National Schools’ Regatta 2025 – Girls’ Junior 16 Coxed Fours Preview

The National Schools’ Regatta is the highlight of many people’s seasons, rowers and spectators alike. With the new venue of Holme Pierrepoint ready to go, and a glorious May in full swing, the scene is set for an enjoyable yet nail-biting weekend of racing.

Kingston Grammar School Boat Club

Coming off the back of an impressive four-second win at Wallingford Regatta just a few weeks ago, Kingston Grammar School Boat Club are in a strong position heading into this weekend. Whilst it could be said that Kingston Grammar are a less experienced club than some of their counterparts, their affinity for fours has been undeniably well established by now, demonstrated by their two medals in fours categories at the National Schools’ Regatta 2024. This, accompanied by their confidence acquired from Wallingford Regatta, will give the Kingston girls that crucial step ahead against such a competitive field of crews.

Sir William Perkins’ School Boat Club

Following closely behind Kingston Grammar School to snap up silver at Wallingford Regatta, Sir William Perkins’ School Boat Club should be looking to be in close contention for first place this Saturday. Sir William Perkins’ School are no doubt one of the biggest names on the junior rowing scene, demonstrated clearly by their major 23/24 season, surmounting to a notable five medals at the 2024 National Schools’ Regatta. As the up-and-coming Perkins’ generation, and with such big boots to fill, I have no doubts that these Junior 16 girls will have their game face on this weekend, settling for nothing less than their best. This is an attitude they have already shown at Nottingham City Regatta, finishing first in the women’s coxed fours. Such experience both in the crew and on the lake will, without a doubt, put them at a strong advantage over their less experienced competitors.

Bedford Girls’ School Boat Club

A club with potentially less historical dominance than some of their competitors, Bedford Girls’ School Boat Club have been proving their ability this season, particularly in the women’s Junior 16 coxed fours category. Whilst they finished a fair way behind some of their top competition at Wallingford, I would not be tempted to underestimate these girls. In fact, in their heat, they finished ahead of the silver medal winners, and opposition this Saturday, Sir William Perkins’ School. This demonstrates clearly what they are capable of, yet it will be interesting to see if they are able to keep their momentum through the final this time around. If so, I would not be surprised if they wrapped up the podium to finish in third place.

Honourable Mentions

While I imagine the crews mentioned above will be the most competitive for the podium finishes, I expect a fierce fight to fill the A-final. Particularly, Tideway Scullers School, Latymer Upper School Boat Club and Kew House School Boat Club. All three of these crews come from established programmes, with no shortage of successes, yet none have proved so far this season that they have what it takes to be one of the most competitive of the women’s Junior 16 coxed fours. As a result, I predict these three crews will fight it out for a spot in A-final.

Predictions

I predict it will be a close fight between Sir William Perkins’ and Kingston Grammar, with Kingston Grammar coming out narrowly on top. However, I predict third place will be tied up confidently by Bedford Girls’ School, with Tideway Scullers and Latymer Upper snapping closely at their heels.