EWS Chess Academy

EWS Chess Academy:

 

In August 2024, the Ellen Wilkinson School Chess Academy was awarded the 'Contribution to Women's Chess' by the English Chess Federation (ECF). It is one of the most prestigious awards in the chess community. The trophy is now on display in the main reception. It is a testimony of our staff, parents and our chess players' dedication and effort to chess.

The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls (EWS) is working in partnership with the Chess in School and Community (CSC) and England Women’s International team coach Mr Lorin D’Costa (IM), founder of chess charity ‘She Plays To Win’ (SPTW) to promote chess in girls.

The EWS Chess Academy aims to coach students to improve their level of play, and prepare them for local and national competitive chess tournaments.

Each year, the Academy offers the following:

• 30 after school chess coaching sessions delivered by qualified chess coach Mr Mark Robinson from the CSC.
• 3 Chess Masterclasses with Mr Lorin D’Costa (IM).
• Free online chess tournaments.
• Free entries to national and international chess competitions.
• Priority to special events at the Chessfest in Trafalgar Square.
• Priority to special events at the London Chess Classics.

Students who attend the Academy are expected to participate the following local, national and international chess tournaments:

Online tournaments

• Half termly ‘She Plays To Win’ (SPTW) online national Secondary girl school chess tournament.
• Every fortnight English Chess Federation (ECF) National Inter School team (Secondary) online chess tournament.
• Weekly EWS internal Academy competition on Lichess.
• FIDE rated international chess tournament: The Queen’s Online Chess Festival in March.

Over the board tournaments:

• Ealing Secondary school chess tournament at EWS in December, hosted by the Ellen Wilkinson School Chess Academy.
• Flagship ‘She Plays To Win’ girls chess tournament at EWS in June, hosted by the Ellen Wilkinson School Chess Academy.
• CSC Chess Grand prix at UCL in September, October, November and April.
• ECF Secondary School Rapidplay Chess Tournament in October at the Eton College.
• ECF National secondary school team chess championship qualifier (Year 7-13) in November.
• ECF National Schools Girls’ Chess Championships Semi-Finals in January at the St Catherine’s School, Bramley.
• ECF Pupil Blitz tournament (Year 7 and 8 only) in January at the Harrow school.
• ECF National secondary school team chess championship qualifier (Year 7 and 8 only) in February.

All chess players at the Chess Academy are members of the English Chess Federation (ECF) and will be ECF rated.