Essex comprehensive wins The Schools Challenge

Time Well Spent June 15, 2022

Helena Romanes School, nominated for School of the Year at this year’s CPSA awards, has become the national schools champions

An Essex comprehensive has become the national schools champion (14 years and under) after winning both legs of The Schools Challenge. This double victory built on their single and first victory in this event last year.

In less than two years, Helena Romanes School has created a shooting club of 20 students, trained them, competed and won at a national level – all in a school that has no shooting heritage and a club that receives no budget. They have seen off a number of private schools, some of whom have their own shooting grounds, to reach this accolade. This achievement comes on the heels of the club being nominated for ‘School of the Year’ at this year’s CPSA awards.

Teacher and clay club organiser Neal Wilcox said: “I am so proud of what the club has achieved in such a short time. The wins mean so much to the students; it creates self belief and motivation to keep training to be the best, despite their age and our humble roots.” He went on to say: “None of this would have been possible without some very generous people. Huge thanks must given to Susan Bontoft at Hull and Simon Reinhold at BASC, the Pigeon Watch and Shoot Clay forums and the tireless coaches who give their time for free.” The students won two Huglu .410 over-and-under shotguns, donated by Edgar Brothers.

If you would like to support these students in their challenge to compete at the senior level, contact Neal on nwilcox@helena-romanes.essex.sch.uk