Newham Schools’ Chess Tournament
CSC has a long-standing and highly successful relationship with the London Borough of Newham, which sees the council supporting chess across many of its schools. Over the course of this year, CSC has been teaching chess and running chess clubs in 20 primary schools in the borough, offering enrichment to the curriculum as well as developing important educational and social skills.
The highlight of the school year is the annual Newham Schools’ Chess Tournament, held in the spectacular setting of Stratford Old Town Hall. This year, 12 of the schools sent in teams of 10 children to take part: Bobby Moore, Cleves, Colegrave, Gallions, Godwin, Ravenscroft, New City, Park, Rosetta, St Joachim’s, Southern Road, and Tollgate.
The day began with some lessons from CSC tutors, getting the children prepared for the competition later in the day. They then had the chance to beat the teacher, the pupils taking on our tutors in simultaneous games, not without success.
After lunch, it was time for the serious action to begin as the children competed in a 5-round Swiss tournamemt, putting into practice all the skills they’d developed over the 2024-2025 academic year. The standard was excellent, the players demonstrating great knowledge of checkmating patterns, strategic play, and amazing concentration levels despite the heat. Most importantly, the tournament was played in a fantastic spirit, sporting behaviour being displayed alongside a determination to win every game.
While the children were playing their games, several Newham councillors joined us to watch the action and to receive a quick chess lesson from two of our excellent tutors, Emma and Joe. Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Cabinet Minister for Children’s Services and Education, and Lorraine Duhaney , Enrichment Coordinator (Children and Young People) kindly presented medals to the highest scorers and a trophy to the winning team - Gallions Primary School.
Our congratulations to all the children who took part in a really enjoyable day, and our huge thanks to Newham Council for their continued support of chess in east London.
