Wycombe Abbey chess and partnerships

Chess at Wycombe Abbey continues to thrive, with the growth of the Partner Schools Volunteer Programme and impressive success in recent tournaments.

Renowned for building critical thinking, logic, and strategic skills, chess has become a cherished part of school life. The weekly Monday chess sessions allow pupils to unwind from their studies and enjoy friendly matches.

One of the highlights of the year has been the launch of the volunteering programme in June. Members of the Chess Club dedicate an hour each week to coach pupils from the primary partner schools: Castlefield, Oakridge, Hamilton Academy, and Little Kingshill. This initiative has been incredibly rewarding for both pupil volunteers and young learners. Its popularity soared in the Autumn Term 2024, with 51 primary pupils signing up, prompting an expansion to three groups to meet the demand. Wycombe Abbey is grateful for the kind support of ‘Chess in Schools and Communities’, who have provided additional materials and workbooks.

The school also performed strongly in various chess fixtures in 2024. In February, pupils competed in the online semi-finals of the Girls Championships, marking the inaugural attempt at this competition. The team of three played extremely well and ranked second overall, qualifying for the National Final. Despite scheduling conflicts that prevented the team from participating in the final round, they eagerly anticipate re-entering the competition in the upcoming years.

In October, pupils took part in the English Schools Chess Championships, England’s leading and most prestigious team competition for schools. The team of six travelled to Stowe School and persevered through four hours of long-drawn chess games. After a strong start with a 6-0 victory against Stowe’s B team, they secured enough victories to advance to the next round.

To complement competitive experiences, girls have also engaged in friendly matches against schools such as Eton, Harrow, and Radley. These encounters have not only been enjoyable but have also provided valuable opportunities for pupils to learn and grow as chess players.

Beyond competitions, pupils have attended a talk by renowned chess player Hans Niemann at Eton. Niemann shared his insights on the recent controversies surrounding technology and cheating in the sport, as well as his own personal experiences and career journey. We also received coaching from IM Lorin D’Costa, founder of She Plays to Win, a remarkable charity championing girls’ representation in chess.

Many thanks to Mr Graham for his diligent support and to Mr Joyce for his organised coordination with partner schools. The Chess Club is excited to build on this momentum and explore future opportunities.