Cricket at Berkhamsted
Providing a pathway from playing at school, to the local club, to professional cricket & a lifelong love of the game
Cricket thrives across the school year at Berkhamsted. Pupils begin training in October and, during the winter months, male and female pupils train together indoors before enjoying Saturday block fixtures, county cups and national competitions in the summer. Across the year we offer skills-based masterclasses such as T20 batting, fast & spin bowling, batting against spin etc. We also run weekly wicket keeping and fast bowling group sessions led by our expert coaches and teaching staff.
At Berkhamsted, we believe in providing equal opportunities for every pupil to participate in cricket. In 2023, we appointed our first Head of Girls Cricket, ECB Level 3 Mark Costin, having introduced girls cricket as a full Games option in 2019. As a mark of our progress the Berkhamsted Girls 1st XI reached the National T20 Finals in 2022 and the U13 Girls won the Hertfordshire County Cup in 2023, and again as U14’s in 2024.
We strive to help students engage in cricket throughout their journey across Berkhamsted Schools. We provide a cricket pathway from Prep to Sixth, and many pupils continue to pursue sport after School. Over 20 pupils are currently playing cricket at county/representative level.
Scholars Programme
Berkhamsted scholars receive:
- One to one Mentoring by one of the Sport specialist coaches
- Talks and Lectures by professional athletes and Berkhamsted Sport department
- Athletic Development lessons appropriate to their age and development
- Mentoring in Sport Psychology, Nutrition, Goal setting and Lifestyle Planning
Coaches
Berkhamsted boasts a highly experienced cricket coaching team. Pupils benefit from the expertise of ECB Level 3 staff within the PE department (George Campbell and Mark Costin). In addition to our full-time PE teachers, we also have coaching staff from partner organisations who supplement our teachers’ knowledge. Pupils get regular access to coaching from ECB Level 3 and 4 coaches like Justine Dunce, James Bell, and Ben Ungaretti.
Fixtures
Berkhamsted boasts a strong cricket fixture card that allows pupils to test themselves against the top schools in the area. Matches take place against Whitgift, Merchant Taylors’, Haileybury, Kimbolton, St Edward’s, Stowe, the Bedford Schools and many more. We also play fixtures against Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Sunrisers, The ACE Programme, MCC, Free Foresters and Berkhamsted Cricket Club.
Berkhamsted can field up to 30 teams each Saturday with often a 15/15 split of boys and girls teams. This allows every student to play and enjoy the game at a level suitable to their ability.
Our Playing Fields
Berkhamsted’s fantastic facilities host a number of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Sunrisers matches throughout the summer as well as an internal trial/fixture day with nearly 200 Buckinghamshire boys and girls playing cricket on Chesham Road playing fields. The ACE Programme use Berkhamsted cricket and boarding facilities for a week long, annual, residential training camp in the summer holidays.
Sport plays a significant part in the school life of any Berkhamsted pupil and the school has had significant success in recent years. Berkhamsted were recently named as the tenth best Independent School for Sport in a recent edition of the ‘School Sport Magazine’. The national publication ranked each school based on 20 different sports and 120 national competitions throughout 2023. For more information please use this LINK.
Contact us
If you would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Sports Department on sport@berkhamsted.com or the school admissions team admissions@berkhamsted.com / 01442 358001 for more information.
News
At Berkhamsted, serving others is not just a value that we promote on our notice boards or talk about during our open days. Serving others is a value at the forefront of everything our pupils do, even in sports matches. This summer, our cricket players took to the field to enjoy a gratifying cricket match with the ACE Programme Charity, an organisation that works to remedy the decline of black British professional cricket players in the UK.
Black players make up just 1% of players in UK recreational cricket. In response, Ebony Rainford-Brent (MBE), the first black woman to play for England and a double World Cup winner, wanted to establish a programme that would encourage more black youths to participate in cricket. The result was the ACE programme Charity, a now independent charity ran by Ebony that has gained nationwide recognition.
While considering how Berkhamsted’s sports department could work to support more charities, Physical Education Teacher and Head of Girls Cricket, Mark Costin, decided to partner with the ACE Programme Charity to share our incredible sports facilities with ACE players. “Last year, I had the idea to ask the ACE Programme if Berkhamsted could help make a difference. I suggested that we play against their teams and host them in a residential training camp, basically giving our facilities over to them to do our little bit to help” Mark explains.
Since then, Berkhamsted has hosted ACE in a variety of cricketing events and fixtures on our grounds. This allows ACE players to enjoy the fantastic sports facilities our school offers while providing Berkhamsted pupils with another valuable opportunity to serve others. Not only does this help young black cricket players hone their skills, but it also allows Berkhamsted’s pupils to socialise with and learn from other talented cricket players from across the country.
This summer, fifteen players and five members of staff from the ACE Programme came to Berkhamsted to enjoy a week-long residential training camp while staying in our boarding houses and enjoying full access to Berkhamsted’s facilities. The week was made even more exciting as Courtney Walsh, a legend of cricket, served as a coach!
But Berkhamsted’s efforts to support ACE do not end with offering the charity a match on our grounds. In the long term, Mark Costin hopes to utilise the partnership to inspire ACE players to come to school at Berkhamsted through standard admission routes, as well as through our Scholarship and Bursary avenues. “I hope that some of the ACE players who joined us over the summer will see Berkhamsted as a place where an aspiring cricketer can flourish. During the residential camp, some of the ACE players asked me and their coaching staff about going to school here, so impressed were they with the school and how we welcomed them” says Mark.
Until then, Berkhamsted will continue to work alongside the ACE programme to foster cricket talent and share our wonderful sports facilities while allowing our pupils to remember the importance of serving others.
During the summer of 2024, Berkhamsted’s Girls 1st XI will play ACE Girls XI during our Cricket Week and the Boys 1st XI will host their Boys XI during our T20 Day. We can’t wait for these matches and to continue growing our relationship with this important charity.
To find out more about the ACE Programme Charity, click the link below:
The Ace Programme Charity – Supporting Diverse Talent from the Grassroots to the Elite
*Statistics via The ACE Programme Charity*
Victory has characterised the past few weeks for our current and ex-cricket students as two Berkhamstedians, Teddy Fleming and George Harvey, played in the Minor County NCCA Championship helping Buckinghamshire’s Full Men’s Minor County Team take home the trophy.
Despite leaving our school last year, Old Berkhamstedian, Teddy Fleming, displayed the determination and team-spiritedness of a great Berkhamstedian after he helped the Buck’s Full Men’s Minor County Team secure their victory in the final. Teddy, who has played cricket from the young age of eight, has a lifelong passion for the sport. “I’ve played cricket for as long as I can remember. While I began playing cricket before I joined the school, I continued to develop my skills throughout my time at Berkhamsted and I am continuing to play the sport now that I have left” Teddy says.

