We’re very proud of Rose in Year 4, who was one of 30 girls aged 6-16 from across the UK invited to an exciting chess simultaneous exhibition (an event where a professional chess player plays simultaneous games against multiple opponents) in London on December 3.

Organised by the Junior School’s new Chess Club, She Plays to Win, a non-profit which aims to increase female participation in chess, the ‘simul’ saw 30 girls compete against six-time French women's chess champion Sophie Milliet.

Rose says, “Playing chess against Sophie was really exciting – I don’t know how she managed to play against 30 people at the same time, concentrating on all those games and making the right move each time. I hope I can play as well as her one day.”  

Blackheath High School is proud to champion chess education, recognising its role in cultivating well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all aspects of life. As well as the She Plays to Win Chess Club at the Junior School, Head, Natalie Argile has introduced a weekly Head’s Chess Club at Senior School – where sometimes the girls even teach her complex new moves and strategies.

Read Rose's press coverage.

Credits: Professional event images courtesy of Melinda Wilde photography.