Triple Selection from One School Highlights Birmingham Netball Hotspot

Published by Edgbaston High School for Girls on Wednesday 11th of March 2026

Three students from Edgbaston High School for Girls have been selected as part of the Panthers U17 squad, a rare triple selection that is an exceptional feat among elite netball circles.

In a rare and highly unusual achievement, three students from the same Birmingham school have been selected for the Birmingham Panthers U17 National Performance League (NPL) netball squad, one of the region’s most competitive elite pathways.

Luccia Baldwin, Amelia Ross and Isla Batchelor, all students at Edgbaston High School for Girls, have been named in the Panthers U17 squad – a level typically reached by only a small number of athletes across the entire region. Within elite netball circles, it is seen as an exceptional feat for three players from one school to be selected simultaneously.

Alongside more than 15 hours a week of high-performance training and competition, the trio balance the demands of GCSE study. Amelia Ross and Luccia Baldwin operate in centre court positions, while Isla Batchelor plays as a shooter, where their pace, control and tactical intelligence are highly recognised.

Edgbaston High School for Girls is a leading provider of netball pathways. Elite in-school support for students aspiring to professional careers in the sport has been key to the success of our students and is reflected in this growing reputation. Specialist coaching, nutritional support and guidance, structured strength and conditioning programmes, alongside a tailored academic support system, are all designed and carefully balanced to help and guide athletes to thrive in the classroom as well as on the court.

Edgbaston High School for Girls Elite Netball Director, Sophie Masterson states:

“To have three students selected for the same NPL squad is extremely rare and speaks volumes about their talent, work ethic and resilience. We are proud to be developing an environment where young athletes can pursue elite sport without compromising their education.”

The Birmingham Panthers NPL programme is nationally recognised as a key stepping stone towards Super League franchises and professional netball. Selection places the students among the most promising young netball players in the Midlands and beyond.

Students progressing into county, regional and national pathways are on the rise, and Edgbaston High School for Girls are proud of the carefully curated combination of academic excellence and achievement and professional-level sporting that is putting the school on the map as a hub for elite netball development.

For more information contact Emma Cove on 0121 454 5831. We would be happy to facilitate interviews with the students on site.