Being selected to play for the Minor County Team was a key turning point in Teddy’s cricket career, and not to mention an extraordinary achievement since it’s rare for teens as young as Teddy to be selected to play regionally.
Playing alongside professional cricket players in this team has allowed Teddy to hone his skills alongside some of the best cricket players in the area. “Playing for the Full Men’s Minor County Team has been a great learning experience; it has given me the opportunity to play alongside some fantastic professionals who I have learned a lot from. The atmosphere after we won the final was amazing” Teddy recalls.
But his success in the Minor County Championship Final is just the beginning of Teddy’s success in the cricket world as the young player takes off to Australia later this year to train at a cricket academy for a month. On taking his training abroad, Teddy says “I’m really excited to see where this next stage will take me!”
Playing alongside Teddy was our current Sixth Former, George Harvey, who has proved himself as another young player to watch after scoring 117 for Bucks under 18 team to help them win their National Competition last month. Shortly after this, George was selected to play for Buck’s Minor County Team.
George’s winning streak didn’t stop there though, after demonstrating his incredible talent, George was selected to play in the Minor County Championship final last week where he scored 61 to help Bucks win their championship final!
Like Teddy, George’s love for cricket began early in his life. “I started playing cricket when I was three-years old then I played through school and clubs my whole life and I continued playing when I joined Berkhamsted in Year 12.”
Despite his remarkable achievements, George remains humble about his success. “I never expected to be playing for a team like the Minor County Team so early in my cricket career, but it’s been a great experience and there’s a few pros in the team who I have really learned from.”
What’s next for George’s cricket career? “It is one of my goals to go professional eventually, but for right now playing for the minor county team is great so I can’t wait to keep doing that.”
While it is almost unheard of for those as young as Teddy and George to be playing in the Full County Side, this only speaks to the young men’s grit, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two outstanding players.
In this podcast episode we speak to Mark Costin, Head of Girls’ Cricket and Millie from Year 13, who is the captain of the girls’ first team.
La Manga Women’s T20 Classic joint champions 🏆
@lmtccspain @teamtravelmanagement
@berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedgirls
@hertscricket @hertswomenscricket

