Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools are among the best in the country for cricket coaching, facilities and provision.

The schools have been listed in The Cricketer Schools Guide 2023, which includes the top 100 senior schools in a bumper 156-page supplement.

The 2023 successful roll call of schools – which features both state-funded and private establishments – was finalised after an exhaustive selection process that saw a huge number submit entries for inclusion in the guide.

All entries were then judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

“We are delighted that we have been named, once again, in the top 100 senior schools for cricket in the country,” said headmaster Simon Dorman.

“As a family of schools, we have wonderful facilities for cricket, outstanding coaches and talented players.

“We are continuing to develop strong partnerships with local clubs, both at recreational and professional levels.”

The schools’ partnerships with Glamorgan, Cricket Wales, and Gloucestershire Cricket Board’s junior programme are continuing to flourish.

Earlier this month, Sixth Form student Sophia Smale signed her first professional cricket contract for next summer.

The left-arm spinner has penned a deal with Western Storm for 2023 and will combine her playing duties with A levels at Monmouth School for Girls.

Sophia enjoyed an outstanding debut senior season for Storm in 2022 – one of eight regional teams, covering the west, that will have 10 pro players funded by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), in addition to England’s central contract stars.

The teenager, who plays for Monmouth School for Boys’ 1st XI, also finished as the leading wicket-taker for winners, the Oval Invincibles, in The Hundred, who secured the title at Lord’s, taking the scalps of some of the biggest names in women’s cricket, including India star Smriti Mandhana, Alyssa Healy and Danni Wyatt.

She has capped a remarkable year having been named in the England U19 women’s squad for the inaugural age-group World Cup in South Africa in January 2023.

Master in Charge of Cricket at Monmouth School for Boysm, Callum Bassett-Jones, said: “Our winter training programmes are already in full swing in preparation for another hugely anticipated and enjoyable summer of cricket.”

Head of Cricket Coaching, Mr James Boiling, is a former Surrey, Durham and England A spinner. And the coaching team includes former Glamorgan and England opening batsman Steve James, an Old Monmothian, and former Glamorgan professional Andrew Jones, the Director of Sport at Monmouth School for Boys.

The Cricketer magazine editor Huw Turbervill, said: “I’ve read some inspirational stories working on this year’s guide. These really are tomorrow’s heroes today.”

The 2023 Schools Guide is included alongside the December issue of The Cricketer magazine.

The guide will be made available digitally on www.thecricketer.com from Friday 9th December.