The UK’s best schools for cricket have been revealed in The Cricketer’s Schools Guide 2024. Bede’s have once again earned their place within the top 100 Senior Schools and top 50 Prep Schools. 2024’s successful roll call of schools was finalised after an exhaustive selection process that saw a huge number submit entries for inclusion in the guide.
All entries were judged by The Cricketer’s judging panel against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching. It is no surprise that Bede’s have been recognised for their extensive cricket provision. At Bede’s, pupils have the opportunity to train at least three times a week and play matches throughout the Summer Term, alongside an indoor cricket programme in the winter months.
Coaching at Bede’s is led by the Director of Cricket, Alan Wells – former Sussex, Kent and England cricketer and Level 4 coach. His expert team includes former Sussex cricketer and Level 3 coach; Neil Lenham, former England and Level 3 coach, Petch Lenham.
Some of Bede’s recent international successes include current pupil NaiJanni Cumberbatch, who is currently representing the West Indies Women A team. Another pupil, Meha Sivakumar is representing the South West in the USA National Tournament.
Bede’s has an incredible line-up of alumni cricketing success stories such as international cricketers Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp. A high percentage of Bede’s players are selected for County pathways and many of them have gone onto gain professional contracts with Sussex CCC and others. These include Ali Orr, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Delray Rawlins, Archie Lenham, Dan Ibrahim and Henry Crocombe.
Alan Wells, Director of Cricket at Bede’s is delighted that Bede’s has been recognised among the top cricket schools. He comments, "Being acknowledged as one of the top cricketing Senior and Prep schools in the UK is testament to our unwavering commitment to our pupils both on and off the pitch. We are immensely proud of our pupils and staff dedication that enables growth all year-round."
