English Chess Federation Primary Team Chess Challenge 2025

Team tournaments for primary schools – all standards welcome

to be held at Abbey School, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR

on Wednesday 11th February 2026      2-5pm

9th December 2025

Dear Colleague

We would like to invite you to enter a team or teams into this competition, which forms part of the English Chess Federation’s initiative aimed at stimulating chess in schools.

The purpose of the competition is above all participation rather than winning and, although the winners of these events have the opportunity to compete in the national finals, the emphasis is very much on taking part and enjoying the experience of competitive chess. The event attracts teams with players of all abilities and all are welcome.

The primary challenge was started in 2025, and we had 8 teams participating in the inaugural Devon area event; we hope for more this year! Teams will consist of four players, from year 6 or below.  In each competition there will be four rounds. The event will last about 2½ hours and will conclude with a prizegiving with medals for the leading teams and certificates for all players. Chess clocks will be used in all matches and the rate of play will be 10 minutes plus 5 seconds per move – players unfamiliar with the use of clocks will be shown how to use them. Schools are welcome to enter up to two teams. Further details (directions etc.) will be sent to participating schools a week or two before the event. To participate, schools now need to be members of the ECF – this costs £30 per year. https://englishchess.org.uk/Schools/ecf-schools-membership/

Further information about the rationale and context of the Devon Area Challenge can be found at https://englishchess.org.uk/Schools/primary-under-11/

And you can enter here     https://englishchess.org.uk/Schools/primary-under-11-enter/

Entries please by Friday 6th February at the latest so we have time to organise it properly, although it is helpful to receive entries as early as possible. If you think you might be interested but have some questions please contact me by e mail  tonions@tbgs.torbay.sch.uk  

We do hope that your school will enter teams into this very worthwhile competition and that it will help to encourage chess in your school.

Yours sincerely

Tim Onions

I/C Chess, Abbey School, Torquay