Our combined Year 7 and Year 8 cross country team achieved an excellent result in the finals of the South West division of the English Schools’ Cup held at King’s School, Taunton in November. Competing against 12 other schools, from areas ranging from Cornwall to Berkshire, the Blue Coat team excelled, finishing second overall and therefore gaining a place in the national finals, which will be be held on Saturday 3rd December in Formby in Lancashire. This is the fifth time in the last six years that a Blue Coat cross country team has reached the national finals; an impressive statistic.

Sam Hodgson was the first Blue Coat runner home in an excellent second place, followed by Jack Webb, with an impressive ninth. Chris Parker, Will Thompson, Josh Griggs and Tom Bryce all followed in what was a great team performance. Well done to everyone – including those parents who made the long trip.

Mr Cook, Athletics coach