REDMAIDS’ High School’s U16 netball team are national champions.
The team, led by coaches Kellie Hull and Anna Joll, travelled to Peterborough for the England Netball Schools Finals, where they were competing against some of the strongest and most specialist school teams in the country.
Coming through the group stages, Redmaids’ High faced title favourites Hurstpierpoint College in the semi-final, securing a 15-9 win, before defeating Bromsgrove in the final 14-10.
Redmaids’ High is the only school in the South West to have won this title since its inception in 1969.
Director of Sport at Redmaids’ High, Claire Maggs, said: “What these girls and our netball coaches Kellie Hull and Anna Joll have achieved together is outstanding. Their determination, commitment to one other, and their belief throughout the whole tournament, from Regional to Nationals, has been extraordinary. These girls have created a legacy at the school which will inspire generations to come and we couldn’t be more proud.”
The senior success has inspired the younger pupils already. The school’s U11 team did well at the National Finals, reaching the quarter finals of the plate, placing them top 16 in the country.
Junior School headteacher Lisa Brown said: “It has been remarkable to see the U11 team reach the National Finals. This has been the fruition of a lot of hard work from everyone involved. The girls played with determination and skill, and we are so proud that they have reached such a level.”
Miss Maggs continued: “To see how well our younger teams have done recently too is a testament to the excellent work that our coaches are also doing in the Junior School. It’s truly inspiring and we can’t wait to build on our success for years to come.”