National Schools Championships

National Schools Squash Championships 2024/25

A schools sporting experience like no other.

Open to players of all abilities, the National Schools Championships offer all secondary schools around the country an accessible route into the exciting world of competitive squash.

Whether your school has keen beginners looking to get their first taste of competition or seasoned competitors gunning for national glory, this tournament has something for everyone – whatever their level.

Why should your school enter?

Open to all girls and boys in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 of all abilities
An opportunity to win trophies and medals for your school
A chance to enter girls, boys and/or mixed teams
A social, competitive experience that’s not all about winning
Every point counts - our inclusive point scoring format means it's a team effort
A chance to meet other schools and pupils from all walks of life, and build confidence
A supportive environment where all players thrive regardless of ability

Feeling inspired? Enter your team here before Wednesday 25 September.

Competition dates

Stage 1

Delivered from a local venue on or by:

Key Stage 3 - Tuesday 19th November 2024
Key Stage 4 – Wednesday 20th November 2024
Key Stage 5 – Thursday 21st November 2024

Stage 2

Delivered from a regional venue on or by:

Key Stage 3 – Tuesday 4th February 2025
Key Stage 4 - Wednesday 5th February 2025
Key Stage 5 – Thursday 6th February 2025

Stage 3 Finals

Hosted from a central venue by England squash:

Key Stage 3 – Tuesday 11th March 2025
Key Stage 4 – Wednesday 12th March 2025
Key Stage 5 – Thursday 13th March 2025
Mixed – Friday 14th March 2025

Event details

Scoring System - Our inclusive Every Point Counts scoring system provides the perfect platform for new players to the sport whilst creating a positive team spirit.

Format - The championships run across three stages. All teams in Division 1 are guaranteed to compete in two stages of the competition. Division 2 teams play stage 1 only.

Teams - Each Division 1 team consists of 5 male or 5 female players or 4 players (2 girls and 2 boys) for mixed teams. Division 2 teams consist of 3 players.

Gender Policy - If a school does not enter a female team into the championships, but there is a female player/s at the school who wishes to participate, then that player may compete in the boy’s team, provided they play in merit order. In the event that a girl/s compete in the boys team, the ratio of merit order must 4/1 boys to girls in any given fixture.

For further details of this year’s format, check out our Tournament Guide.

Safeguarding and Welfare Appointments

Safeguarding and Welfare officers will be present across this competition and will be confirmed in due course.

View our National Schools Rules and Regulations here.

Age categories

This year's National Schools Competition will offer tournaments in the following age categories;

Boys

National Schools Key Stage 5 Championship for Boys for years 13 and below.
National Schools Key Stage 4 Championship for Boys for years 11 and below.
National Schools Key Stage 3 Championship for Boys for years 9 and below.

Girls

National Schools Key Stage 5 Championship for Girls for years 13 and below.
National Schools Key Stage 4 Championship for Girls for years 11 and below.
National Schools Key Stage 3 Championship for Girls for years 9 and below.

Mixed Team*

National Schools Key Stage 5 Championship for Mixed Team (2 girls and 2 boys) for years 13 and below.
National Schools Key Stage 4 Championship for Mixed Team (2 girls and 2 boys) for years 11 and below.
National Schools Key Stage 3 Championship for Mixed Team (2 girls and 2 boys) for years 9 and below.

*A mixed team, 4 players, will consist of a minimum of 1 boy and 2 girls, the 4th player can be either a second boy or a third girl, played in strict order of ability. Boys and Girls can play against each other in this format.

In Division 2, mixed teams must consist of a minimum 1 boy and 1 girl, 3rd player can be either a boy or girl.