Thanks almost entirely to the enthusiasm and dedication of teacher Dr Chris Lewis-Brown, a 4,300 Squash Levels player himself, squash at Reading School is thriving! And 2025/26 has been a remarkable year…
The school has had teams participate in all three age groups of the National Schools Squash Championships. The KS3 team did exceptionally well, winning their first round fixture and only narrowly missing out on qualifying for the National Finals in their second fixture. Out of the 6 teams they played, their sole loss was a 3-2 defeat to St Joseph’s College, whose team comprised both sons of Daryl Selby.
Not to be outdone, the KS4 team successfully qualified for the National Finals of the plate competition as the highest scoring second place finishers. The second place itself was only decided by head-to-head results after a 377-377 point tie for 2nd/3rd! A valiant effort in the finals against some very strong opposition gave the team an 8th place finish.
Participation in the weekly squash club grows: The squash club runs every Friday after school, with some extra coaching support from myself! Boys all the way from year 7 to 13 turning up to give squash a try, often for the first time. Over the course of the year around 100 boys have come and had a go, with 50 of those attending regularly. Indeed the problem has been trying to fit them all in.
House squash competitions: The 5 houses at the school put on an impressive display in both the junior and senior house squash competitions. The senior house competition featured 26 players and an electric atmosphere as each vied to be crowned the winner. With 50 matches played, the competition was still open until the very final moments; West house eventually took the victory with 12 wins compared to 11 for County house. Not to be outdone, the juniors had an even closer result, with Laud and East houses tying on 15 points. East were ultimately crowned the victors with a head-to-head result of 3-2.
County representation: There was also individual success for Ethan in year 8, who represented Berkshire in the junior inter-county competition. Ethan and Dylan also attend the Berkshire Squash Academy once a month.
Junior County Closed Championship: Dylan and Ethan also competed (U15) and came 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Huge congratulations to Chris for creating such a vibrant, thriving and hugely successful club. And of course, hats off to all the players whose enthusiasm, energy and commitment have made this year so special. What a year it’s been!