New tricks

Claremont High School and Ark Academy go pawn-to-pawn

On 24th March 2026, chess players from both Claremont High School and Ark Academy in Wembley took part in a chess tournament hosted by Claremont. Twenty students from both schools participated, playing two games of chess against different players.

‘It was a very exciting competition with some tense moments,’ says Ms Patel, who runs Claremont’s Chess Club. ‘Overall, everyone played incredibly well and the students showed real respect for one another and true sportsmanship.’ 

Although Ark Academy, who have played other schools before, had nine amazing victories, Claremont had three winners who won both their games.

‘I think students really enjoyed meeting new players and learning new tricks,’ Ms Patel says. ‘Next time, I’m sure we’ll do even better!’