Top cricket school

[luckydip]

This is a bit of a strange one but here goes.....

Our son is extremely talented in cricket and we are looking for a school which offers the top facilities. The school can be day or boarding but we want him to have access to the top coaches/equipment.

We know that the traditional schools have a long cricketing heritage Eton, Winchester, Westminster, Harrow etc but are these necessarily the best?

We are based in the south east but moving would not be a issue in the case of a day school, any thoughts?

[Milla]

Millfield not far from Bristol is renowned as an excellent sports school.

[hermanmunster]

Oakham is always keen on cricket .. one of the previous physics teachers scored a century on debut against the windies (he is now director of cricket) , they have professionals coaching (David Steele at one time . now Philip de Freitas) , Alan Lamb, Chris Broad play in some of the exhibition matches, Stuart Broad was at school there and his mum taught in the prep school nearby (and managed the prep school team). Leicestershire use the ground as alternate county ground.

[Rob Clark]

Have you tried contacting ESCA (England Schools Cricket Association)?

If by ‘extremely talented’ you mean he could go on to play professionally, it might be worth talking direct to one of the counties as they often have tie ups with the best local schools.

If you prefer to go the traditional route via public school, Oundle and Wellington College are usually strong, as are Manchester Grammar School.

[surreymum]

Whitgift School in Croydon, Cranleigh School near Guildford, Charterhouse and St George's Weybridge all have strong cricketing background with high quality coaching and grounds. Strong boys from the county/England set up go to all of them

[Gman]

Move overseas to South Africa or Australia. The standards in the schools is better, and the English team prefer it if you come from the colonies.

[hermanmunster]

Move overseas to South Africa or Australia. The standards in the schools is better, and the English team prefer it if you come from the colonies.

yes but really you have to have been born there and waving a bat since 18 months old

[KS10]

Even if you want to get into the English team?

[hermanmunster]

Even if you want to get into the English team?

oh yes... always a fair scattering of those born in South Africa (including the captain Strauss then Pietersen, Kieswetter, Lumb and Prior etc etc) or b Australia .... or NZ