BACA Junior Cricket Academy
Building on the success of our sixth form Aldridge Cricket Academy, we have extended our partnership with Sussex Cricket offering the BACA Junior Cricket Academy for male and female cricketers.
In addition to enjoying a full GCSE academic curriculum and enrichment programme at our academy, Year 7 -11 students on the Junior Cricket pathway benefit from:
- Over 4 hours of Specialist Cricket Coaching each week (both in curriculum PE lessons and after-school sessions)
- Strength & Conditioning Sessions specific to the needs of cricketers
- Competitive indoor and outdoor playing programmes.
In 2026, BACA has once again been voted into the Top 100 schools for cricket in the country by the Cricketer Magazine. This recognition is the sixth consecutive year since 2020, one of only six state secondary schools to achieve that status.
Mark Robinson joined Aldridge Cricket Academy in June 2025, following an extensive playing and coaching career at both First Class and International level. These include Head Coach for the England Lions, England U19’s, