At the end of last term, several members of the Rifle Club shot qualifying cards in the hope of representing British Schools against New Zealand Schools in 2026. This fixture had been held annually until 2018, when it was discontinued for several years. The match was reinstated in 2025 and is now hoped to continue as an annual event once again.

Following the qualifying round, four pupils from Gresham’s School earned places in the 12-strong British Schools squad. Amir R qualified as the top shot in the country, achieving an outstanding score of 493 out of 500. Bella B, Ilana B and Henry J also performed strongly to secure their places in the final 12.

All 12 competitors then shot their match cards, with the top 10 scores counting towards the final team total. Ilana B, Henry J and Amir R were among those selected, meaning Gresham’s accounted for just under a third of the final team of 10 and was the most represented school in the British Schools side.

British Schools scored an impressive 1945 out of 2000 but were narrowly defeated by New Zealand Schools, who recorded a superb 1948. It was an extremely close match, and congratulations go to New Zealand Schools, as well as to all the Gresham’s pupils who represented the team so well.