The Queen's Gambit 2025
On Wednesday12 March, Dollis Primary School, Watling Park School, and Whitehall Park School made their way to Kilburn Grange School eager to compete in the annual BPET Queen's Gambit chess tournament. At the same time, Rivermead Primary School welcomed players from Evendons Primary School and Whiteknights Primary School for the Berkshire hub tournament. Many BPET schools offer chess after-school clubs: by playing chess, children develops mathematical and concentration skills, resilience, cognitive function and patience.
To start the tournament off, Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC) tutors conducted two refresher lessons on basic opening and endgame principles, which provided the pupils with valuable strategies to enhance their gameplay. 55 boys and girls, ranging from Year 4 to 6, showcased their skills across five thrilling rounds. The pupils displayed remarkable concentration, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship throughout the event.
In the end, Whiteknights Primary School and Whitehall Park School proudly took home the coveted trophies for earning the highest average score. For Whitehall Park School was the second year in a row, so they confirmed themselves as the London hub's champions!
Additionally, the three individuals from each hub who scored the highest, were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
Well done to the participating pupils for exhibiting incredible chess skills, patience, and resilience. Their participation and enthusiasm made the tournaments a success. Thank you to everyone involved from CSC, and to the staff for supporting all pupils.
Individual medal winners
London hub
- Kemira (Dollis Primary School) - 15/15 points
- William (Whitehall Park School) - 14/15 points
- Omar (Kilburn Grange School) - 13/15 points
Berkshire hub
- Joel (Rivermead Primary School) - 14/15 points
- Florrie (Evendons Primary School), Tom and Aiden (Whiteknights Primary School) - 13/15 points
- Oscar (Evendons Primary School), Albe and Theo (Rivermead Primary School) - 12/15 points
Queens Gambit 2025
