school, showing that the system was working well

left-arm quick bowler

Brief history Cricket has become recognised as the main sport. Boys have progressed from a club level to district, borough and county representation in all age groups.

Cricket remains the favourite sport at breaktimes

Cultural cricketers David Lidington (former MP and cabinet member)

What sets the school apart? The

Future plans

The school are trying to ensure they have a better outreach programme with local schools in the area, sharing facilities

Tours The school intend on returning to Desert Springs again next year, with another group of 24 boys

senior school is Middlesex’s winter base for training. Connections have resulted in masterclass training sessions from Eoin Morgan, Steven Finn, Angus Fraser, Alastair Cook and Muttiah Muralitharan. The grounds and equipment (and access to senior school facilities next door) are second to none in prep cricket

Finest moment on the field Twice runners-up (2015 and 2022) in the 9 times they have entered the IAPS U13 nationals. 3 wins from 5 entries in the Herts U11 County Cup (finalists in 2023), with one of those wins yielding fifth place in the nationals in 2019 as East of England champions. Also East of England runners-up 2018

Recent progress The increased level of coaching now includes the South Herts manager, ensuring no gaps in the boys’ development with specialised coaching for every year-group

Future plans Further development and enrichment programmes with the senior school, and use of their facilities, including state-of-the-art Julian Hill indoor complex Tours Tours to the Caribbean back under discussion after Covid

Gabriel French Master in charge

MILLFIELD PREP SCHOOL

Edgarley Hall, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8LD

Established 1946

Number of pupils 445

Director of cricket Dave Beal

Head of boys’ cricket

Marc Gardiner

Head of girls’ cricket Kim Morgan

Hughes

Teams Boys: Senior Development Team, U13ABC, U12ABC, Junior Development Team, U11ABC, U10AB, U9AB, U18AB. Girls: Senior Development Team, U13ABC, U12ABC, Junior Development Team, U11ABC, U10AB, U9AB, U18AB

Girls’ cricket The established summer sport

Fixtures 88 for boys, 86 for girls. Numerous county opponents including Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon, Wales, Dorset

Facilities 11 pitches (2 artificial), including the iconic Dutton Pitch overlooked by Glastonbury Tor. 10 nets (4 indoor)

Club/county a liation

Close link with Somerset, with huge number of players involved in the pathway.

Some play outside of school at Glastonbury

Glastonbury CC and Butleigh CC. Millfield host local schools for a

Cricketers of note Peter Denning, David Graveney, Harvey Trump, Iain Fletcher, Piran Holloway, Aftab Habib, Wes Durston, Ben Hollioake, James Hildreth, Max Waller, Daniel BellDrummond, Matt Hobden, Charlie Hartley, Cameron Steel, George Hankins, Will Smeed, Kasey Aldridge, Sam Young, Ben Duckett

Brief history Matches start at U8 and a total of 15 sides in six agegroups for both girls and boys. It is possible to play up to 11 games on a Wednesday or Saturday on the beautifully prepared grounds. In recent years boys’ 1st XI have regularly won the David English Bunbury and National Prep Schools titles. Significant numbers have graduated to play first-class cricket. Experienced coaches oversee an extensive and well-structured winter programme

Cultural cricketers Roland Rudd (PR), Chris Robshaw (rugby), Richard Mantell, Simon Mantell (hockey) and Ella Eyre (singer/songwriter)

What sets the school apart? The ability to truly allow all pupils to better their ability. Also cater for pupils with more experience who want to extend their current knowledge and skill level. With facilities not matched for this age and coaches who guide and help facilitate development, every pupil will progress. The fixture list is unrivalled, with over half of the development squads’ fixtures against counties

Finest moment on the field

coaching day will list is unrivalled, with over half of the Somerset, Dorset and Wales in 2023 plans century in  2023

Between 2014 and 2015 the Senior Development Squad (U13) Boys won three trophies. The team beat everyone they played, including seven county sides, going 26 games unbeaten. The Girls U13 team won the national girls’ indoor competition for the third time last year, and beat Somerset, Dorset and Wales in 2023 Future plans 4 more artificial wickets Tours Potentially in the near future

NOTTINGHAM ACADEMY

Greenwood Road, Nottingham NG3 7EB

Established 2011

Number of pupils 700

Master in charge Andrew Staszkiewicz

Teams Boys: Year 5/6. Girls: Year 5/6.

Mixed: Year 4 Girls’ cricket The school actively look to encourage as many girls to play as possible and always run a team within school

Fixtures Between 10 and 20 fixtures based on success in local and regional tournaments. They take part in the Nottinghamshire Dynamos tournament each year

Facilities Limited in comparison to other schools. A net, an artificial wicket and a field which can be used for practice. The school pride themselves in making the most of what they have and that includes bins for stumps

Club/county a liation The school hold camps at Caythorpe CC. They are a liated to Nottinghamshire CCC, who provide competitions, free coaching support and at times equipment

Best prospects Sufiyaan Sultan, a Year 6 fast bowler and a very useful batsman who likes to give it a whack. This resulted in a number of tennis balls ending up on the roof

Cricketers of note None as yet, but they have hopes for a lot of their children past and present and hopefully one day. Dipesh Sapkota who is now in secondary school is still a key player for the Notts U12 side

Brief history An inner-city school in one of the most deprived areas in England. Cricket is natural to many children and is something they look to do all of the time. As a school they support this natural love of the game and each year build teams to challenge in local competitions but also to provide youngsters with as many opportunities as they can What sets the school apart?

The genuine love for the game. The children don’t play for any prestige. They play because they love the sport

Finest moment on the field Winning the regional Dynamos cricket tournament in 2022

Recent progress Proud of the number of children who started playing cricket for the first time in their school but have now carried on to play for clubs. Staszkiewicz has now played against one of their former pupils

Future plans To continue to build partnerships with other local clubs to give children opportunities once they leave school. Staszkiewicz would like to form a former pupils side to play a match against some of the wellknown private schools

ORWELL PARK SCHOOL

Nacton, Ipswich, Su olk IP10 0ER

Established 1868

Number of pupils 265

Head of cricket Adam Mansfield Teams Boys: U13ABC, U11ABCD, U9ABC. Girls: U13ABC, U11AB, U9AB Girls’ cricket The main summer sport for girls since 2017. The girls really enjoy their cricket, with many continuing to play at senior schools and a number for their county age groups. One gap student (Frankie Hughes) is an ex-pupil who started playing cricket when they changed in 2017 and she is now part of the Essex Women 1st team squad

Fixtures Approximately 120 fixtures, tournaments and festivals. Ipswich, Framlingham and Old Buckenham Hall. The school also host an annual U11 6-a-side tournament; the boys’ competition has been going for 38 years and the girls’ is in their seventh year

Facilities 6 grass pitches, 1 artificial and 2 practice pitches on the hockey astro. A 5-lane outdoor net facility, which doubles up for hockey in

winter, 3 indoor nets and a 2-lane outdoor net area

Club/county a liation Sponsor Nacton CC’s junior section and run an annual festival for local primary schools

