CSC Schools Honoured with BCET Awards

Congratulations to three exceptional CSC partner schools—Park End Primary School in Middlesbrough, St William of York Catholic Primary School in Liverpool, and Stepney Park Primary School in London—who have been awarded the British Chess Educational Trust (BCET) award for 2024. These awards, running annually since 1911, recognize schools and junior chess clubs for their outstanding achievement and enthusiasm in promoting chess.

Chess players in action at the Stepney Primary Schools Chess League

Each of these schools has shown remarkable commitment to integrating chess into their daily curriculum and extracurricular activities, and the recognition reflects the vision and dedication of both CSC tutors and school teaching staff in making chess a core part of the students' education.

St William of York Catholic Primary School in Liverpool has been involved with CSC for over a decade, making it one of the earliest participants in the CSC Schools' Program. The school’s teachers and teaching assistants actively support chess lessons, and many students have enjoyed success in competitions such as the Delancey UK Chess Challenge. The school has regularly participated in the London Chess Classic Schools’ Festival, with students not only competing but enjoying enriching experiences such as trips to Buckingham Palace. Chess is truly embedded in the school's culture, with students even incorporating chess into creative performances.

Stepney Park Primary School in London has been a shining example of the growth of chess in Tower Hamlets. For several years every Year 4 student has benefited from chess lessons delivered by CSC tutor Shohreh Bayat, alongside a thriving chess club and a series of monthly chess tournaments led by Y6 teacher Chris Noronha. These tournaments have expanded significantly over the past three years, involving multiple local schools and culminating in a season finale in Canary Wharf.

Park End Primary School in Middlesbrough has embraced chess since 2016, with chess integrated into the curriculum for every child from Year 3 to Year 6. The school’s enthusiastic approach extends beyond students to include staff and parents, with chess even featured on BBC One’s The One Show. Park End’s playground chess set is a favourite among students, and its annual Knockout Tournament drew 311 children this year, making chess a key part of school life.

These awards highlight the schools' dedication to fostering a love of chess among their students and the tangible benefits the children have received as a result, building their confidence, resilience and problem solving abilities in a fun and rewarding way.