Brentwood Prep & Senior Schools make cricketing cut

Brentwood Preparatory School has joined cricketing’s elite being named as one of the UK's top 50 prep/junior cricketing schools by the world’s best-selling cricketing magazine ‘The Cricketer’.

It is the first time the Prep School has made the coveted shortlist. It joins Brentwood Senior School, which once again makes the cut in the list of the UK's top 100 senior cricketing schools, in the illustrious Schools Guide 2021.

The Cricketer magazine editor, Simon Hughes, said: "This is the first time that Brentwood Prep has been featured in our Schools Guide. It really is a great achievement for both the Senior and Prep schools to be included." 

Mr Tim Sawyer, Deputy Head Operations & Co-Curricular at the Prep, was delighted the school, on Shenfield Road, had made its guide debut and that its wholehearted commitment to the sport had been appreciated via national recognition: "Whilst recent months have not provided a record amount of sporting cheer, they have helped to underline the importance of sport and physical activity to our Brentwood School Community. How we long to return to sporting normality, but how proud we should be of the spirit and commitment we have shown to sport throughout this period of adversity.

"This fantastic accolade provides just reward for the hard work that has gone into developing all of our young cricketers. As a keen cricket fan, Headmaster Mr Jason Whiskerd was bowled over at the news of our inclusion, as was Mr Les Wingrove - top order in the development of Prep Cricket and fundamental in securing this honour for our school."

The inclusion of both schools in the respected guide came at the end of a long and exhaustive selection process which saw a record number of schools submit entries, despite the ongoing pandemic.

The annual Schools Guide features the top 100 senior, the top 50 prep/junior, and for the first time in 2021, the top 20 all-girls’ schools. The prestigious list includes schools across the country, from Dulwich to Durham, and from Reigate to Rugby. Each entry was judged against extensive selection criteria, including the quality of facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

Brentwood has strong links with Essex CCC and the School’s list of distinguished cricket professionals includes former Essex batsman, Brian Hardie, Ashes hero Geraint Jones, and the current incumbent, former Essex batsman Jaik Mickleburgh.

Mr Hughes, said: "This year’s Schools Guide is particularly important in showcasing our schools who have kept the game alive through a very challenging summer. Whether it has been remote video sessions, drills in the garden or even Zoom quizzes, school cricket has emerged resolutely from this pandemic and the appetite to get back out on the playing fields is palpable. 

"There should be deserved praise for all the teachers, coaches and volunteers who have put in so much hard work, in the most difficult of circumstances, to preserve a love of the game among the next generation."