Fencing Success for Our Pupils

We launched our after-school fencing club in 2023, in conjunction with Cromer Fencing Club, with the aim of making the Olympic sport of fencing accessible to everyone in North Norfolk.

Mr Hewerdine, history teacher at Cromer Academy is the lead instructor for Cromer Fencing Club and was keen to offer exclusive lessons for this up-and-coming sport for pupils. Following several months of lessons, several pupils started to display a natural talent for the sport and were entered for regional competitions.

Year 11 pupil, Josh CB, qualified for a place at the British Youth Championships, having shown incredible dedication to the sport and worked hard to prepare for the competition. After reaching 21st in the cadet rankings, Josh has been invited to attend GBR Pathway camps, which are designed to provide high-quality sparring opportunities for fencers wanting to represent Great Britain at international competitions. Josh will also receive a range of coaching support for fitness, nutrition and mental health to support him holistically as he starts to explore international competitions.

British Fencing describes the aim of the programme to 'produce athletes that are resilient, independent, and high performing, with a true sense of self-value, that in turn inspire others to achieve success.' We are very proud of what Josh has achieved in such a short amount of time. He is already thinking ahead to the next competitions, including the England Youth Championships and British Cadet National Championships in September.

The club also had eight fencers competing across three events at the Norfolk County Junior and Intermediate Championships on Sunday 25th May. This was the first competition for many of our fencers, so a huge well done to Fred, Logan, Theo, Ida, Eve, Molly, and Jacob for taking that first step.

Eric competed in U18 epee and intermediate epee, earning silver and bronze medals respectively.

Fred and Logan medalled in U14 epee. After a tough semi-final, Logan came away with a bronze medal. After an even closer final which went to the match point at 11-11, Fred came away with a silver medal as his opponent managed to secure a 12-11 victory. This was the first competition for both Fred and Logan, making a podium position incredibly impressive.

The popularity of the sport has grown significantly in the school. Our Year 6 pupils will be invited to attend when they join us in September. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer such a unique sport into our extracurricular programme