Brentwood Prep School ski siblings make school history

Two young snowsport enthusiasts have made Brentwood School history as the first pupils to not only compete in the National Schools Race League Finals… but also finish in the top 10 skiers.

Eleven-year-old Henry Pratt and his 8-year-old sister, Scarlett, both pupils at Brentwood Preparatory School, put in determined performances in the Junior competition held in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire.

Prep School Headmaster, Jason Whiskerd, said: “I am thrilled for Henry and Scarlett as they are wonderfully committed to their skiing and a place in the national top ten is a tangible reward for their hard work and talent. I am also pleased that a so-called 'minority sport' has rightly been given the spotlight on this occasion, and that Brentwood School is able to offer such opportunities to the children.”

Brentwood School’s ski team, under the leadership of Head of Skiing, Mrs Zeta Hill, first competed in the Independent Schools Ski Championships (ISSC) back in December 2019 and has since gone from strength to strength.

All racers taking part in the invitation-only National Schools Snowsports Association (NSSA) Race Leagues had achieved a top 3 place overall at each regional venue (within their age group and gender).

Henry and Scarlett, who both took up skiing on a family holiday four years ago, attend Brentwood Senior School’s weekly training sessions held at the Brentwood Park Ski & Snowboard Centre in Warley.

Proud dad, Mr Andrew Pratt, himself an Old Brentwood, said: “Living in England presents obvious challenges when it comes to skiing! But Brentwood is lucky to have its own dry ski slope and both Henry and Scarlett have developed their race skills via the Essex Ski Racing Club set up, which provides great opportunities for children of all ages and abilities.”

As well as training with the School Ski team and the Essex Ski Racing Club, Henry and Scarlett attend race events at different dry slopes and indoor ski slopes. They also get to hone their skills on family holidays and are lucky enough to call the Gerken Schofield family - Team GB’s formidable ski trio - their friends; gaining invaluable tips and inspiration thanks to their generosity.

Mr Pratt said: “Leonie, Makala and Thomas all represent Team GB in the moguls on the World Cup professional tour and have inspired Henry and Scarlett to race. Fingers crossed the three siblings will get the opportunity to represent Team GB at Beijing 2022.”

Speaking after last Saturday’s NSL Finals, Mrs Hill said: “Henry and Scarlett were incredibly determined and improved on their times after each run. Unfortunately no medals this time but to come in the top 10 of the skiers represented nationally is a great achievement and a landmark moment for the team. Here's to more races, more finals and more medals next year!”