Wakefield Trinity to host 2025 inspiresport Champion Schools Year 11 and College Finals

The stars of the future will be gathering in Wakefield next Wednesday (23 April) when the DIY Kitchens Stadium plays host to the 2025 inspiresport Champion Schools Year 11 and College Finals.

Three titles will be up for grabs with the day kicking off at 1.15pm when Calderdale College (Halifax Panthers) face Priestley College (Warrington Wolves).

Girls’ colleges have been playing festivals at different venues across the North West and Yorkshire since January with points accrued across each event. Now, the top two teams will face one another in a nine-a-side game next Wednesday to determine this year’s champion.

St Benedict’s Catholic High School (Cumbria) are set to battle Bridgewater High School (NW) in the Year 11 Boys Final. Bridgewater are making their return to the showpiece event after missing out in 2024 and are looking for their first National Title with this year group - they survived a narrow 18-16 victory against St Mary’s in the quarter-finals in their closest encounter in the earlier rounds.

St Benedict’s last Y11 Boys Final appearance was back in 2022 where they were defeated by St Cuthbert’s. Whilst the Cumbria side got off to a flying start scoring the first try of the game, it wasn’t meant to be, and they lost out 42-16. For 2025, they had a convincing win against Welsh side Rhydywaun in the quarters before a closely fought 26-34 win against Outwood Academy Freeston.

Finally, the action-packed day will conclude with the Year 11 Girls when Castleford Academy (Yorkshire) take on St Peter’s Catholic High School (NW) in a rematch of last year’s final. That day saw Castleford eventually coming away champions after a hard-fought 22-16 victory against the Wigan school. It was a close encounter for much of the game with Castleford eventually taking control in the final 15 minutes.

This season, both schools placed in the top two at the National Festival and have won their respective regional cups so it should be another exciting contest between the teams.

Admission to the 2025 inspiresport Champion Schools Year 11 and College Finals will be £5 adults, £3 concessions – cash or card on entry.

2025 inspiresport Champion Schools Year 11 and College Finals - DIY Kitchens Stadium, Wakefield:

Girls College Final

Calderdale College (Halifax Panthers) v Priestley College (Warrington Wolves) (KO 1.35pm)

Boys Y11 inspiresport Champion Schools Final

St Benedict’s Catholic High School (Cumbria) v Bridgewater High School (NW) (KO 3.20pm)

Girls Y11 inspiresport Champion Schools Final

Year 11 Girls when Castleford Academy (Yorkshire) take on St Peter’s Catholic High School (NW) (KO 5.30pm)