Inaugural Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup Launches in Berkshire for Summer 2026
A brand-new chapter in school cricket begins this summer as the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup makes its debut across Berkshire. This exciting new under-15s hardball competition, delivered by the Marylebone Cricket Club and MCC Foundation in partnership with Barclays, aims to provide state school students with a high-quality, competitive cricketing platform.
As part of a nationwide initiative to transform lives through cricket, the competition brings together leading state secondary schools from across the county, offering both boys and girls the opportunity to compete in a structured pathway culminating in a truly iconic occasion: the national final at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday 10th September.
Girls’ Competition – Semi Finals Set
The inaugural girls’ competition has quickly gathered momentum, with four schools progressing to the semi-final stage:
- Semi Final 1: Park House School vs The Forest School
- Semi Final 2: Herschel Grammar School vs Holyport College
All semi-finals are scheduled to be completed by Friday 5th June, as teams battle for a place in the county final and a step closer to Lord’s.
Boys’ Competition – Opening Round Fixtures
The boys’ competition gets underway with an exciting set of Round 1 fixtures:
- Match 1: Park House vs Kennet School
- Match 2: Garth Hill College vs The Forest School
- Match 3: Holyport College vs Furze Platt Senior School
- Match 4: Langley Grammar vs Slough & Eton School
These matches will be played by 15th May, with St Bart’s, Reading School, Bohunt Wokingham, and Herschel Grammar receiving byes into the quarter-final stage.
Quarter Finals (by Wednesday 10th June)
- QF1: St Bart’s vs Winner of Match 1
- QF2: Reading School vs Winner of Match 2
- QF3: Bohunt Wokingham vs Winner of Match 3
- QF4: Herschel Grammar vs Winner of Match 4
Semi Finals (by Wednesday 17th June)
- SF1: Winner of QF1 vs Winner of QF2
- SF2: Winner of QF3 vs Winner of QF4
Building the Future of State School Cricket
The launch of the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup marks a significant step forward in expanding access to competitive cricket within the state school system. By creating equal opportunities for both boys and girls, the competition is set to inspire the next generation of players while promoting teamwork, discipline, and ambition.
With the dream of stepping out onto the famous turf at Lord’s Cricket Ground firmly in sight, every match in Berkshire carries added significance as teams aim to progress through the pathway.
A Summer to Remember
With fixtures set and anticipation building, the inaugural Berkshire edition of the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup promises an exciting summer of school cricket. The journey will culminate in the prestigious final at Lord’s on Thursday 10th September, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the teams who make it through.
Players, staff, and supporters alike are encouraged to get behind their schools and be part of the launch of what is set to become a flagship event in the school sporting calendar.