Bancroft’s named Essex Tennis 'School of the Year'
Bancroft’s has received the Essex Tennis “School of the Year” 2025/26 honour, as part of the LTA Awards, recognising the strength, inclusivity and impact of its tennis programme over the past year.
The award celebrates schools that make an outstanding contribution to tennis at county level, and Bancroft’s was recognised for its commitment to ensuring tennis is accessible to all pupils, regardless of experience, ability or background.
Tennis at Bancroft’s is offered across the whole school, beginning with taster sessions and curriculum PE in Years 3–4, followed by Games lessons from Years 5–13. Pupils also take part in a wide range of inter- and intra-school fixtures, tournaments and after-school clubs.
A key feature of the programme is its inclusive approach. Mixed-ability after-school clubs are open to all pupils and use a 4-a-side “multi-touch” format designed to build confidence, skills and enjoyment in a supportive team environment. In 2025, more than 200 pupils regularly attended these sessions.
This approach has had a significant impact on participation, particularly among girls. Female participation in tennis at Bancroft’s has increased by 192% since 2012, with pupils reporting greater confidence when playing as part of a team with friends.
Competitive opportunities are carefully structured to support enjoyment and development. In 2025, 309 pupils took part in Inter-House tennis tournaments across eight competitions. The school also runs Inter-Year Doubles Championships for pupils in Years 6–10, alongside popular “FUNbledon” doubles tournaments for Year 7 and 8 pupils, which use adapted rules to create a fun and welcoming introduction to competition.
Leadership and progression are built into the programme, with Year 10 pupils taking on roles such as umpiring and coaching, supporting preparation for the LTA Tennis Assistant course. More experienced players are supported through “Play Your Way to Wimbledon” events and LTA Youth Schools competitions, alongside a full programme of A and B team fixtures across U12–U18 age groups.
The tennis programme works closely with Bancroft’s Pastoral and Learning Support teams, with staff present at clubs, lessons and fixtures. This joined-up approach has supported pupils’ wellbeing, with feedback highlighting improved confidence, social skills and a stronger sense of belonging. Neurodivergent pupils, including those with ASC, have particularly benefited from the calmer, more structured nature of tennis compared with some traditional team sports.
Bancroft’s also works in partnership with local coaches and clubs, including PH Tennis, Woodford Wells Tennis Club and Chingford School of Tennis, helping pupils continue playing beyond school. Strong community links have been developed with East London schools supported by the Greenhouse Sports charity through the annual Bancroft’s–Greenhouse Tennis Festival, now in its fourth year.
As a county winner, Bancroft’s will now be considered for the next stage of the LTA National Finals and Excellence Awards, with further updates expected in March. Essex Tennis will also hold a County Awards Ceremony on 16 April to celebrate all county winners.
The school would like to thank all those involved in delivering the tennis programme, particularly Mandy Wainwright, Head of Tennis, for her leadership, passion and commitment.
February 2026