Schools Bridge
Schools bridge is social, educational and fun.
EBED can help you build a successful bridge programme in your school.
You do not need to be a bridge expert to start a school club.
The most successful clubs start simply, build gradually and connect pupils with the wider bridge community.
Start small and simple
Advertise the club in assemblies, newsletters or form tutor notices using our templates for flyers and posters.
Get newcomers playing cards straight away. Introduce contracts through MiniBridge, then bring in standard bridge ideas as soon as pupils are ready. Promote EBED's Thursday drop-in.
Find a sponsor
Clubs that last usually have a teacher, senior student or other adult who acts as an anchor, providing continuity and helping sessions run smoothly.
They can also promote the club to new members. They do not need to be an expert player: if you need bridge teaching support, contact EBED and we may be able to connect you with a volunteer.
Build gradually
Ask keen players to bring friends, and set some standard boards so pupils can compare results and improve together.
Once the club has regular players, consider arranging a friendly match with a nearby school, inviting a team to visit, or entering the National Schools Championship.
If you are ready to go further, these ideas can help you shape sessions, keep pupils engaged and connect your club with the wider bridge community.
Starting a school bridge club
Most school bridge clubs begin very simply.
A classroom, a pack of cards and a small group of curious pupils are usually enough to get started. Early sessions often use MiniBridge, which allows students to begin playing hands almost immediately while gradually learning the structure of the game.
The most successful clubs normally have a teacher (or sometimes a senior student) acting as the school sponsor. This person provides continuity, helps organise sessions and keeps the club connected to the life of the school.
Visiting volunteers or members of local bridge clubs can be extremely valuable in helping with teaching and supervision, but a school‑based organiser is usually what allows the club to build real momentum.
EBED provides equipment, teaching materials and advice to help new school clubs establish themselves.
Next steps
Once a club is established it often begins to expand.
A committed teacher or student sponsor remains important at this stage. They organise sessions, encourage new players to join and help the club take advantage of opportunities beyond the school.
Pupils progress from MiniBridge to duplicate bridge. Some schools introduce internal competitions, while others arrange friendly matches with nearby schools. In several parts of the country small clusters of schools now play regular fixtures against one another.
Over time many clubs take part in regional events and national youth competitions such as the National Schools Championship, and some also enter the Inter‑Schools Bridge League.
EBED helps schools connect with the wider youth bridge network so that clubs do not operate in isolation.
Support from EBED
EBED supports school bridge in several practical ways:
- equipment: cards and bidding boxes
- teaching resources and structured lesson materials
- guidance for teachers and volunteers starting or running clubs
- connections with local bridge clubs and experienced coaches
- information about youth competitions, camps and events
- advice on grants and funding opportunities where available
Our aim is straightforward: to make it easy for schools to introduce bridge and help their clubs flourish. Contact us if you're looking for help.
Resources
EBED has prepared a number of useful documents to help you get your bridge club started. Click below to download:
Guide to starting a school bridge club (pdf)
Template for school bridge club poster
Junior Award Scheme Teaching Materials
Schools with bridge clubs
School 1
School 2
School 3