The launch of the Junior Fours Head marks a big shift in the junior calendar. It’s the first chance for younger athletes to take on the full Tideway course from Mortlake to Putney, and for many, their first time racing the river that defines British rowing. The course will test more than just power: steering, balance and composure will be key. We’re expecting typical Tideway conditions: chilly, around ten°C, likely breezy and bumpy through Hammersmith. Crews who know the course will definitely have an advantage with their understanding of when the stream turns, how the bends open up past Chiswick Eyot, and where to push the rate. It’s a proper head-race challenge and will separate the crews who can handle pressure from those who can’t.
Wallingford Rowing Club
Wallingford have quietly built one of the strongest junior sweep programmes across the country. After finishing second in the women’s Junior 15 first eight at the National Schools’ Regatta (NSR), they come into this race with confidence and momentum. Their rhythm is usually smooth and well-controlled, the sort of style that will hold up through the choppy Tideway waters. With Aurelia Alcantara setting the tone, expect them to be right on the pace. If they steer clean and keep their shape through Barnes Bridge, they’ll be in contention for the win.
St Paul’s Girls School Boat Club
It’s hard to bet against St Paul’s Girls School. Winners of the women’s Junior 15 first eight at National Schools’ Regatta, this programme consistently produces excellence. Training on this stretch of river every week, the crew will know every landmark and every tricky current like the back of their hand- that experience is invaluable when conditions get tricky. This crew is composed, efficient and knows how to deliver when it matters. They’ve already proven they can handle pressure, and I think they are the ones to beat this weekend.
Headington School Oxford Boat Club
Headington secured the bronze medal in the women’s Junior 15 first eight, highlighting their exceptional consistency at the top of junior women’s rowing. They have one of the most defined development pathways in the country, and their boats are always drilled and confident. Waite’s crew will bring experience, especially over longer head-race formats, and if they find a solid rhythm early, they’ll definitely be in the mix. While Headington might not train on the Tideway, they do know how to execute a clean race plan and that can count for a lot.
Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Club
Lady Eleanor Holles has depth, discipline, and a clear technical identity. They came fifth at the National Schools’ Regatta in the women’s Junior 15 first eight, showing real promise last season. This crew is often strongest through the middle kilometre, where they build consistency and start to draw in early leaders. Even without the home-water advantage many of their competitors possess, they’ll be confident in their ability to adapt to whatever the Tideway throws at them. I think that if they can keep the course clean through Hammersmith, they’ll close the seconds down for a tight finish.
Wimbledon High School Boat Club
This could be the crew that shakes things up. Wimbledon High School were women’s Junior 15 first eight champions at the Schools’ Head of the River, racing on this exact river, and followed it up with a B-final win at the National Schools’ Regatta, showing strength across both formats. Amongst this crew is Zoe Richardson, daughter of Olympian Gillian Lindsay, who brings clear technical precision and leadership to the squad. Their home advantage will help massively; they know exactly where to hit the rate and how to manage the stream. They could genuinely push for a medal, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them right up there with the leaders.
Prediction
It’s a really close and competitive field, but my pick is St Paul’s Girls School for the win. They have the Tideway experience, the proven form, and the calm confidence that comes from winning before. Wallingford look strong and could easily challenge if they find that extra edge in speed, while Wimbledon High are my dark-horse favourites to sneak onto the podium. Behind them, Headington and LEH will be pushing all the way – this one could come down to seconds.
Predicted finish:
- St Paul’s Girls School Boat Club
- Wallingford Rowing Club
- Wimbledon High School Boat Club