La Manga Women’s T20 Classic joint champions 🏆
@lmtccspain @teamtravelmanagement
@berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedgirls
@hertscricket @hertswomenscricket
An historic step – The senior girl’s cricket squad have just returned from their pre-season trip to La Manga, Spain. The first ever girls cricket tour.
The five day trip saw the girls play in the La Manga Women’s T20 Classic tournament. They played four group games, including victories against Streatham & Marlborough CC, Switzerland and Spain, before meeting Hursley Park CC in the final. With Hursley Park 97/4 off 13.1 overs, rain meant the game was abandoned and trophy shared, whilst captain Amelia also brought home the bowling award for the most wickets in the tournament (10 @ 5.0).
Thank you to everyone @lmtccspain & @teamtravelmanagement for a great week.
@berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedgirls @hertswomenscricket @hertscricket

An historic step – The senior girl’s cricket squad have just returned from their pre-season trip to La Manga, Spain. The first ever girls cricket tour.
The five day trip saw the girls play in the La Manga Women’s T20 Classic tournament. They played four group games, including victories against Streatham & Marlborough CC, Switzerland and Spain, before meeting Hursley Park CC in the final. With Hursley Park 97/4 off 13.1 overs, rain meant the game was abandoned and trophy shared, whilst captain Amelia also brought home the bowling award for the most wickets in the tournament (10 @ 5.0).
Thank you to everyone @lmtccspain & @teamtravelmanagement for a great week.
@berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedgirls @hertswomenscricket @hertscricket
After a brilliant performance in the final, our U15 netball team were crowned champions in the School Sport Magazine National Cup. A huge well done to them all at the end of a very successful season. 🏆 🤩🔥#teamberko @berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedgirls

After a brilliant performance in the final, our U15 netball team were crowned champions in the School Sport Magazine National Cup. A huge well done to them all at the end of a very successful season. 🏆 🤩🔥#teamberko @berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedgirls
Today saw the final session of our winter programme:
From masterclasses, age group sessions, batting and spin bowling 121’s, wicket keeping club and fast bowling group – We’ve hit, bowled, caught and thrown more balls than ever before. We can’t wait for the season to start! 🏏 #TeamBerko
@berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedboys @berkhamstedgirls

Today saw the final session of our winter programme:
From masterclasses, age group sessions, batting and spin bowling 121’s, wicket keeping club and fast bowling group – We’ve hit, bowled, caught and thrown more balls than ever before. We can’t wait for the season to start! 🏏 #TeamBerko
@berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedboys @berkhamstedgirls
We love introducing our @berkhamstedprep girls to one of our favourite sports! With so many opportunities for everyone to learn new skills while having loads of fun with friends means that they are ready to hit the ground running when they join @berkhamstedgirls 🤩🥍🙌☀️

We love introducing our @berkhamstedprep girls to one of our favourite sports! With so many opportunities for everyone to learn new skills while having loads of fun with friends means that they are ready to hit the ground running when they join @berkhamstedgirls 🤩🥍🙌☀️
Well done to our U13 and U15 girls cricket teams who, after coming through the qualifying rounds, were today crowned Hertfordshire indoor champions and progress onto the @englandcricket regional competition.
Thank you to @hertscricket for organising another great day of cricket.
@berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedgirls 🏏 🏆

Well done to our U13 and U15 girls cricket teams who, after coming through the qualifying rounds, were today crowned Hertfordshire indoor champions and progress onto the @englandcricket regional competition.
Thank you to @hertscricket for organising another great day of cricket.
@berkhamstedschools @berkhamstedgirls 🏏 🏆
Congratulations to our 1VII who finished runners up at the Surrey 7s. The players showed outstanding determination and worked really well as a team. A fantastic achievement with some of the very best schools around on the 7s circuit. We look forward to Rosslyn Park 7s @nextgenxv @berkhamstedschools

Congratulations to our 1VII who finished runners up at the Surrey 7s. The players showed outstanding determination and worked really well as a team. A fantastic achievement with some of the very best schools around on the 7s circuit. We look forward to Rosslyn Park 7s @nextgenxv @berkhamstedschools
Huge congratulations to our U19 squad on their silver medal at the 2025 National Schools Netball Finals. An incredible achievement for this squad, their families and the coaching team after a gruelling day of competition. Well done to @hartpurynetball on their brilliant performance in the final and a massive thank you to @englandnetball for the quality event at EIS – Sheffield. #teamberko @berkhamstedschools

