Cottesmore School in West Sussex recently hosted its 42nd annual chess congress. The congress is a celebration of local chess talent, and invitations are extended to over 15 independent and state schools across West Sussex. Each school was invited to submit a team as their representatives in the competition, with each team comprising of three children aged eight to 13. As host, Cottesmore submitted two teams, including a regional chess champion.

A total of 48 players took part in six rounds of chess. The day concluded with a prize giving ceremony, where both teams and individual players were awarded prizes. The 2019 team winners were Brighton College Lower School, and Cottesmore finished in second place. A Year 8 Cottesmore boy won the first place for an individual player.

Cottesmore’s Chess teacher, Jonathan Tuck, says:

“This is the best quality chess school competition in the country, with over half of the entrants playing at county standard. It is an absolute privilege to be part of this event which is held in such high regard by all participants.”

Chess is a much celebrated sport at Cottesmore and as such, is part of the sport curriculum. The tournament has an illustrious history of winners: 21 of the previous 22 Cottesmore Chess Congress winners went on to play for England.

Chess Congress Cottesmore News tournament winner