St Catherine's Prep, Bramley on the chess advantage

Naomi Bartholomew, Headmistress, St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley, on the growing prominence of women’s chess and the valuable skills the game instils in young players

Chess is a game of intellect, strategy, and patience. While historically dominated by men, girls and women are increasingly making their mark. Learning chess offers numerous benefits that transcend the game itself and, with the right opportunities, girls can be just as successful as their male counterparts.

One of the primary advantages of learning chess is the cognitive development it fosters. The game requires players to think several moves ahead, which enhances problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to foresee consequences. These benefits extend far beyond the chessboard, influencing other areas of learning and academic development. Chess helps improve memory, concentration, and pattern recognition – valuable assets in fields ranging from mathematics and science to the arts and social sciences.

Chess also cultivates emotional intelligence. It teaches players how to cope with setbacks, accept when to take a draw and learn from games lost – one pupil told me recently that she had realised she learnt more from her losses than her wins! The game encourages resilience, as players learn to accept failure, analyse their mistakes, and come back stronger. It also nurtures patience, as success often requires long hours of practice and an understanding that victories are the result of sustained effort, not instant gratification.

“Catching pupils while they’re young is key and the girls learn quickly that, rather uniquely, age really doesn’t matter in chess”

In fact, several studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that girls may even possess certain qualities that contribute to their success at the board. For instance, it could be argued that girls tend to approach chess with greater emotional intelligence, which helps them remain calm and composed during tense moments. This emotional control is a crucial asset in competitive settings, where mental fortitude often outweighs raw talent.

We know that catching pupils while they’re young is key and the girls learn quickly that, rather uniquely, age really doesn’t matter in chess. Among our wide range of extracurricular activities, we are delighted to see chess becoming increasingly popular with girls from Prep to Sixth Form.

We have been proud sponsors and hosts to the annual ECF Girls’ Chess Tournament since its inception in 2014 and saw record numbers at our semi-finals this year, with 300 players from across England battling across the boards. From beginners to internationals, this is a truly unique event with 33 schools from across the country taking part. We warmly congratulate Bancroft’s School, winners of the Under 11 category, and St Paul’s Girls’ School, whose pupils took the crown in the Under 19 group.

The rise of successful female chess players – including Judit Polgár, Hou Yifan, and England’s own Jovanka Houska – shows that, with the right training and encouragement, girls can achieve the highest levels of success. By embracing chess as a tool for intellectual and personal growth, girls are not only proving their prowess in the game but also challenging traditional gender stereotypes in competitive arenas.

Learning chess provides numerous cognitive and emotional benefits, empowering players with valuable life skills. Girls, with their unique strengths and emotional intelligence, are proving to be formidable players – with opportunities and support, they can excel just as much as their male counterparts. Encouraging more girls to learn chess can help bridge gender gaps, fostering a future where the game is truly open to all.

St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley stcatherines.info

Further reading: Queen’s Gate School on the importance of teaching bragging rights