Huge congratulations to our U19 squad on their silver medal at the 2025 National Schools Netball Finals. An incredible achievement for this squad, their families and the coaching team after a gruelling day of competition. Well done to @hartpurynetball on their brilliant performance in the final and a massive thank you to @englandnetball for the quality event at EIS – Sheffield. #teamberko @berkhamstedschools
Staff Training with Tamsin Greenway! 🏐
This week, our sports staff had the incredible opportunity to learn from former @englandnetball player and @ldnmavericksnetball Director of Netball, @tamsingreenway !
Tamsin led an engaging CPD session at our Knox-Johnston Sports Centre, putting our teachers through their paces with drills and games designed to enhance netball performance. But it wasn’t just about netball—our staff developed transferable skills in movement, space awareness, communication, and coordination, benefitting all sports across our curriculum.
A huge thank you to Tamsin for sharing her expertise! 👏 Our partnership with @ldnmavericksnetball is invaluable in supporting both our staff and pupils, inspiring future athletes and growing confidence in sport. 💪

Staff Training with Tamsin Greenway! 🏐
This week, our sports staff had the incredible opportunity to learn from former @englandnetball player and @ldnmavericksnetball Director of Netball, @tamsingreenway !
Tamsin led an engaging CPD session at our Knox-Johnston Sports Centre, putting our teachers through their paces with drills and games designed to enhance netball performance. But it wasn’t just about netball—our staff developed transferable skills in movement, space awareness, communication, and coordination, benefitting all sports across our curriculum.
A huge thank you to Tamsin for sharing her expertise! 👏 Our partnership with @ldnmavericksnetball is invaluable in supporting both our staff and pupils, inspiring future athletes and growing confidence in sport. 💪
U13 National Schools Lacrosse Champions 🏆🥇 despite it being the first time attending the National tournament, the team’s maturity, composure and teamwork was outstanding! After topping their pool in the morning, the squad convincingly made their way to the final after scoring a plethora of excellent goals. During the final, the girls demonstrated their flare, fitness and fantastic finishing which led them to a 5-2 win! Congratulations to everyone involved! 👏🏼👏🏼 #teamberko @berkhamstedgirls @berkhamstedschools

U13 National Schools Lacrosse Champions 🏆🥇 despite it being the first time attending the National tournament, the team’s maturity, composure and teamwork was outstanding! After topping their pool in the morning, the squad convincingly made their way to the final after scoring a plethora of excellent goals. During the final, the girls demonstrated their flare, fitness and fantastic finishing which led them to a 5-2 win! Congratulations to everyone involved! 👏🏼👏🏼 #teamberko @berkhamstedgirls @berkhamstedschools
U15 National Schools Lacrosse Champions! 🥇🏆After an incredible Lacrosse season, the girls were prepared to battle hard at the tournament. As the day progressed out of the pool stages, the girls pulled together as a team to produce some excellent, composed performances which saw them through to the final against Putney. After 3 periods of overtime, a yellow card for each team and many shots on goal, the girls came out victorious! Huge congratulations to the whole squad! 👏🏼 #teamberko @berkhamstedgirls @berkhamstedschools @englandlacrosse
Thank you @mpsportsphoto for the incredible photos!

U15 National Schools Lacrosse Champions! 🥇🏆After an incredible Lacrosse season, the girls were prepared to battle hard at the tournament. As the day progressed out of the pool stages, the girls pulled together as a team to produce some excellent, composed performances which saw them through to the final against Putney. After 3 periods of overtime, a yellow card for each team and many shots on goal, the girls came out victorious! Huge congratulations to the whole squad! 👏🏼 #teamberko @berkhamstedgirls @berkhamstedschools @englandlacrosse
Thank you @mpsportsphoto for the incredible photos!
International Watch!
Huge congratulations to Logan, Charlie and Oli, who have been included in an England U17 training camp today!
Well done all of you and good luck!

International Watch!
Huge congratulations to Logan, Charlie and Oli, who have been included in an England U17 training camp today!
Well done all of you and good luck!
“The choice to come Berkhamsted was the best decision I could have made and has created two very memorable years for me. This opportunity has helped me develop as a cricketer but also as a person.”
Scholarships
There are a full range of scholarships available at for 11+ (Yr.7), 13+ (Yr.9) and 16+ (Sixth Form) entry and these can be supported by independent means tested bursaries.