Best prospects William Rivett, playing for North Essex, Great Bromley CC (leading wicket-taker in the league at the time of writing), has had Essex trials – best figures in 2023 5 for 0. Jack Calder, Su olk and Copdock CC, Orwell Park captain, best performance is 74. Gracie Brunt, currently in Year 7, Su olk and Orwell Park 1st team opening bowler,

attended a Sunrisers observation day, best performance of 5 for 9 Cricketers of note Simon Fernandes (Essex 2nd XI and Durham UCCE), Frankie Hughes (Essex Women) Brief history Since the school was established boys have been playing cricket. Since 2016, the school has had a 1-to-1 cricket programme, throughout the year, with over 60 pupils signing up on an annual basis. These entail video analysis and, from 2023, a new BOLA bowling machine. Currently 20 county players in the school from U10-U13 What sets the school apart? The

PACKWOOD HAUGH SCHOOL

Park Bank, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

SY4 1HX

Established 1892

Number of pupils 220

Director of sport Tammy Pembleton

Teams Boys: U13ABCD, U11ABCD, U9ABCD. Girls: U13ABC, U11AB, U9AB Girls’ cricket Established for a number of years, with success at winning county competitions. Girls o ered softball and hardball options Fixtures Organised for pupils

in all teams, mostly occurring on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. In 2023 55 matches were organised for the boys’ teams and 32 for girls’ teams. In addition the 1st XI, Colts XI, U13 Girls and U11 Girls also attended Malvern Eights, Shrewsbury Prep Schools tournament, Wrekin Sixes and ESCA U11 Hardball Cup Facilities 4 indoor nets, 4 artificial outdoor nets, 6 grass nets, 9 grounds (including 1 artificial and 2 squares) Club/county a liation Links with several local clubs. Pupils encouraged to trial for Shropshire county and district teams

Best prospects A number of pupils on the performance pathway that access additional coaching and playing opportunities with Shropshire Cricket Board

Cricketers of note Tim Lamb (Middlesex, Northamptonshire and chief executive of TCCB/ECB)

Brief history Cricket has been played at Packwood since the school’s earliest days. The school’s greatest cricketer to date arrived from South Africa in 1909, JD Wyatt-Smith, an outstanding player averaging more than 100 runs each season, and once took 10 for 0, including one wicket

grounds and location are magnificent, set in 110 acres of woodland and parkland with views over the Orwell River

Finest moment on the field

The girls’ 1st team have reached the final of the Su olk Schools Cup Competition every year. Ben Robinson scored four centuries for the 1st XI in 2015

Recent progress Adam Mansfield and Frankie Hughes attend a local primary school each week to coach Year 3-6 pupils

Future plans Continued work with local primaries

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 and it is now the principal summer sport for both boys and girls

What sets the school apart?

All pupils involved in inter-school matches provided the appropriate format to suit their ability

Finest moment on the field National Final U11 Hardball finals day at Oakham. U13 girls reaching finals of the Lady Taverners National Indoor Cricket Competition three years running. U13s reaching JET Cup finals day

Recent progress Increasing boys’ and girls’ involvement in the SCB pathway. At a recent Shropshire U11 boys v Cheshire U11 boys match, the side was captained by a Packwoodian, 4 of the 6 wickets taken and 115 of the 139 runs required also achieved by Packwoodians

Future plans To reach further with fixtures, and increase support for local state schools

Tours U11 Boys travel to Cothill House for a two-day game

PRESTFELDE SCHOOL

London Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6NZ

Established 1929

Number of pupils 350 Director of games Rob Newey

REPTON PREP SCHOOL

Milton, Derbyshire DE65 6EJ

Established 1940

Number of pupils 400

PE teacher in charge Megan Pittman

Professional Chris Read (Nottinghamshire & England), Cameron Wake (Durham UCCE) –both at senior school

Teams 22 teams from U9s to U13

Girls’ cricket Have moved to mixed cricket across all age groups in 2023. All girls participate in cricket up until Year 6. In Years 7 and 8, they get the choice between tennis and cricket with the majority last year choosing cricket

Fixtures 202 in 2023

Facilities Indoor sports hall (3 nets), 4 artificial nets, 6 grass wickets, 1 artificial wicket

Club/county a liation Players often play for local clubs, including Ticknall, Melbourne, Quarndon, Swarkestone. Some county age-group players at Derbyshire, Leicetershire, Nottinghamshire

Best prospects Hana-Mae, Year 7 pupil currently playing for Derbyshire, a top order batter and opening

Teams 4 U13 boys’ teams

Girls’ cricket Retained all fixtures and increased time for girls’ cricket, having done rounders

Fixtures 80, with Packwood Haugh the most notable

Facilities 6 grass nets, 2 astro nets, 4 hardball squares, 2 with artificial

bowler. Has a positive batting style and looks to score runs quickly and o every delivery. Bowls with good pace and accuracy taking numerous wickets

Cricketers of note Chris Sanders (Loughborough MCCU)

Brief history Repton Prep run a comprehensive programme, with the option for every pupil to participate in some form throughout their time. Fixtures from U9s to U13s on a Wednesday and Saturday, allowing everyone to participate in at least one game per year. 1st XI players have benefited from participating in IAPS

wickets, 2 softball strips, 6 rough strips on outfields. Tennis courts and gym in addition

Club/county a liation Shrewsbury CC, Shropshire Cricket. Host county training, internal district and external county matches, Chance to Shine and Dynamos

competitions this year, in addition to regional indoor competition What sets the school apart?

Inclusive environment where every pupil is given the opportunity to play and develop. There is the opportunity to participate in 5 hours a week of training in the summer through lessons and after school activities, in addition to 2 games per week Finest moment on the field Year 8 pupil hitting the top of the school building and then being told they couldn’t play on the pitch any more Recent progress U12 County Cup finalists (to be played September

Best prospects Will ParkinsonWitte, wicketkeeper/batsman and excellent gloveman, capable of standing up to quick bowlers. Bats in the top three. Represented Worcestershire and now Shropshire at age-group level

Brief history Historically a boys’ boarding school, cricket has been the major sport in the summer. Now fully co-ed, boys and girls play a high standard of cricket. Many represent the county and gain scholarships to Shrewsbury School, Malvern College and Wrekin College

Cultural cricketers Craig de Weymarn (England physio)

What sets the school apart?

