Stocky Chess Tournament

From 19 January to 6 February, the chapel hosted our Chaplaincy Chess Tournament, bringing together 25 competitors from Years 7 and 10.

The first two weeks followed a league format, with students collecting points for each game (1 for a win, ½ for a draw). The standard of play, and sportsmanship, was excellent throughout. It was encouraging to see older and younger students competing together with real respect and focus.

The top eight scorers progressed to the final knock-out stage in the third week, where the atmosphere grew understandably more intense. The knock-out rounds were closely contested, with impressive resilience and strategic thinking on display.

This was the first chess tournament in the school (in living memory!), and it proved such a success that it will now become an annual event in the chaplaincy calendar.

Congratulations to our tournament winner, and well done to all who entered for their commitment, courage and good spirit throughout.

Beyond the competition itself, the tournament created a wonderful sense of community in the Chapel at lunchtime, a space not only for quiet reflection, but also for concentration, healthy rivalry and shared enjoyment. It was a pleasure to see students challenging themselves, learning from defeat, and celebrating one another’s successes.

We look forward to next year’s competition.