Five pupils from Pierrepont Gamston Primary School in West Bridgford won the CSC Chess Tournament at The Emirates.
Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC) is a nationwide charity that runs chess lessons and clubs in over 300 schools across the country.
Head teacher Clare Bills said:
‘We are absolutely thrilled to share the outstanding success of the five children who represented Pierrepont Gamston Primary School at the CSC Chess Tournament held at the iconic Emirates Stadium in London.
‘Despite heavy traffic and travel challenges that nearly derailed our plans, these determined young players arrived just in time to compete, and what a performance they delivered!
‘The event brought together over 200 children from schools across London and beyond, creating an atmosphere of excitement and intense competition. Each participant played three challenging rounds, with winners facing winners as the tournament progressed—making every match tougher than the last.
‘Last year, we were proud to finish in second place overall, an achievement that left us inspired. This year, however, our team surpassed all expectations. We are delighted to announce that we won the competition outright! Every one of our five players earned a medal, bringing home an incredible haul: two bronze, one silver, and nine gold medals between them.
‘What impressed us most was not just their skill, but the way they embodied our school values throughout the day.
‘They truly sparked wonder with their creativity and strategic thinking on the chessboard, and they cultivated hope by supporting one another and staying positive even when the pressure mounted. Their resilience and teamwork were a shining example of what these values look like in action.
‘Congratulations to our young chess stars—you have made us immensely proud!’