Wonderful setting, two pitches with trees on the outfield, dissected by an internal road

Finest moment on the field

2019 David English National U 13 champions

Recent progress Girls using the 1st XI square for matches. All abilities wanting to progress and having the opportunity to do so

Future plans New astro turf, greater number of internal matches

Tours Planned for 2024

2023). Moving to mixed cricket has created a more inclusive environment where everyone is judged on their ability, e ort and application

Future plans Revamping the firstteam cricket pavilion, outdoor cage for the first-team pitch. Increased number of softball fixtures for the younger age-groups. Increased number of pairs fixtures instead of traditional ‘when you’re out you’re out’ to encourage fairer participation, especially at the younger age Tours Looking into an U13 tour to provide an experience of playing cricket in di erent locations

ROKEBY SCHOOL

George Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7PB

Established 1877

Number of pupils 400

Master in charge

Rob Williams

Professional Andy Ganaway

for indoor work and three astroturf nets based at the school site. Rokeby Sports Grounds situated near Worcester Park. Also sited at RSG are two astroturf nets

Club/county a liation

Teams In 2023 at least two fixtures for 41 di erent teams ranging from seven mixed-ability U6 teams to the 1st XI. At senior level (Years 7 & 8) six teams. Four teams at Year 6, five teams at Year 5, six teams at Year 4 and seven teams in each of Years 1, 2 and 3 Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school but the school welcome Holy Cross Girls Preparatory School for a whole Year 3 two-hour coaching session to help their move away from rounders

Fixtures 159 in 2023. The most notable block fixtures Shrewsbury House, Parkside, Aldro and Downsend. The school has contested the Phillips Travers Trophy with Cranmore School for 14 years, with 612 boys (from both schools) involved in 28 matches over a week in 2023 Facilities Multi-purpose hall used

SHREWSBURY HOUSE SCHOOL

107 Ditton Road, Surbiton KT6 6RL

Established 1865

Number of pupils 350

Director of sport Billy Davison

Head of cricket Danny Baker Teams In 2023 SHS regularly put out 1st–7th XIs. In Years 3-6 boys streamed by ability (A-D) and thereafter selected in teams named after counties (Steelbacks, Foxes, Spitfires etc)

Girls’ cricket The school boys’ only, but via Primary Festival of Sport, SHS support boys and girls’ participation for pupils from local primary schools Fixtures 150-plus during summer term, plus house cricket and SHS ‘County Championship’. Fixtures Whitgift, Trinity, St Paul’s, KCS Wimbledon and Danes Hill and tournaments at schools

Facilities 4G all-weather surface allows cricket in the rain. On-site, 4 indoor and 2 outdoor nets. At SHS Ground (five minutes’ drive) a brandnew pavilion. Now o er 5 outdoor nets and another main cricket field

Participate in all Surrey Schools Cricket Association competitions. Strong links with Wimbledon, Spencer, Sunbury, Esher, Teddington, Hampton Wick, NPL Teddington and Malden Wanderers

Best prospects 2 boys, Sam Palmer and Rahul Prabhudesai, in Surrey age-groups

Cricketers of note Joe Porter (Surrey, British Universities), Richard O’Grady (Oxford University), Billy Sewell (Loughborough UCCE), Luke Harrington-Myers (Cayman Islands), James Weir top-scored for Eton v Harrow at Lord’s in 2021

Brief history

Prior to moving to Kingston in 1965, Wimbledon Common was used as a venue.

Donhead dismissed Rokeby at U11 level for 0 in the 1970s. When Rokeby reached an agreement with Malden Wanderers in 1985 cricket really

took o , and has become the most successful sport. Numerous cups and sixes competitions won, and have reached the national finals of the ESCA 8-a-side competition on three occasions in the last eight years

Cultural cricketers Oliver Reed and Richard Briers (actors)

What sets the school apart? The stunning grounds

Finest moment on the field 2011 U11 8-a-side team winning the national title ahead of 330 schools. 3-run win

Club/county a liation Surrey

CCC. Wimbledon CC use SHS grounds at weekends, Chessington CC use indoor nets and Maori Oxshott CC sports fields. A number of boys represent Esher CC and Wimbledon CC

Best prospects 14 boys attended Surrey trials last year with 8 making county debuts this summer. Joseph Badenoch (Year 7), a swashbuckling wicketkeeper/batsman. William

Dennis (Year 5), an all action allrounder captained to victory in 2023 U10 Caterham Festival. Rufus Davies (Year 4), opening bowler Brief history Cricket played since at least 1897. During World War Two,

when half of the school moved to Devon and half remained in Surbiton, the ‘two schools’ played each other. In 1986 SHS scored 130 for 4 against Rokeby and bowled them out for 11 Cultural cricketers Lord MacLaurin (ECB chairman), Stirling Moss (F1 driver, right)

What sets the school apart?

In 1986 SHS scored 130 for school matches in 1897. All

over Millfield in the semi-final the single most memorable match

Recent progress The love for the sport best illustrated during school break times

Future plans Increase bespoke coaching sessions for individuals and small groups via ‘See-Saw’ platform Tours India (10 matches) in March/ April 2024. On three tours to Sri Lanka have played the Foundation of Goodness Academy. The school toured Birmingham this April

coached Afghanistan, Israel, Cuba and England disability teams

Finest moment on the field Winners of U9 Downsend competition and U10 Caterham competitions in 2023. Winners of Surrey Prep Schools Cup 8 times, Surrey Watcyn Evans Cup 4 times, Tonbridge U11 Tournament 4 times and Wellington U11 Tournament 3 times

Recent progress SHS has hosted U11 and U13 Surrey Prep Schools Cup for a decade and ran the inaugural SHS Slam running the counties first U8 cricket festival, umpired and scored by Year 8 pupils. Access to di erent ball types and bat sizes, and use of

Year hot-balls Tours

Future plans Video technology will allow bowlers to monitor speeds and swing levels

One of the first inter-school prep school matches in 1897. All boys play competitive interschool matches. Baker has

Every other year senior boys can opt into St Lucia tour. 37 boys of all abilities joined for 10 days of sun, cricket and great food, culminating in games at the Daren Sammy National Stadium

Rob Williams Master in charge

SPRATTON HALL SCHOOL

Smith Street, Spratton, Northamptonshire NN6 8HP

Established 1951

Number of pupils 400

Director of sport Gareth Barnard

Head of boys’ games

Oliver Woodhouse

Head of girls’ games Jess Clarke

Teams 27 Teams, all mixed boys and girls from Year 3-8

Girls’ cricket Fully mixed throughout the school where girls and boys train and play together from the seniors down to Year 2

Fixtures Over 150 fixtures.

Although fully mixed, the school o er a number of girls’-only fixtures as well. The most notable fixtures are against Bilton Grange

Facilities 8 outdoor astro nets, 10 grass wickets, 6 astro wickets and an indoor sports dome.

Facilities used by junior county teams and Northampton Saints CC Club/county a liation

Northamptonshire CCC and Leicestershire CCC. Overstone Park CC, Brixworth CC and

ST ANDREW’S PREP

Meads Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 7RP

Established 1877

Number of pupils 360

Head of cricket Mark Tomsett

Teams Boys: 13. Girls: 12

East Haddon CC

Best prospects Boys – Teddy Green (Northants U13 allrounder)

Eddie Greany and Milo Green (both allrounders, Northants U12). Girls – Cecile Jackson (U13 Northants allrounder) and Imogen Turney (U13 Northants allrounder)

Cricketers of note Rob White (Northants)

Brief history Cricket has been played at Spratton Hall since 1951. Girls began playing cricket instead of rounders in 2017 with the school fully mixing teams in 2021. Cricket played in all age groups from Year 2 to 8 with matches starting in Year 3 Cultural cricketers Harry Mallinder

Girls’ cricket The main summer sport with weekly fixtures and games lessons. They have followed the Cricket for Girls programme established by Lydia Greenway. 12 established teams and sta informed in CPD to develop their subject knowledge. All teams play hardball, in either pairs or T20 format

(Northampton Saints and England rugby), Toby Cousins (Northampton Saints and England rugby), George Patten (Northampton Saints), Robbie Povey (Canada rugby), Max Fryatt (All Blacks Schools), Tenniel Evans (actor), Mark Haddon (writer), Michael Ellis (MP)

What sets the school apart?

