Cheltenham Prep School are delighted to announce that we have been listed as one of the Top 50 prep schools for cricket by The Cricketer Schools Guide 2024.

The Cricketer was founded in 1921 by former England captain, Sir Pelham Warner and is the sport’s oldest and best-selling magazine.

This year’s guide features the top 100 senior, top 50 prep and top 20-all girls schools for cricket across both state-funded and independent establishments. All entries were judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

The Cricketer magazine editor, Huw Turbervill said “Our 2024 Schools Guide celebrates the best cricket programmes in state and independent schools across the country. The rise of women’s cricket in schools really has been a joy to behold.”

Cheltenham Prep School is one of the strongest independent schools in a wide selection of sports. During the Autumn and Spring Terms, girls and boys train in the Cricket Nets ahead of the Summer Term where Cricket is the main sport for all pupils.

Cheltenham Prep Cricket Professional, Jamie Diamond, commented:

“I am thrilled and proud that Cheltenham Prep is included in the Cricketer Schools Guide 2024. Our Cricket programme embodies the sporting ambitions we aim for throughout The Prep, developing and nurturing the potential in each pupil in an environment where sport for all and performance sport align.

I am incredibly proud of all College and The Prep staff coming together to help build a fantastic programme to encourage all pupils to love and enjoy cricket and that this has led to success on the field throughout all 29 teams here at Cheltenham Prep.”

Pupils at Cheltenham Prep are coached by specialists to include Cricket Professional Mark Briers (formerly a professional player at Worcestershire CCC and Durham CCC) and Jamie Diamond (Gloucestershire CCC Performance Coach).

Cheltenham College is home to The Cheltenham Cricket Festival, the world’s longest running cricket festival. The 1^st XI square is known as one of the best cricket pitches in the country.