St Andrew’s Prep School, Eastbourne
27th September 2025
The Fives court at St Andrew’s School in Eastbourne was officially reopened last weekend as part of the celebrations for Old Androvian Day.
After a speech by current headmaster Tom Gregory, the ribbon on the court (originally built in 1891, we believe) was cut by former headmaster Gareth Jones, who was at the school when work on the court was started. Then, in front of a crowd of current and former pupils, an exhibition match was staged by Simon Beal, Andy Pringle, James Holman-Dine and Adam de Belder. The first three went to both St Andrew’s and Eastbourne College, while Adam (who learned the game at Denstone) plays with the Eastbourne Club.
The match was the end of a long, and occasionally frustrating period for the school, which first refurbished the court almost 10 years ago. However, what soon became clear was that the court was far too long, especially for the young children who would use it, so the decision was taken to install a glass back wall. This would have the twin benefits of shortening the length of the court and allowing any coach and/or spectators to be indoors. However, due to a combination of circumstances – including Covid-19 and some issues with the original contractors – the work was only finished earlier this year.
It was worth the wait, though, and the court is now in really good shape. The glass back wall fits perfectly, the bounce is excellent and the court is well lit and nicely painted too.
Adults would certainly find the court rather small – the front wall in particular is much lower than usual – but it’s ideal for the young children who will be using the court. There’s also a commitment from St Andrew’s to grow the game, and the RFA understands that teachers from Eastbourne College, along with a couple of members of the Eastbourne Club, will regularly help with coaching. The aim is to send some children from St As to the U13 championships this season and, in due course, feed Fives-playing kids into Eastbourne College.
All in all, it’s more good news for the game on the south coast, especially as Eastbourne College also refurbished its courts over the summer.
Headmaster Tom Gregory declares the court open
Former headmaster Gareth Jones cuts the ribbon to open the court officially
Four players with strong links to St Andrew’s and Eastbourne played an exhibition match
The court is in the heart of the school