Fantastic facilities ensure every child gets to play in matches while giving them opportunity to develop their cricket no matter their starting ability Finest moment on the field 1st XI boys unbeaten season in 2017. 1st XI girls indoor county champions and competed in the nationals at Cambridge University, finishing

Fixtures 70 for boys, 50 for girls Facilities

St Andrew’s forms part of Eastbourne College Inc, with facilities shared across both schools. 8 indoor nets across the two sites, 8 astroturf outdoor nets, 3 grass wicket pitches on St Andrew’s school site and 4 grounds of

Eastbourne College

fourth. Winning the National Lady Taverners U13 indoor competition

Recent progress It now feels the norm that boys and girls compete and train alongside each other. The school are seeing more girls in the top teams winning matches

Future plans Continue to push girls’ cricket and exposure to hardball matches so they get the same opportunities as the boys. Upgraded facilities by resurfacing all astro wickets and buying new set of covers to increase grass pitch availability

Tours Mixed Year 8 tour to Norfolk and Cambridgeshire to play Langley School and Wisbech Grammar

Club/county a liation

Links with Sussex Cricket Foundation, with a number of pupils involved in district on junior

Close links with Eastbourne CC, as a number of pupils play for them. number and county pathway programme. The school sponsors East Dean CC, a small local club which focuses development Best prospects Jack Jordan,

top order batsman, leg spinner and dynamic fielder

Cricketers of note James Kirtley (Sussex & England)

Cup as the Sussex

Brief history Cricket is the main summer sport played at St Andrew’s Prep. The boys were Sussex U12 Champions in 2017. In 2018, as a result of winning the Sussex Cup, the school were entered into the Bunbury U13 National representatives. 2019 saw the 1st XI finish third in the U13 IAPS national knockout cup and also win the U13 Sussex Cup Finest moment on the field 2017: U12 County Champions. 2019: 3rd place in the IAPS National Knockout Cup, U13 Sussex County Champions. 2022: quarter-finalists for the IAPS National Cup

Recent progress girls

Recent progress Development of girls’ cricket, with all girls now playing hardball

Future plans

Introduction of matches

100-ball matches and competition

ST FAITH’S SCHOOL

Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AG

Established 1884

Number of pupils 575

Head of cricket Chris Clayton-Smith

Teams Boys: U12/13ABC, U11ABC, U10ABCD, U9ABCD, U8ABCD.

Girls: U12/U13ABC, U11ABC, U10ABCD, U9ABCD, U8ABCD

Girls’ cricket A huge part of sport at St Faith’s. Girls start cricket in Year 3 and teams have been extremely successful over eight years, with many representing senior schools and county sides

Fixtures 7-9 fixtures, plus tournaments. Bedford, Felsted and Bishop’s Stortford

Facilities 4 grass nets on site, 2 indoor nets in sports hall, 6-lane facility on Latham Road. 3 hardball and 4 softball pitches

Club/county a liation St Faith’s pupils make up 20-50 per cent of most Cambridgeshire county agegroup teams

Best prospects Year 7 Ellie Howland featured for Year 8 Boys’ team as

ST PETER’S SCHOOL, YORK 8-13

Clifton, York, Yorkshire YO30 6AB

Established 627

Number of pupils 400

Master in charge Gareth Sharp Teams Boys: U13AB, U12ABC, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC. Girls: U13AB, U12AB, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC

Fixtures 20-25 fixtures a week across the school. Sedbergh, Ampleforth, RGS Newcastle and Worksop Facilities 2 sports hall, 8 bowling machines, 8-lane artificial nets area, 10 grass nets, 3 turf cricket grounds with covers, 1 artificial ground. Access to Level 4 coaching across year groups Club/county a liation Used by Yorkshire Diamonds as a training base. Also used for North of England U15 trials, along with several Yorkshire CCC age-group squads. Partners with York CC and Clifton Alliance CC to use facilities

Best prospects Henry Bennett, a pugnacious opening batter and o -spinner. Georgina Falkingham, a talented quick bowler who represents

well as the girls’ team who reached the IAPS National Finals. An exciting allrounder, her success partly attributed to hockey and netball Cricketers of note Justin Benson (Ireland), Nikhail Gorantla (Essex 2nd XI). A number of alumni have gone on to play for full Cambs side Brief history Ranjitsinhji came to the school to acclimatise before Cambridge University. From this point, cricket always held in very high regard, now accessible for all children Cultural cricketers John Maynard Keynes, Sir Christopher Cockerell (inventor of the Hovercraft), Prof Lord Robert Mair, Sir John Tusa, Tom

the boys’ U13A cricket team Cricketers of note Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire & England), Norman Yardley (Yorkshire & England), Stephen Coverdale (Yorkshire, Northants), Frank Mitchell (Yorkshire), David Kirby (Leicestershire)

Brief history The first recorded

Williams (BBC sports presenter), Alistair Bruce-Ball (BBC sports presenter), Prof David Thouless (Nobel winner, Physics), John Storey (Olympic rower), John Peake (Olympic hockey), Alex Goode (England rugby international), Tessa Howard and Katie Curtis (both GB hockey)

What sets the school apart? Sport for All ethos provides opportunities in a variety of sports, adding technical, physical and mental attributes. Leaders in girls’ cricket in the eastern region and the first school in the area to fully convert from rounders to cricket eight years ago. 80 per cent of

game played at St Peter’s was in 1853 when the school XI played Pocklington. Cricket lies at the centre of the sporting calendar in the summer term throughout the school. The 1st XI play their games under the watchful eye of the York Minster, with all junior grounds idyllically situated on the banks of the River Ouse

local schools have followed suit Finest moment on the field 72 pupils in Year 4 playing mixed Kwik cricket this year. U13 Girls making IAPS National Finals Day

Recent progress Integrating Year 3-5 boys and girls in cricket lessons. Some mixed boys’ and girls’ games in Year 6 had positive feedback from parents and pupils

Future plans To make the game more accessible to all and challenge old stereotypes by changing formats and teaching styles to ensure equal game time at every age group and level. Integrating technology to provide instant feedback and individual statistics. O er out facilities and sta to local schools. Moving away from traditional whites

Cultural cricketers Frank Pick (administrator), Harry Gration (journalist), Greg Wise (actor) and John Barry (composer) What sets the school apart? Yorkshire Diamonds have used the school as a training base in the summer. Used by North of England for U15 trial days. Supports the MCC Foundation hub programme Finest moment on the field U13 Boys team have participated in the IAPS Cup finals 9 times in the last 12 years, winning on 3 occasions. Ben Lodge struck six sixes in an over in 2018, while Matthew Roberts hit 108 not out o 45 balls in a 2019 T20 fixture

Recent progress The further improvement in the girls cricketing programme, with several girls performing well in the boys’ A-team sides, along with becoming the default games option for girls in the summer term. The ability to play mixed school fixtures with both boys and girls taking part

Future plans Partnership with York CC to use facilities in order to further provide top- class facilities for the expanding cricketing programme

TAUNTON PREP SCHOOL

Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA2 6AD

Established 1847

Number of pupils 344

Director of cricket Peter Sanderson

Professional Marcus Trescothick (Somerset & England), presently England assistant coach. The programme supported by coaches from Somerset CCC

Teams 34: 18 for boys, 16 for girls

Girls’ cricket Split into high performance girls, who play county youth cricket; fun sessions for the masses. Girls can choose to play hard or soft ball. Girls can gain selection for boys’ teams at various levels and ages

Fixtures Millfield, King’s Hall, Hazlegrove, Clifton and Sherborne. As with the girls’ programme, formats used to heighten the enjoyment – a mixture duel-pitched, soft ball, 4-innings matches. The highlight is Parents v 1st XI on the last Saturday of term

MEET THE HEAD OF CRICKET

Taunton School are benefiting from the success of their local county side, Somerset, according to head of cricket, Peter Sanderson.

