Cricket

We no longer compete just at County and Regional level but are currently considered to be one of the top cricket schools nationally.

The 1st XI have consistently competed at the highest level, and have retained the County Langdale Cup for 9 out of the last 12 years. Our U17 team were National Runners Up in 2019; our U15 Boys were named National Champions in 2018; and our U15 Girls were declared National Champions twice in 2019.

These results have come about through the clear understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level as well as the dedication, enthusiasm and unwavering ambition of both staff and pupils. We take pride in celebrating exceptional achievements, whilst catering for pupils of all abilities.

Our underlining philosophy is to take a holistic approach to develop young people through instilling Team Bede's core values.We ensure a positive experience so that pupils will continue to enjoy the sport throughout school and beyond - whether they hope to play sport professionally or for fun.

Alan Wells, Director of Cricket

Our cricket provision is extensive, with the opportunity for pupils to train at least three times a week and play matches throughout the Summer Term, alongside an indoor cricket programme in the winter months.

Photograph is credited to Sarah Williams Photography.

As well as a highly-competitive fixture list playing against other top cricketing schools across the country, we organise an annual overseas training camp and regular international tours. We run fifteen boys and girls’ teams, allowing for high levels of participation.

Coaching is led by our 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 Women's World Cup winning cricketer, Sarah Taylor; and Level 3 Coach, Petch Lenham.

Our bespoke Cricket Academies are available to pupils of all year groups, through which they have access to a fully-planned programme delivered by all coaches and dedicated time within our Co-Curricular Programme. We have strong links with County partners Sussex and Kent, and many of our pupils are involved in County teams and pathways. Four of our current pupils are in the Sussex Academy, and one is in the England Ladies Senior Academy.

A high percentage of Bede’s players are selected for National and Representative programmes, including Sussex CCC and England. Cricketing alumni include Shai Hope, Barbados and West Indies; Sarah Taylor, England; Luke Wells, Sussex; Delray Rawlins, Sussex and Bermuda; Ollie Rayner, Middlesex and Sussex; Callum Jackson, Kent and Sussex; Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Derbyshire and Sussex. During the 2018/19 season, six Bede’s pupils or alumni were in action for either the Sussex 1^st or 2^nd XI.

Junior Academy

Bede’s Junior Cricket Academy works to develop aspiring cricketers long before pupils are eligible to join us in the First Year.

On Saturday mornings, for example, elite cricketers from Bede’s Prep School and from outside the Trust join our Junior Academy and take part in a comprehensive training programme.

Beyond this, when talented cricketers apply to join Bede’s in the First Year, our Head of First Year Liam Backler identifies those children who have signalled a passion for cricket. Alan Wells then identifies from those pupils’ references who qualify to join our unique Junior Cricket Academy.

The Academy sees promising players attending training inside their academic timetable twice a week, during which they receive personalised coaching depending on their needs, talents and any other requirements.

Within the Academy schedule, the players also receive Strength and Conditioning from our Head of Strength and Conditioning Tony Morriss and elsewhere we provide training every lunchtime, during activity time three days a week and on Saturday mornings.

In any given week, an elite Junior Academy cricketer could receive anything up to 10 hours of practice year-round, depending on their other commitments.

Those pupils who show sufficient promise to follow cricket into a career pathway then have the option, as they head into the Lower Fifth, to drop a GCSE option and replace it with individual cricket development.

Senior Academy

Senior cricketers, particularly Sixth Formers at Bede’s, can enjoy a number of benefits beyond the core Academy programme. The cricket team offer one-to-one coaching during free periods which can boost weekly training programmes by up to three additional hours in addition to 10 hours weekly training available irrespective of fixtures.

Our training sessions are about more than just the tactical aspects of cricket; we physically and psychologically shape our players to ensure they are prepared for success on and off the pitch.

Players are given a rigorous personal training programme through which specific personal needs are identified and three sessions a week are organised to increase the physical attributes of their game.

The Academy runs throughout the year. The Academy runs year round and has consistently seen Bede's players transitioning from the Senior School 1st XI through the England U19s or County professional cricket and beyond.

Girls Cricket

Wherever possible, we do not distinguish between Girls’ and Boys’ Cricket at Bede’s, with our elite girls training with and at times playing in the boys’ teams from a Prep School age right up until 1st XI Level.

During the Summer Term, our junior and senior squads train at least twice a week with the A team taking an additional session of training and throughout the academic year, with additional sessions also running throughout the year outside of the Activities timetable.

During the season, two girls-only age group sides then play fixtures, with the U15s and U18s drawing in girls from all ages, including many First Years, to take part in a number of indoor and outdoor friendlies, shields and cup competitions.

In May 2019, the Bede's U15 Girls Cricket team were declared National Champions following their fantastic win at the Lady Taverners National Final at the Lord's Cricket Ground. This was the girls' second year representing the South at the final of the prestigious National tournament.

In September, the Bede’s U15 Girls Cricket team were declared National Champions for the second time in 2019 when they won the National Schools Sports Magazine Final.

This year, Freya Kemp became the first Bede's girl to score a century, securing her place in the England Women's Senior Academy.

All of our female players are also invited to all other cricket training during activity time throughout the summer. To further the girls' development, our most passionate girls are also selected to represent the boys' teams.

We are also delighted to welcome former England cricketer Sarah Taylor as Sports Development and Life Skills Coach, who we know will be a fantastic addition to our Cricket and wider Sports department.

Training Hours

Junior	Senior	Girls Cricket
Autumn Term: A team players can train during one Activity session with additional weekly batting and bowling practice on an invitation only basis.	Autumn Term: Boys of all levels can train during one Activity session.	Autumn Term: There is an invitation only session of bowling and batting training during lunchtimes.
Spring Term: Depending on commitments to Hockey, boys of all levels can train during one Activity session as well on a Saturday during this term with additional batting and bowling practice on an invitation only basis.	Spring Term: Depending on commitments to Hockey, boys of all levels can train during one Activity session as well on a Saturday during this term.	Spring Term: Training takes place after school each week 5-6.30pm for girls of all ages and abilities with one additional session of invitation only bowling each week.
Summer Term: Boys who represent the A team can train during all three Activity periods and boys who play for other teams can train up to twice a week during Activities.	Summer Term: Boys who represent the A team can train during all three Activity periods and boys who play for other teams can train up to twice a week during Activities.	Summer Term: Girls of all ages and abilities can train during two Activities sessions with fixtures played on Saturdays. (A team players can opt for an additional training session during their remaining Activity slot).
As a result of feedback from pupils and parents, weekend fixtures rotate on a three weekly basis along with training and a rest week.	1^st XI players will also receive Strength and Conditioning training throughout the year.	Girls can also participate in Strength and Conditioning training on after school during the Spring Term and every other week during Activities in the Summer Term.
The programme is supplemented with strength and conditioning training which is tailored for cricketers.	As a result of feedback from pupils and parents, weekend fixtures rotate on a three weekly basis along with training and a rest week.	A year-round Academy Programme for the Sixth Form operates with 3 sessions over a fortnight.
A year-round Academy Programme operates for First Years with 3 sessions over a fortnight.	A year-round Academy Programme operates for the Sixth Form with 3 sessions over a fortnight.	The programme is supplemented with strength and conditioning training which is tailored for cricketers.

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