English Chess Federation National Schools Under 19 Finals

Brentwood School’s chess aficionados finished sixth in the English Chess Federation National Schools Under 19 Finals in Nottingham following a magnificent team performance.

Brentwood qualified as East Anglian Champions for the competition which is regarded as the UK’s leading and most prestigious team competition for schools. The competition, held at the end of June, is played over five rounds with games lasting up to two hours each. 26 schools had qualified for the Finals.

Brentwood’s team, Nina (Yr 10), Max (Yr 8), Jaden (Yr 8), Aryan (Yr 7), Rosti (Yr 9), Markos (Yr 8) and Yahya (Yr 8), finished in sixth place after three wins (over Queen Elizabeth Hospital School, Bristol, Bolton School and Westminster Under School), one draw (with Sevenoaks) and one defeat (3.5-2.5 to Magdalen College, Oxford). 

Brentwood School’s Head of Chess Robin Slade said: “This was a brilliant result and the highest level of chess I have seen from any Brentwood School team. On and off the board, the players supported each other and showed real team spirit.

"This was a great team performance but particular congratulations go to Jaden (5/5) and Max (4.5/5) for their individual scores."

“We were accompanied by Brentwood’s Director of Chess, IM Richard Pert, who offered coaching and advice to the players through the competition.”