Whitgift School, an independent day and boarding school, is home to over 1,500 boys aged 10 to 18. Founded in 1596 by John Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury, during Elizabeth I’s reign, the School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and sporting achievement.
Cricket has been played at Whitgift for over 150 years, becoming a cornerstone of school life and a vital part of its co-curricular programme. The sport is not only a vehicle for athletic development but also a means of fostering discipline, teamwork, and character. The School’s mission is to instil a lifelong passion for cricket while nurturing personal growth and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Set within 45 acres of stunning parkland in South Croydon, Whitgift boasts some of the finest cricket facilities in the country. Its pitches, maintained to professional standards, have played a crucial role in developing numerous First-Class and international cricketers. These world-class surfaces have attracted elite teams such as Cricket Australia and New Zealand, who have used the grounds as a training base during international tours.
A key pillar of Whitgift’s cricketing success is its County-style Cricket Academy, led by former Jamaican First-Class cricketer and ECB Level IV coach Simon Jackson. The Academy provides a high-performance environment for the most talented players, offering specialist coaching, strength and conditioning, and year-round development. The programme mirrors the structure of professional county academies, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of elite-level cricket.
The Cricket department is headed by former Surrey players David Ward (Head of Cricket) and Neil Kendrick (Head of Cricket Performance and Level IV coach), whose combined experience and passion have shaped the careers of many top-level players. Alumni include England internationals Jason Roy, Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Laurie Evans, and Jamie Smith.
Cricket is introduced to all students from Year 6, with 24 teams competing across the School. Fixtures against top cricketing schools provide strong competition throughout the summer term, while winter training ensures continuous development. The School’s extensive touring programme includes annual Junior trips to Desert Springs in Spain and triennial tours to Barbados for the Juniors and South Africa for the Seniors.
With outstanding facilities, expert coaching, and a deep-rooted passion for the game, Whitgift remains a leading force in school cricket and a proven pathway to the professional arena.
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