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Stockport Grammar School
Since formal chess began at Stockport Grammar in 2017 it
has thrived. We now have 90 children over the five chess clubs with 7
dedicated teachers.
Children start off as beginners and through structured
tuition we have produced some leading national players as well as a great
learning atmosphere. 3 will be representing the county team this year and
20 will be taking part in the UK Chess Challenge. We also have a lot of
girls doing chess and are creating a girls’ team for the National
Championships.
Chess fits in with the hard work ethos of the school teaching children
resilience. The children practise at home on chesskid and lichess and are
keen to learn.
The staff at Stockport Grammar support the chess club
tirelessly as they know how important chess is for developing children’s
focus and concentration.
Our school champion Ibrahim said “I love chess and chess
club is my favourite part of the week”
 
The above was submitted by the school, but it seemed
appropriate for the NCCU secretary to point out the following to be found
on the web at https://sarahhegartychess.co.uk/stockport-grammar-school-chess-club/
in support of the NCCU’s nomination for a BCET School Award for 2025.
Location:
Stockport Grammar School, Buxton Road, Stockport,
Cheshire, SK2 7AF
When is it?:
Fridays 3:30- 4:30pm
Who is it for?:
Children in years 1 – 6. We assume children are complete
beginners when they join class.
Dates: Spring Term 2020
January 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st
February 7th, 14th and 28th
March 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
April 3rd.
About Sarah Hegarty Chess Club:
We pride ourselves on the highest standards and ensure
all out classes are engaging, fun, and tailored to the students. We happily
take on complete beginners through to players competing for International
championships and ensure each child gets the most of the experience.
We use physical and digital materials.
If they wish, children will be enrolled in individual
and team competitions such as the Delancey UK Chess Challenge, the EPSCA
national primary schools chess championships and AJIS chess championships.
About the teacher:
Sarah Longson (nee Hegarty). Former British Ladies
Champion and regular member of the English Olympiad teams. I have been
teaching chess to children for over 10 years and have taught British and
European champions.
Matthew McGrogan – chess coach – Matthew recently
completed a History degree at the University of Lincoln after finishing his
A’ Levels at Stockport Grammar school. He has played chess for many years,
representing both his school and university in various games and
tournaments. He was head of the chess club at his secondary school with the
responsibility of running the club each week, representing the school at
open days to showcase the club and teaching students in the primary school.
Kate Seager – chess assistant – My name is Kate Seager
and I live in Gatley. I am married with 4 children, 2 cats and one dog. I
met Sarah in the school where I lead the morning and Afterschool club. I am
a fully qualified playworker with over 15 years’ experience in the field of
childcare. I now assist with 4 lunchtime chess clubs per week.
Jonathan Bennett -Jonathan recently graduated from
Durham University with a first in Maths and Physics. He has been playing
chess since age 10 and while attending Stockport Grammar School sixth form,
he ran their chess club for two years with fellow coach Matthew McGrogan.
While at university he played chess casually and during the holidays he
played for Stockport chess club. Having graduated, he is taking a gap year
to pursue his hobbies and currently plays chess for Marple A team. Jonathan
has tutored Maths and Physics in the past and so is eager to apply these
skills to teaching chess.
There’s an Instagram post dated 26th March 2025 at https://www.instagram.com/p/DHqwoRXKygW/?img_index=1
[Another such post accidentally ended up with the same
address.]}
There’s a Facebook post dated 4th February 2022 (yes, a
bit old) at https://www.facebook.com/stockportgrammar/posts/junior-school-pupils-exercised
their-problem-solving-skills-at-chess-club-as-the/5027267157341877/
On Instagram click, on the "X" at top right of
any in/sign up dialogue box.
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