Facilities

The school’s facilities are shared: pupils can practice on grass at some stage through summer. 12 grass net pitches, split into 6 bays and 3 artificial lanes. 15 artificial nets including 7 indoor lanes. The main hall can be used for hardball indoor games. This summer more nets being redeveloped. 6 main squares, but also extra pitches that groundsta have created in other pitches, these are called ‘rabbit’ pitches and are used mainly for soft ball matches. Across di erent net facilities access to use 3 bowling machines including a Merlyn Club/county a liation Somerset and local clubs. Primary school outreach programme involves schools visiting to be coached by Taunton directors of sport. The school supports local clubs with sponsorships. A liated to Somerset Cricket Board and play in competitions from U11s up for boys and girls. Somerset youth teams use the facilities. The school also has county players from Cornwall, Dorset and Devon

Sanderson spent 23 years working for Somerset in various coaching capacities before making the move in 2016, and he reckons that being e ectively a one-club city, without a major football team to compete with, has helped to nurture an early love of cricket in his pupils.

“If you’re in an area where cricket is strong, then kids are coming into cricket before they even get to school age,” he said.

“We have a strong club network in Taunton and the surrounding area of Somerset as a whole. That definitely helps the development of the game. All clubs around here do massively

Best prospects Harvey Coleman and Megan Driscoll, who plays both girls and boys’ cricket above her age group

Cricketers of note Tom Abell, Adam Dibble, Jodie Dibble, Aftab Habib, Ricky Bartlett, Nick Pringle, Piran Holloway, John Jameson, Tom Jameson, John Cameron, Alan Gibson, Alan Marshall and Jack White

Cultural cricketers Geo rey Cox MP, Alan Gibson (cricket writer) and

good work to promote the game and develop an interest in it to start o with.”

It helps, too, that the structure of the school’s summer term means that players really only miss the first third of the club season before becoming available every Saturday.

“We link into the clubs around us,” he added. “We sponsor two of them. I went to a presentation last week, so I am looking to get our coaches doing some work with local coaches to help our local clubs in a di erent way, which would also benefit the players around us.”

Taunton was also the alma mater of Somerset captain Tom Abell, which has presented its own benefits – none more so than a recognisable face as the image of the game in the region.

“They can see him and it makes it more real,”

Jeremy Wright (attorney general)

What sets the school apart?

In 2023 the biggest issue to accommodate and find matches for all. Having a present England coach Finest moment on the field Year 6s getting to the regional final. Year 8 girls were in the National IAPS final Recent progress Having additional lanes

Future plans A fully artificial area for use in both winter and summer Tours Plans to tour London www.tauntonschool.co.uk

said Sanderson. “Some of them aren’t too far away from that. With Somerset doing well, that helps us all.”

Taunton have benefited from having as experienced a figure as Sanderson at the helm.

“I was at Somerset for 23 years, but that was in youth cricket,” he explained. “I have the same philosophy, but it is a bit of luck that my philosophy is the same as the school’s philosophy. When I was in charge of youth cricket, it was basically to produce cricketers.

“But that is the minority. And when you work that out, you have to make sure that you provide the right service for the majority because you have to look after the whole game. You can’t just go: ‘Right, you’re going to get lots of opportunity because you’re really good’, and then someone else not get opportunity and then hate the game and stop playing it.

“That is no good to the development of the game. I have always had an ethos of development of players but not at all costs, and not at the cost of the rest.”

Peter Sanderson Director of cricket

“It was always my dream to play cricket and I don’t think that would have been possible without the opportunities I had at Taunton School.”

Tom Abell, Old Tauntonian, Somerset Captain.

THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM

Somerset Road, Birmingham B17 0HR

Established 1722

Number of pupils 625

Master in charge Simon Gregory (Shropshire)

Teams Boys: U11ABCDE, U10ABCD, U9ABCDE, U8ABCDEFG. Girls: U11ABCDE, U9ABCD, U8ABCDE

Girls’ cricket Every year group has a minimum of four teams. In 2023, hardball cricket was introduced at U11, with regular fixtures versus local preps. This resulted in the U11 girls winning the 2023 IAPS Hardball Championships. That team had four representatives in the Warwickshire Girls U11 squad

Fixtures 200 fixtures in total

Facilities 3 hardball pitches, 8 softball pitches, 4 lanes of artificial outside nets, 2 lanes indoor nets. Gifted 2 BOLA bowling machines and 1 Paceman which has had a significant impact on the winter training programme

Club/county a liation Strong links with Warwickshire CCC. The school hosted U10 county age group winter training and weekly batting masterclass sessions for the EPP. The school hosted five Warwickshire CCC age group fixtures, three for U11 girls. Host summer camps through Complete Cricket

Best prospects Aditya Solanki, U11 boys’ captain, represents Worcestershire CCC at U11 level. His

father is Vikram Solanki. Aditya is an aggressive left-handed batsman and an accomplished wicketkeeper

Cricketers of note Vikram Banerjee (Gloucestershire), now ECB director of strategy and corporate development

Brief history Since the appointment of a new head in 2017 a strategic vision in establishing the school as one of the major cricketing prep schools in the region

What sets the school apart?

