National Schools report – Girls Semi-Finals

For the last ten years, St Catherine’s School in Bramley, England has been a sole or co-sponsor of the English Chess Federation National Schools Girls Team Tournament. A school with vision and a Federation providing important support. Numbers have grown year on year to the point at which 330 girls came from all over the UK to play in the latest event on January 26th, 2025.

Pictures by Aga Milewska

This was a real occasion, not only emphasizing the competitive and intellectual side of chess, but also the social side too, which women and girls value highly. Win, lose or draw, the friendly, collegiate atmosphere was there for all to see. Such was the popularity of the tournament, that it featured on BBC TV and radio with substantial air time, which cannot fail to boost the profile of chess in a positive way. More women and girls are playing chess than ever before, starting to form a natural balance within the game.  From the outset, St Catherine’s has tried to provide an opportunity, which it seems as though the girls are only too willing to take up.

The tournament is structured as two semi-finals, one over the board and one online, followed by an all-play-all final of ten teams  taking place in April. It is great to see the event becoming more and more popular. Full results can be found here —

Final results Under 11: https://chess-results.com/tnr1079089.as … turdet=YES
Final results Under 19: https://chess-results.com/tnr1079109.as … turdet=YES

A very successful day …
Andrew Martin | Organiser