Fairfield Prep School is celebrating a landmark achievement after its chess team won first place at the Primary Team Chess Challenge, held this week at the University of Nottingham. This marks the first time in the School’s history that Fairfield has brought home the national trophy.
Organised by the English Chess Federation, the National Finals were attended by the winning schools from each Regional Qualifier and, alongside Fairfield, included St Paul’s School, Kings College Juniors and Westminster Under School as well as Redhill Prep and other primary schools from across England and Wales.
Fairfield’s victory in the chess challenge is made all the more remarkable by the fact that the team included pupils from as young as Year 3 and Year 4, who demonstrated exceptional skill, composure and strategic thinking throughout the competition. Despite challenging matches, none of the players resigned and all showed great resilience, which resulted in the team’s triumph.
In the lead up to the Primary Team Chess Challenge Finals, the Fairfield players, who have all played for the county and region, have been mentored by Chess Coach, Mr Alan Agnew. Mr Agnew has been the Fairfield Chess Coach for four years and is also the Leicestershire and Rutland lead coach, bringing a wealth of experience to the team. With sessions focusing on logical, tactical and strategic thinking, the players have also took part in the School’s Chess Club which takes place on a weekly basis for players of all ages and abilities.
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.
