Foundation Opens New Cricket Facility

Published by Kingham Hill School on Wednesday 12th of November 2025

On Monday 10th November, the Dean Close Foundation celebrated the opening of a brand new all-weather Cricket Practice Facility at its Cheltenham Senior School site, marking a significant investment in the future of cricket for pupils across the Foundation.

After a welcome from the Warden, Areti Bizior, the celebrations — involving a number of Kingham Hill’s keen cricketers — began with Guest of Honour Jon Lewis, the former England international and now Director of Cricket at Gloucestershire, cutting the ribbon. Despite the threat of rain, spirits remained high as Jon, who has played for England in all formats and led the women’s national side from 2022 to 2025, addressed pupils and guests, before watching the next generation of cricketers showcase their skills.

Cricket is at the heart of summer at Kingham Hill, which hosts competitive fixtures across each age group. Senior cricketers at Kingham also benefit from year-round practice, utilising the bowling machine, indoor and outdoor nets, and expert coaching throughout the winter to hone their technique ahead of the season.

Beyond school hours, Kingham Hill’s facilities also serve as a training venue for Oxfordshire county development squads, allowing them to benefit from the same quality pitches available to pupils. This partnership further supports the school’s commitment to nurturing cricketing talent, encouraging pupils to join one of Kingham Hill's local affiliate clubs and compete in both age-group and men’s fixtures on Saturdays throughout the summer.

The new facility in Cheltenham, which features six floodlit lanes and an all-weather surface, will now offer opportunities for Kingham Hill to collaborate with other young athletes across the Dean Close Foundation and continue fostering participation, skill development, and excellence in cricket.