Bowled Over: Launceston College Cricket Academy Takes Off

Launceston College has launched a new Cricket Academy, offering Years 10 to 13 students an opportunity to sharpen their cricketing skills with specialist coaching and top-tier facilities.

Bringing Together Aspiring Cricketers

Launceston College, part of the Athena Learning Trust, welcomes both girls and boys who already play cricket at club or county level. Weekly sessions focus on enhancing batting, bowling, and fielding techniques, supported by detailed technical analysis and feedback to help students progress.

To inspire the next generation of players, the school plans to host local cricket stars throughout the year. These experienced players, including those who have represented Cornwall and other counties, will lead specialist workshops to share insights into what it takes to compete at a senior level.

Tom Dinnis Leads the Way

The academy’s first guest coach was Penzance Premier League cricketer Tom Dinnis, who delivered a seam bowling workshop. Seam bowling, a technique where the ball strikes the pitch on its seam to create unpredictable bounce, was a key focus of the session.

Matthew Thompson, Principal at Launceston College, praised the academy’s promising start, saying:
“I am delighted that our new Cricket Academy is off to a flying start and I want to say a big thank you to Werrington Cricket Club who have allowed us to use their coaching equipment.
Our students are really benefiting from the specialist equipment, such as a bowling machine to improve their batting.

“At Launceston College we believe that providing our students with a range of extracurricular activities is an essential part of our commitment to a well-rounded education. We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to develop their skills and interests outside of the classroom.”

National Competitions and Future Plans

The Cricket Academy has already entered the U18 national T20 cricket cup, with their first match against an Exeter school scheduled for early April. There are also plans for an exciting cricket tour next autumn.

In addition to cricket, Launceston College provides a wide range of sports opportunities, including football, basketball, netball, and rugby. Students regularly participate in local and regional competitions, including the annual Cornwall Schools’ Games.

A School Committed to Excellence

Launceston College, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, takes pride in offering a well-rounded education. Ofsted inspectors highlighted the college’s ambitious curriculum and its suitability for all pupils, including those with SEND, ensuring students build on their knowledge in a logical and structured way. The sixth-form provision was also praised for its alignment with students’ future aspirations.