The Mary Erskine School, part of ESMS family of schools, has been awarded a place in the UK’s top 20 all-girls schools for cricket, in The Cricketer Schools Guide 2023 for the third year running.
The decision followed an exhaustive selection process that saw a huge number submit entries for inclusion in the guide. The Mary Erskine School and ESMS Junior School has one of the largest cricket programmes for girls in Scotland, with over 140 girls playing cricket throughout the season. The students are inspired by former pupil, Katherine Fraser who plays cricket for her country and Catherine Holland who is an integral part of the coaching team.
The MES cricket programme was set up in 2015 by PE teacher, Pippa Johnson, with the support of Cricket Scotland and coaches from Stewarts Melville Cricket Club, headed up by former pupil David Gibson, who offers weekly coaching sessions with the girls and upskills teachers to deliver high quality sessions for our pupils. The MES cricket programme is led by Tasmanian cricketer and coach, Hannah Short and managed by two dedicated teachers, Tom McBratney and Caroline Heron. Caroline also played for her country, prior to working at MES.
Kirsty Nicholson, Head of The Mary Erskine School, said:
“We are so pleased that our cricket programme has been recognised by The Cricketer for the third year in a row. The programme is a fantastic partnership between our PE staff and former pupils who give up their time to share their love of cricket. Last year we extended the programme to include students at Flora Stevenson and we’re really pleased that Flora Stevenson will be welcoming us back again this summer.
“There is such a lot of passion and skill among our dedicated coaches and it is exciting to watch them inspiring so many girls to become cricketers.”
The Cricketer magazine editor, Huw Turbervill, said:
“Our 2024 Schools Guide celebrates the best cricket programmes in state and independent schools across the country. The rise of women’s cricket in schools really has been a joy to behold.”
Caroline Heron, MES PE teacher, said:
“MES are in a fantastic position to offer the pupils a cricket programme led by excellent coaches. I am particularly proud of the current pupils helping to deliver cricket to the younger age groups, including current Cricket Captain and Sixth Form pupil, Lucy Forrester-Smith. Lucy’s passion for the game has been infectious, encouraging young people across the school to pick up a bat and have a go.”
