A Leicestershire school is celebrating a landmark achievement after its chess team won first place at the prestigious Primary Team Chess Challenge.
Held last week at the University of Nottingham, the victory that Fairfield Prep School, in Loughborough, is celebrating marks the first time in the School’s history that Fairfield has brought home the national trophy.
Picture credit: Fairfield Prep
The competition is structured around regional events held during the school year, with winning teams advancing to a national final. Organised by the English Chess Federation, the National Finals brought together the top primary school chess teams from across England and Wales, including St Paul’s School, Kings College Juniors, Westminster Under School, Redhill Prep and others.
Fairfield’s success is all the more remarkable given that its team included pupils as young as Year 3 and Year 4, who demonstrated exceptional skill, composure and strategic thinking throughout the competition. Despite facing challenging matches, none of the players resigned, and all showed great resilience, which resulted in the team’s triumph.
“Playing chess at primary school can significantly benefit children by developing crucial cognitive and social skills. These include enhanced problem-solving, critical thinking and strategic planning abilities, as well as improved focus, memory and creativity,” said a spokesman for the school. “Chess also fosters emotional resilience, patience and sportsmanship – valuable qualities that extend far beyond the chessboard.”
In the lead-up to the National Finals, the Fairfield players were mentored by Chess Coach Mr Alan Agnew, with training sessions focusing on logical, tactical and strategic thinking. The players also take part in one of the School’s two Chess Clubs, the intermediate/Expert group which meet weekly and welcomes a range of players.
Commenting on the team’s success, Head of Fairfield Prep School, Mr Andrew Earnshaw, said: “We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved. To win a national final against such strong opposition is extraordinary and to do so with such young players in the team is truly special. It’s a fantastic moment for Fairfield.”
Competing against some of the country’s most established chess-playing schools, Fairfield’s success is a testament to the talent and dedication of its young chess players.
