England’s leading and most prestigious team competition for schools. This competition, formerly The Sunday Times and then The Times Championship, and more recently run by the English Chess Federation has existed since 1957. The Championship is open to all schools and sixth form colleges in England. Teams are of 6 players, who must be pupils of the school they represent.

In the autumn term 2024, teams sort to qualify for the regional stage in spring term 2024 by playing in local qualifying events. Teams which scored at least 50% qualifyied for the regional stage.

The regional stage in spring term 2025 was a knock out competition of schools in a region. Matches were played in schools and the region winners qualified for the national final. A few places at the national final were be available for those eliminated at the regional stage by playing in repechage events.

The national final will be played on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 June 2025, at Nottingham University.

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English Schools Chess Championship 2025