Our new sport initiative hopes to raise £150,000 to support the redevelopment and preservation of our cricket heritage at both the Prep and the Senior School.
With the first cricket game played at Framlingham College in 1865, the enthusiasm, popularity, unyielding success and legacy for cricket at Framingham remains a prominent sporting pillar of our school.
This year, the number of fixtures for both boys’ and girls’ cricket throughout the age ranges are at an all-time high. All pupils are encouraged to participate and develop a lifelong love of the game, while extra opportunities for ‘stretch & challenge’ are made available for those with still more serious ambitions in the sport.
Maintaining our position at the forefront of schools’ cricket in the region will only happen if we are able to attract high class coaches, recruit pupils with an ambition in the sport and crucially maintain a high standard of cricketing facilities.
As part of our efforts to modernise our cricketing programme at Framlingham, we are launching a new initiative aimed at raising £150,000 to support, as a priority, the redevelopment of our outdoor nets at both the Prep and the Senior Schools, whilst also funding a new pavilion at the Prep School.
There are a number of ways in which those interested in investing in our cricketing facilities can support the College. This can be done either by setting up a smaller regular gift, donating a one-off gift or by making a significant donation in exchange for recognition through naming rights of various facilities.
Principal Lousie North, said: “Cricket was the first sport ever played at Framlingham College. Our pupils have had the privilege of playing cricket in the shadow of the castle since the opening of the College in 1865, when a team of Masters and Boys took on a Town and Neighbourhood XI. From those humble beginnings, the College never looked back and has pursued a progressive and ambitious cricket programme ever since.
“Within the first few decades, the College had its own cricket professional and had invested in new wooden sightscreens to replace the “dingy canvas sheets”. Exactly a century ago, the Reverend Rupert Kneese took the bold steps to establish the Quilibets Cricket Club with a view to providing pupils with an opportunity to play against local village sides in the company of Masters, Old Boys and friends of the school, a move that was praised by the 1934 Cricketer Magazine.
“Some old traditions remain very much alive with the 1st XI still wearing the hooped caps that appeared in an issue of the Boy’s Own Paper in 1919. In other ways Framlingham College has been leading the way, with girls’ cricket thriving since the 1980s.”
Director of Sport, Chris Gange, said: “Every match presents new situations to navigate, reinforcing the importance of both individual skill and collective effort. Learning to manage success and setbacks alike is a crucial part of the experience, and it is always rewarding to see young players develop their understanding of the game’s complexities while forging friendships and memories along the way.
“Framlingham College delivers exceptional provision regardless of age or ability, instilling a passion for the game, which inspires pupils and coaches. This ultimately leads to high performance and pupils pursuing the sport beyond the College, whether at club, university or elite level.
“Whether cricket is a core priority or just a fun way to keep fit and socially active, we help every child create their own cricketing story.”
In addition, the College will be organising a fundraising event ‘The Cycling Centurians’ enabling pupils, parents, staff and OFs to contribute either financially or as a volunteer. The ride will include two groups of cyclists who will finish together at the College on Sunday 7th September 2025
For more information you can read the full Cricket Appeal brochure e-edition here or visit The Framlingham College Hub.