Recruitment drive in the sports department, which now contains two ECB Level 3 coaches. The quality of coaching is now very strong for all children and the breadth of expertise cannot be matched in any prep school in the region or any standalone prep in the country

Finest moment on the field In 2022 the U11s victorious in the IAPS competition and qualified for ESCA national finals, finishing seventh. In 2023 won Malvern College Eight:8 Competition winning the AJ Murtagh Trophy on debut. In 2022 U11 girls were third in the IAPS competition and in 2023 victorious in the U11 IAPS hardball. The U11 boys’ team unbeaten at the IAPS in 2023

Recent progress Progressing girls’ cricket and introducing hardball to U11. Driving players into local clubs and age-groups

Future plans Aim to o er coaching to children from local schools. Develop a coloured kit which both boys and girls can wear and feel comfortable in

THE ELMS SCHOOL

Walwyn Road, Colwall Stone, Herefordshire WR13 6EF

Established 1614

Number of pupils 165 Director of sport Helen Taranczuk Professional Henry Lamb is 1st XI coach and is a warm-up bowler for England

Teams Boys: U13AB, U11AB, U9AB. Girls: U13AB, U11AB, U9

Girls’ cricket The girls play softball, pairs cricket in competitive matches against other schools. Some girls are ready to take the step into hardball and play alongside boys Fixtures 50 fixtures across all teams, 12 at 1st Xl level. Most notable Cothill, Bromsgrove, Pinewood and Cheltenham

Facilities 4 pitches, including 2 dedicated and protected squares for U13 and U11. Indoor Sports Hall with 3 lanes of nets with ECB-standard lighting Club/county a liation school’s unique location means boys represent Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. Nearly 20 per cent of the cohort playing county cricket. Colwall CC and Eastnor CC use facilities on a regular basis and many pupils play at those clubs

Best prospects

helping coach in the 1950s. The 1st XI lost one match in 30 over a three-year period between 2011 and 2014 and the current crop of U12, U11, U10 and U9 cricketers are particularly strong. With a reinvigoration of girls’ cricket at the school, the future of cricket at The Elms is very bright Cultural cricketers Quentin Letts (journalist), Charles Morgan (Morgan Cars)

What sets the school apart? A small school that often beats schools three or four times the size. Recent improvements to facilities and coaching have seen girls’ cricket begin in earnest, with undefeated U9s, the U11 side winning the ESCA Worcestershire tournament in 2019 and reaching the 2018 and 2019 finals of the Eight8 Malvern College competition. The school are proud of how many county and community events they host Finest moment on the field U11 boys reaching 2021 ESCA National Finals; U12 boys winning the 2022 Shrewsbury

William Sweeting scored 4 prep school hundreds in 2023 Brief history The school hosted the first matches of the Women’s Cricket Association in 1926 and continued with Betty Snowball

Recent progress In 2022 the school introduced the Elms Premier League where every child in Year 7 and 8 were put into mixed ability teams with two members of sta . The teams have their own ‘Elmsy’ team name taken from the breed of animal on the on-site working farm, eg Colwall Runner Ducks and Mathon Miniature Herefords Future plans For 3 outdoor nets Tours Pre-season to Dorset

Simon Gregory Master in charge

tournament on

TOP 50 PREP/JUNIOR

THE NEW BEACON SCHOOL

Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2PB

Established 1863

Number of pupils 350 Master in charge

Ian Buchanan-Dunlop Teams U13ABCDEF, U11ABCDE, U10ABCDE, U9ABCD

Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school

Fixtures Over 150 fixtures. Kent Cup games and national knockout matches

Kent CCC youth set-up. S Luthra is opening bat, seam bowler and J French is opening bat and a seam bowler

Cricketers of note Sam Billings (right) and Zak Crawley (both Kent & England). Both are keen to return to share their expertise despite their commitments Cultural cricketers

Siegfried Sassoon (poet), Sir Timothy Laurence (Princess Anne’s husband), Lord Mayhew of Twysden (former secretary of state), William Sumner (MP and later a judge)

Facilities 4 all-weather nets. 1 very good grass cricket square and 4 artificial wickets

Club/county a liation The school send several boys to Kent CCC at all age groups. They host outside companies during the holidays for local children, notably the Andrew Flinto Cricket Academy and Ultimate Activity – most recently with Heather Knight visiting and donating a signed bat Best prospects Two boys in the

What sets the school apart? The only prep school to have two boys playing at the same time in an Ashes Test

Finest moment on the field Winning the National Cricket Competition. The old JET competition also winning the Summers Cup Kent U11s, 17 times in the last 20 years and also being in the final every year for the last two decades. Winning the U13s and U12s Kent Cup several times over the

last 10 years

Future plans They will continue encouraging all boys to enjoy cricket

either in softball or hardball. They will continue playing matches against competitive schools

BeyondBoundarythe

Ralph Yeats-Brown Head of cricket

TWYFORD SCHOOL

Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire

SO21 1NW

Established 1809

Number of pupils 430

Head of sport Gregg Lewis

Teams Boys: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABCD, U8ABC. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9AB, U8ABC

Girls’ cricket Since 2015 the main sport in summer from Year 3-8. The school no longer play external rounders matches, only internal house events. Fixtures include Cheam, Farleigh, Highfield, St Swithun’s, Lord Wandsworth, Lambrook, King Edward VI Southampton and additional local tournaments

Fixtures In 2023 summer term, 269 fixtures plus tournaments. Twyford have played Horris Hill almost annually since 1895. Another highlight is hosting Hampshire U12/U13 teams Facilities 3 ovals, 1 astroturf, 4 outdoor nets and 2 in the sports hall. With the introduction of more girls’ matches, lower pitches have been

divided into 5 ovals, so the school can play 10 matches

Club/county a liation Hampshire CCC. Many boys and girls are part of county and regional set-ups. Year 5 and 6 enjoy a fixture against local primary school Twyford St Mary’s.

The local club, Twyford CC, use facilities for matches and training and

Proud to have organised the first co-ed Prep School cricket tour to South Africa

“I loved staying with the host children and hearing about how they live.” Anoushka

the school often use their pitch Cricketers of note Joe Weatherley, Felix Organ, Jimmy Adams, Simon Francis, John Francis, Dom Kelly (all Hampshire). Eliza Bristowe

Brief history Twyford can claim to be the oldest prep school in the country, with 165 years of competitive matches. Charles Dodgson (aka

Lewis Carroll) had brothers at the school and took a portrait of the 1st XI in 1858. H McDonnell, Headmaster 1910–37, himself an Old Twyfordian, played for Hampshire while headmaster. The current pitch was levelled and enlarged in the late 1980s Cultural cricketers Douglas Hurd (Conservative foreign secretary) was in the 1st XI in 1942. Brian Trubshaw CBE (first Concorde pilot), Simon Chambers (owner of Storm modelling agency)

What sets the school apart? The oak-beamed Jimmy Adams Pavilion and 1st XI pitch look out over the South Downs. Some of the earliest inter-prep school matches were played at Twyford. Court Cricket is unique to Twyford: up to 50 boys and girls play together, bowlers use tapeballs against batsmen not allowed to defend

Finest moment on the field ESCA U11 8-a-side national champions in 2014, retained in 2015 and 2019

Recent progress Nets improved in November 2022. 4 retractable lanes on an all-weather surface – a community fundraising project with over 70 families contributing

WEST HOUSE SCHOOL

24 St James Road, Birmingham B15 2NX

Established 1895

Number of pupils 350

Director of cricket Naheem Sajjad Senior coach Andrew Lloyd

Teams U11ABCD, U10ABCD, U9ABCDE, U8ABCD

Girls’ cricket An all-boys’ school

Fixtures A and B teams play up to 10 fixtures with the C, D and E teams playing 4 or 5. The U11As play annual match against King Edward’s School, Birmingham U12 XI often made up of a number of former West House pupils. The school also enters Warwickshire schools’ competition

Facilities 2 indoor nets and 2 newly refurbished outdoor nets equipped with 2 bowling machines. 2 cricket grounds including a well-equipped club standard facility

Club/county a liation Home to AL

Sports – private coaching provider run by Lloyd. The main ground is home to Harborne CC girls’ section and home

MEET THE SENIOR COACH

According to Andrew Lloyd, the secret to West House’s successful cricket programme is simple: passion.

