'I get up at 5.30 every morning to play chess'

St Catherine's School pupils Liubava and Anna are taking part in the National Schools Chess Championships

Hundreds of girls are preparing to take on players from all over the country in a bid to become chess champions.

For eight-year-old Liubava, a pupil at St Catherine's School in Bramley, Surrey, and the UK under-eight girls champion, that means an early start.

"I usually wake up at 05:30 GMT and practise until 07:40," she said. "Then after school, I play two hours of chess."

Liubava is one of nearly 330 players competing in the girls-only National Schools Chess Championships, which take place in Surrey this year.

Liubava practises on her own at home with no opponents, but sometimes goes to chess tournaments at the weekend.

She said: "I think chess is really good because when you think it helps your brain and you can do lots of problem solving."

Ines, Harriet, Aleia and Liubava are part of St Catherine's School's weekly chess club

There is a record number of girls taking part in this year's tournament, which is organised by the English Chess Federation (ECF).

Liubava said it was really good to see more girls involved as they "should have the same opportunities as boys".

Anna, 17, who is also competing, has been playing chess since she was four and now plays in the school team.

She said: "Playing chess has helped me to collaborate with other players as well as working independently.

"It seems more like an individual sport where you don't really interact with the rest of your team.

"But I find it to be quite the opposite. When you're training with other members of your team, there is a sense of community."

Pupils Kathy and Olivia are enjoying a game of chess St Catherine's School

The 2025 National Schools Chess Championships is hosted by St Catherine's School.

The semi-finals will take place on Sunday and the finals will take place on 5 and 6 April.