This is the school’s second year of recognition and highlights the impressive momentum behind girls’ cricket at KEHS. Among the standout achievements was the under-13 team’s joint third-place finish on points at the ECB Indoor National Finals, held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in April 2024 – placing them among the top six teams nationally.
The Cricketer’s Schools Guide is regarded as a trusted resource for parents and cricket enthusiasts, highlighting the very best cricket programmes in schools across the country.
KEHS’s inclusion in the guide is the continued result of a rapidly strengthening cricket programme. Cricket is the leading summer sport at the school, with more than double the number of fixtures compared to four years ago. The Sports Hall underwent significant refurbishment to install four indoor net lanes, allowing training to continue throughout the winter months.
Sarah Blanks, Director of Sport at KEHS, said: “Thanks to the school’s investment, it is fantastic to offer the fastest-growing women’s sport in such high-quality facilities. Our close links with Warwickshire County Cricket Club and other leading programmes have been a huge source of inspiration for our girls.”
The school’s approach aims to make cricket accessible to every pupil, regardless of social, economic or cultural background, or whether they had experience of the sport before joining KEHS. Many pupils start cricket for the first time at the school and watching them develop skill and confidence is a source of great pride.
The strengthening regional landscape – with more girls’ and women’s clubs emerging – has increased visibility of the professional game and expanded opportunities for young players. The school is uniquely placed just a short walk from Warwickshire’s county ground, giving pupils the chance to watch elite cricket and compete at a prestigious venue. Warwickshire and Staffordshire female professionals regularly visit KEHS to deliver specialist coaching sessions, raising aspirations and showing pupils the pathways to county, regional and elite cricket.
A number of KEHS pupils now represent their counties at age-group level, with an impressive 17 Junior County Cricket players (13 representing Warwickshire, three Staffordshire, and one Worcestershire). Among recent standout achievements is Indira (Lower Sixth), who previously toured Sri Lanka with the Warwickshire U15 squad and is now part of the Senior Women’s Warwickshire Academy. In addition, Anusha (Lower Fifth) has been selected for the Warwickshire Elite Player Pathway (EPP).
Joseph Staite, Head of Cricket at KEHS, said: “The exposure our pupils have had to female cricketing professionals has broadened their horizons and shown them the pathways available at the highest level. The support from the Director of Sport and the school enables us to access first-class equipment, strengthening our training provision and helping pupils develop in both cricket and education. I am delighted to see this spark belief and passion among our players, and I am excited for what the future holds.”
King Edward’s School (KES), with whom KEHS shares its 50-acre campus, has once again been named among the UK’s Top 100 cricket schools. Together, KEHS and KES form a cricketing powerhouse, offering exceptional opportunities for girls and boys to develop their skills, confidence and passion for the sport.
The 2026 Schools Guide is published alongside the December issue of The Cricketer, available from today, and will also be accessible digitally on thecricketer.com throughout the year.
