West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, recently hosted their first inter-school chess competition with 9 of the school’s Year 7 students who attend a lunchtime Chess Club taking on their counterparts from Matford Brook Academy.

There were a few nerves alongside a lot of excitement amongst the students who were proud to represent their schools. Both sets of students played some excellent chess over the course of the afternoon, with a lot of incredibly close games as students got to grips with the pressure of playing under timed conditions for the first time. 

The West Exe students ultimately won the majority of the games played, claiming an overall victory on the day!  Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon with students from both schools showing both a competitive spirit, as well as fantastic sportsmanship all round.

Texts referencing the origins of chess date from the start of the seventh century. The game received a surge in popularity in recent years following the TV show The Queen’s Gambit which centres on a woman trying to become a chess champion.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

“I am delighted that West Exe students won our very first inter-school chess tournament and want to offer everyone who took part a big congratulations! Watching our year 7s take such joy not just in their chess, but in hosting students from Matford Brook Academy was the highlight of my week. I am incredibly proud of them all.”

Emily Simpson-Horne, Headteacher at Matford Brook Academy said:

“Participating in an inter-school chess competition was a wonderful highlight in our half-term so far. One of our school values is Community and our pupils appreciated the opportunity to network with their wider Ted Wragg community and peers from West Exe. Thank you to the staff at West Exe for hosting us; we look forward to welcoming you to us in the future.”