Local Chess Tournament Unites Over 70 Students from Area Schools

Moyles Court School, in the New Forest near Ringwood, recently staged its annual senior inter-schools chess competition. The event drew pupils from both state and independent schools.

A local chess tournament united more than 70 students from area schools. Participants ranged in age from 11 to 16.

Tournament structure and staffing

Players were sorted by age for round-robin pools, with top finishers moving into knockout rounds and a grand final. Careful planning and pupil helpers kept the event within two hours.

Club operations and growth

The competition was organised by Jamal Babur, head of prep and EYFS at the school. He runs two chess clubs each week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Chess interest at Moyles Court has risen sharply over four years. The school now holds annual prep and senior tournaments, and the Moyles Court Masters returns in the summer term.

Origins and outreach

Mr Babur said a single club session ignited pupil interest. Within a year, the school invited neighbouring schools to inter-school matches.

Educational benefits

Organisers aim to expand chess across the wider community. Staff say chess builds strategy, logic and forward-thinking, and helps pupils make better decisions.