
South Dartmoor Community College have been named amongst the top 25 state schools in The Cricketer Schools Guide 2025.
The Schools Guide is an annual publication researched and produced by The Cricketer which recognises the best cricket programmes that exist in school curricula up and down the country.
Whilst state schools have always featured in the annual guide, as part of the 10th-anniversary edition The Cricketer has introduced a section for the top 25 state schools, with magazine editor Huw Turbervill saying: "The demise of the game in the state sector in the UK has been heartbreaking for us all, but it is uplifting to see some teachers are determined to keep the flames alive."
Led by Rob Pryke, Kallan Malone and Jack Brown, the school's cricket programme has received tremendous support from the local community, parents and alumni.
South Dartmoor Community College collaborates with local cricket clubs, including Ashburton CC and Bovey Tracey CC, to provide students with additional training and match experience, enhancing their development and opportunities, and the clubs' involvement and encouragement have been vital in achieving this recognition.
Cricket is integrated into the school's PE curriculum, REACH programme and offered as an extracurricular activity. The school aims to build on its success and further enhance its cricket programme, ensuring it remains an excellent environment for aspiring young cricketers.
During the last term, Devon Cricket Foundation South Devon Community Cricket Coach, Niall Leahy, has been supporting Rob and the college with both the REACH programme, a block of sessions working skills and giving people the opportunity to experience cricket at school, and the lunch time cricket club.
Speaking on the accolade, Rob said:
"We are incredibly proud to be recognised as one of the top 25 state schools for cricket in the country. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, coaches and the entire school community.
"We will continue to provide our students with the best possible opportunities to succeed in cricket and beyond."
This recognition is a testament to the school's exceptional performance in various cricket tournaments and its comprehensive cricket programme. In July, South Dartmoor Community College were crowned Under 15 Girls Chance to Compete Outdoor champions, going on to represent Devon at the regional finals later in the summer.
The school's commitment to cricket has also led to development opportunities for students at county level, with five students now featuring across County Age Groups within Devon's Performance Pathway and several more being selected for Youth Development Cricket squads.
This newfound passion for the sport at school has extended to club level as well, with a number of students who have had their first taste of cricket now keen to seek playing opportunities outside of school.
May is one example, having gone on to join Bovey Tracey CC last year after first playing school cricket at South Dartmoor: "I probably wouldn't have played cricket if we hadn't done it at school."
"Probably not," admits Olive when asked if she would have taken up cricket if the school hadn't offered it. "I really love it now. Sir has really helped with our technique and entered us into loads of tournaments. The regular training really helps in the off-season."