2023 Schools Guide reveals UK’s Best Schools for Cricket
LWC are delighted to have been named in the Top 100 Senior Schools for Cricket for the 9th year running!
Ed Ikin, Master in Charge of Cricket said:
‘I am utterly delighted that we have once again been named as a top 100 cricketing school by The Cricketer magazine. Thanks to a successful 2022 season which saw the under 15 boys lift a trophy, the 1st XI girls reach the latter stages of a national cup (losing to the eventual winners), cricket continues to be the most popular single term sport.
Over the past 18 months we have invested heavily on and off the pitch to ensure the cricket programme continues to thrive. Those recent investments include; a state of the art bowling machine, five new artificial nets, three new pavilions and the refurbishment of another, two new elite player programmes which run from September – April and a dedicated girls playing area.
With an ever-increasing number of pupils part of elite programmes outside of LWC, cricket is now very much a three-term sport. As a result, an increased pre-season programme is already underway with the first of an annual domestic tour to a fellow top 100 cricketing schools beginning this April.
Not looking to rest on our laurels, our vision for the future is very much in motion. Investment will continue with an emphasis placed on the structure of girls’ cricket.’
Girls’ Player of the Year 2022, Bella M said:
‘Cricket at LWC gives me the opportunity to learn and progress different aspects of my game in a safe and respectful environment which I really enjoy. LWC gives the same possibilities to all pupils, regardless of levels and experience. You can see the investment LWC has made; new bowling machines and speed guns are examples of the professional nature of cricket here.
I’m part of the Elite Player Programme which has allowed me to focus on smaller details in my game as well as massively gaining confidence by working with some of the older first team boys in nets and other drills’.
Girls’ 1st XI Captain 2022, Sophie C:
‘For me, LWC cricket not only gives me the platform to improve my own game with close interactions with coaches but gives me the chance to give advice and encouragement to less experienced players. I feel empowered as a leader. I have been given chances to train during the off seasons so I can continue improving. 1-1 sessions are particularly good as I can focus on my game a lot.
All aspects of LWC cricket give me a release from everything else as well a great chance to meet other people who I wouldn’t normally interact with and so form close friendships’.
2023’s successful roll call of schools – which features both state-funded and private establishments – was finalised after an exhaustive selection process that saw a huge number submit entries for inclusion in the guide.
All entries were then judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.
The Cricketer gathered entries and compiled the leading lists, consulting former England star Lydia Greenway and her coaching initiative Cricket For Girls to select the top 20 all-girls schools.
The Cricketer researches and produces the Schools Guide annually, with the 2023 edition being supported by Durant Cricket – one of the country’s leading suppliers of cricket ground equipment.
Cristian Durant, managing director of Durant Cricket, commented: “We have supported The Cricketer’s sterling coverage of school’s cricket, which showcases the fantastic job coaches and staff are doing for grassroots cricket, for many years. Long may it continue. Enjoy the winter, and best of luck for the 2023 season.”
Link: https://www.thecricketer.com/schoolsguide
The Cricketer is the world’s No.1 cricket magazine. Founded in 1921 by former England captain Sir Pelham Warner, The Cricketer is the sport’s oldest magazine and has retained its position as the world’s most respected and best-selling cricket magazine. For more information, visit: www.thecricketer.com
Durant Cricket are one of the country’s leading suppliers of cricket ground equipment to cricket clubs, professional counties and schools across the country. For more information, visit: www.durantcricket.co.uk
TOP 100 SENIOR SCHOOLS
Ashford School; Bede’s School; Bedford School; Berkhamsted School; Bishop’s Stortford College; Bradfield College; Brentwood School; Brighton Aldridge Community Academy; Brighton College; Bromsgrove School; Caterham School; Charterhouse; Cheadle Hulme School; Cheltenham College; Clayesmore School; Clifton College; Cranleigh School; Dollar Academy; Dulwich College; Dunottar School; Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation; Eastbourne College; Elizabeth College, Guernsey; Ellesmere College; Emanuel School; Epsom College; Eton College; Felsted School; Framlingham College; George Watson’s College; Haberdasher’s Boys’ School; Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools; Haileybury; Hampton School; Harrow School; Huddersfield New College; Hurstpierpoint College; Kimbolton School; King Edward VI School, Southampton; King Edward’s School, Birmingham; King’s College, Taunton; Lancing College; Lord Wandsworth College; Magdalen College School; Malvern College; Marlborough College; Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood; Millfield School; New Hall School; Newcastle-under-Lyme-School; Northampton School for Boys; Oakham School; Oundle School; Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall; Radley College; Reed’s School; Reigate Grammar School; Repton School; Rugby School; Scarborough College; Seaford College; Sedbergh School; Shenfield High School; Shrewsbury School; Simon Langton Grammar School; Solihull School; South Dartmoor Community College; St Edward’s School, Oxford; St George’s College, Weybridge; St John’s School, Leatherhead; St Lawrence College; St Peter’s, York 13-18; Stamford School; Stowe School; Taunton School; The Bishop’s Stortford High School; The Canterbury Academy; The John Lyon School; The Judd School; The Leys; The Manchester Grammar School; The Perse School; The Royal Hospital School, Ipswich; The Skinner’s School; Tiffin School; Tonbridge School; Trent College; Uppingham School; Watford Grammar School for Boys; Wellington College; Wellington School; Whitgift School; William Perkin School; Wilson’s School; Winchester College; Woodhouse Grove School; Worksop College; Worth School; Wrekin College; Yorkshire Cricket College.