The sport is at the heart of life at the Birminghambased prep school, with five ECB-qualified coaches delivering sessions from year one upwards.

venue for Harborne 3rd XI and 4th XI playing in Worcestershire League. The school supports Harborne through coaches and sponsorship Best prospects A couple of boys who have just left the school: Haziq Wani, a wicketkeeper/batsman already playing senior cricket in Division One of the Warwickshire League for Harborne CC and is a fine prospect. A number of boys receive county honours with five currently representing Warwickshire at U11 and U10 level. Abdullah Abedin is quite  exciting Cricketers of note RH

Maudsley (Warwickshire), RIBH Dyer (Warwickshire), SJ Green (Warwickshire and Northamptonshire) and, more recently HKP Boam (Wellington). Oliver Lawrence smashed just about

Pupils initially work on basic skills before benefiting from three sessions per week, regular matches and extra-curricular opportunities in the junior school, with no fewer than 17 teams, catering for around 40 pupils per year group, competing across the summer term.

“The ethos is for everyone to participate, have a go and be a team player,” explains Lloyd, West House’s senior coach.

“We have a lot of boys who’ve gone from

www.westhouseprep.com

every school cricket record before choosing rugby (Bath and England)

Brief history

Cricket played at the school since its founding. It wasn’t until David Thomas joined the sta in 1956 that links between school and county became firmly established. Thomas, brother of England physio, Bernard, remained on the sta until 1982

Bernard, remained on the sta Nine

The school is proud to reflect the diversity of Birmingham. Pupils benefit from five ECB-qualified coaches and links fostered with clubs and county. A city prep school educating boys whose families often make significant sacrifices to send their

sons here

Finest moment on the Lawrence scoring 120 not out, out of 140, against King Edward’s U12 team to secure victory

field

Cultural cricketers

Lord Mayors of Birmingham, six members of the Cadbury family, Phil Drabble (author and presenter), Chaneil Kular (actor), Soweto Kinch (musician) What sets the school apart?

school cricket to club cricket and into county cricket [but] all of the boys, regardless of what sport, have the opportunity to represent the school. You can see that togetherness – they all want to know how each other’s teams have got on.

“Generally, there’s no issue with boys wanting to participate. I run a coaching programme throughout the year, and we o er coaching in a group environment or one-to-one – lots of old boys come back for cricket sessions. I even run sessions on the weekend. [It’s available] for any boy who wants to improve their game. We adapt to the abilities we have and try to give each pupil a certain target or goal.”

That passion for cricket isn’t just limited to playing the game either. Thanks to its diverse

Recent progress

Strengthening relationship with Harborne

to secure victory plans to resurrecting

Future plans Committed to resurrecting specialist coaching provided to other local schools, which was cut during Covid

local schools,

intake, the school is transformed into a carnival of cricket fandom during major global tournaments.

“We get lots of boys cheering a lot of teams; you get the same number of boys cheering for England as India or Pakistan, which brings great excitement and plenty of banter. It’s great –every game matters for someone,” Lloyd adds.

Furthermore, West House plans to spread that passion by relaunching their outreach programme within local schools.

“We go out once a week and deliver free coaching sessions to introduce cricket. I did it for five years before the pandemic [and] our headteacher has plans in place to get that up and running [again],” Lloyd says.

“I used to go out to St John’s, Ladywood. Those kids haven’t had the opportunity to learn the game and you see them enjoying it, you see one or two who have some talent. It’s important to try and get the game out there for [everyone]; it’s important from our point of view to share that opportunity.”

Andrew Lloyd Senior coach

WESTBOURNE HOUSE SCHOOL

Coach Road, Chichester PO20 2BH

Established 1907

Number of pupils 396

Master in charge Matt Ge en

Professional Kevin Smith (Sussex)

Teams Boys – 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, U11AB, U10ABC, U9ABC, U8ABC. Girls: 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 5th XI, U11ABC, U10ABC, U9ABC, U8AB

Girls’ cricket The major summer sport. In October 2023 completed their second overseas tour to South Africa

Fixtures Each team an average of eight matches, plus tournaments. Most notable blocks Cranleigh,

WESTBROOK HAY PREP SCHOOL

London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 2RF

Established 1892

Number of pupils 380

Master in charge Stuart Stedman

Teams Boys: U13ABCD, U11ABCDEFGH, U9ABCDEFGH.

Girls: U11ABCDEF, U9ABCD, U8ABC. Also mixed cricket

Girls’ cricket The girls train with boys in co-educational groups while playing in their own sides on match days

Fixtures Year 5-8 sides play up to 11 matches. The most notable fixtures are tournaments hosted by Haileybury, Bedford, Merchant Taylors’ and St Albans

Facilities 2 grass hardball pitches, 1 astro wicket, 6 junior wickets, a grass net and 3 astro nets – all outside – as well as 2 indoor nets and a bowling machine

Club/county a liation Craig Ringsell, groundsman for Chesham United FC & Leverstock Green CC, is in charge of maintaining wickets, which has produced great results.

Highfield and Twyford

Facilities 13 pitches, all used every Wednesday and Saturday. 5 astro strips plus 6 outdoor cricket nets and 4 indoor nets in the sports hall Club/county a liation Host Sussex winter junior training. Chichester Priory Park CC use facilities for training twice a week in summer, and Middleton CC and Birdham CC use pitches occasionally Best prospects Boys U10 George Hobkirk scores quickly and bowls with good pace; Rupert Gillett wicketkeeper/batsman; Rocco Matthews batting allrounder just awarded a cricket scholarship to Brighton College. Willow Lock is seam bowling allrounder on the Sussex Women pathway

Cricketers of note Holly Colvin (England Women), George Adair (Middlesex 2nd XI), Charlie Tear (Sussex and Scotland)

Brief history The fixture list has grown to include many leading public schools. During a golden period in the 1990s the school were regular winners of U13 and U11 Sussex prep school Hayland Trophy. Girls’ and mixed teams now turn out weekly, with many

enjoying success at county level. Nets in use from dawn until dusk

Cultural cricketers Tom Bradby (ITV newsreader) made a fifty in the 1st XI; Marcus Brigstocke (comedian); Nick Clarke (presenter), Alastair MacKenzie (actor and 1st XI scorer); Tom Newton Dunn (The Sun journalist) What sets the school apart?

Pupils spend on average six hours a week playing cricket in summer, plus voluntary nets on top. All sta trained in cricket basics to support specialist sports sta . In Year 2 (Pre-Prep) they start the junior programme. All nets are in full supervised use before school and every break time

Finest moment on the field

2023 Girls

U11 regional champions. 2022

Boys’ Under 13 IAPS national finalists. Have dominated Sussex prep cricket for many years at U11 and U13 Recent progress Girls’ cricket far in advance of many other schools –softball, incrediball and hardball at their own pace and giving them specialist coaching. Inspirational coaching from Colvin the icing on the cake. The number of boys and girls currently involved in county squads is 20 Future plans A number of new pitches to cope with the growing demand for girls’ cricket. O ering coaching skills to local schools; inviting local school pupils to play cricket at Westbourne, indoors and outdoors, and attend free coaching Tours Kwa-Zulu Natal every year

Admissions: admissions@westbournehouse.org 01243 782739 www.westbournehouse.org

John Neal, ECB head of coach development, is a former teacher at Westbrook Hay, and runs an annual clinic for both sta and senior sides

Best prospects Jarryd Friend (U13) plays for the West Area region. He is an attacking top order batsman and showing great potential as a wicketkeeper. Year 6 sisters Isabelle and Maggie Smee are both allrounders who have also

developed fast

Cricketers of note Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire & England)

Brief history The school is set in a wonderful environment, with two picturesque grounds. A dedicated sta 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. The girls are treading a similar path now with three involved in the Hertfordshire county programme. The school recently won the Aldenham Festival

Cultural cricketers Luke O’Nien (Sunderland footballer), Raef Bjayou (entrepreneur and television presenter), Deji Olatunji (YouTuber with over 10m subscribers) What sets the school apart?

‘Cricket for All’ policy means cricket is played every day during the summer term with indoor and outdoor facilities always in use. They also run a winter nets programme

Finest moment on the field Winning the County Cup three times in four years in the recent past

Recent progress The development of the Girls’ Cricket programme – including the hosting of girls’ hardball festival and feeding of girls into the Herts squad. The one-to-one programme runs in break and lunchtimes has seen big improvements

Future plans Looking to re-establish link with Berkhamsted CC and house their overseas player in return for coaching hours

Heathfield Schools’ Partnership

The best start for a brilliant future.

e elopin life and leadership s ills thro h cric et ric et is tr l thri in at Heathfield heathfieldschoolspartnership or

Highly commended

SENIOR SCHOOLS

AKS Lytham

Alleyn’s School

Ampleforth College

Ashford School

Barnard Castle School

Berkhamsted School

Birkenhead School

Bloxham School

Blundell’s School

Cheadle Hulme School

Chigwell School

Churcher’s College

Dollar Academy

Dr Challoner’s Grammar School

Emanuel School

Embley

Fettes College

Giggleswick School

Gresham’s School

Hill House School

Kent College

King Edward VI School, Stratfordupon-Avon

King Edward’s School, Witley

King Henry VIII School, Coventry

King’s College School, Wimbledon

King’s Ely

King’s School, Bruton

Lancaster Royal Grammar School

Leicester Grammar School

Loretto School

Loughborough Grammar School

Milton Abbey School

Mount Kelly

Old Swinford Hospital

Pangbourne College

Portsmouth Grammar School

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield

Ratcli e College

Reading Blue Coat School

• Boys’ fortnightly boarding prep school

• Up to 15 cricket teams fielded each week

• 130 acres of grounds • Annual pre season cricket training tour

• Excellent pastoral and academic record • Bursaries available

• New Exploration Centre • Rated ‘excellent’ by the ISI

Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB · 0118 978 9881 registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk · www.ludgrove.net

The following schools entered a submission to The Cricketer Schools Guide 2024 but unfortunately just missed out on the top 100, top 50 or top 20. However, their cricket programme has been highly commended and we look forward to hearing of their progress in the future

Royal Grammar School, Worcester

Royal Hospital School, Ipswich

Sherborne School

St John’s School, Leatherhead

St Paul’s School

Sutton Valence School

The King’s School in Macclesfield

The King’s School, Worcester

The Oratory School

Trinity School

Warwick School

Wells Cathedral School

William Perkin CofE High School

Wycli e College

ALL-GIRLS SCHOOLS

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Lady Eleanor Holles School

PREP/JUNIOR SCHOOLS

Amesbury School

Belhaven Hill

Berkhamsted Prep

Blundell’s Prep

Chesham Prep

Cricklade Manor Prep

Dorset House School

Dulwich Prep

Fettes College Prep

Gosfield Prep

Gresham’s Prep

King’s Hall, Taunton

Scarborough College Prep

St Neot’s Prep

Stamford School Prep

Stroud School, King Edward Prep School

Summer Fields

Terrington Hall

The Pilgrim’s School

Wellesley House School

Woodcote House School

28

33

69

Walsall

71 Radley College

72 Reed’s School

72 Reigate Grammar School

73 Repton School

75 Royal Grammar School, Guildford

75 Rugby School

76 Scarborough College

78 Seaford College

80 Sedbergh School

80 Shenfield High School

81 Shrewsbury School

83 Simon Langton Grammar School

83 Solihull School

84 St Edward’s School, Oxford

84 St George’s College, Weybridge

85 St Lawrence College

87 St Peter’s School, York 13-18

87 Stamford School

88 Stowe School

89 Taunton School

89 The Bishop’s Stortford High

90

95 Tonbridge School

95 Trent College

96 Uppingham School

96 Watford Grammar School for Boys

97 Wellington College

97 Wellington School

98 Whitgift School

98 Wilson’s School

99 Winchester College

99 Woodhouse Grove School

100 Worksop College

100 Worth School

101 Wrekin College

102 Wymondham College

102 Yorkshire Cricket College

Top 20 all-girls

School, Winchester

124 The Mary Erskine School

124 Wimbledon High School

Top 50 prep/junior schools

133 Brighton College Nursery, PrePrep and Prep School

134 Caldicott School

134 Cargilfield School

135 Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School

135 Cheam School

136 Cheltenham College Prep School

136 Clayesmore Prep

137 Clifton College Prep

137 Cothill House

138 Cottesmore School

139 Cranmore School

139 Cumnor House, Sussex

140 Dragon School

140 Eagle House

141 Elstree School

141 Felsted Prep

142 Feltonfleet School

142 Heathfield Junior School

143 Highfield and Brookham Schools

143 Holmewood House

144 Hurstpierpoint College Prep School

144 Lockers Park

145 Ludgrove School

145 Merchant Taylors’ Prep

146 Millfield Prep

146 Nottingham Academy Primary

147 Orwell Park School

147 Packwood Haugh

148 Prestfelde Prep School

148 Repton Prep

149 Rokeby School

149 Shrewsbury House

150 Spratton Hall

150 St Andrew’s Eastbourne

151 St Faith’s

151 St Peter’s School, York 8-13

152 Taunton Prep

154 The Blue Coat School Birmingham

154 The Elms

155 The New Beacon

156 Twyford School

157 West House Prep

159 Westbourne House

159 Westbrook Hay

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

Supporters of The Cricketer Schools Guide

Completed projects by Durant Cricket

Durant Cricket install a wide range of products across the UK. Some of our work in schools includes:

Haileybury

Installation of 2-sided scorebox system at Haileybury, serving both 1st and 2nd team grounds

Oakham School

Installation of three mobile cricket covers with puncture-proof tyres & side sheet attachment to connect to flat sheets

Oundle School

Installation of 4½m x 4m wide sight screens with galvanised frame & replaceable lattes for white-ball game

Millfield School

Installation of five-lane net system, different pitch types, fixed roofs & retractable wings. Plus perimeter net, 4G fielding area & black curtain for white ball

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2024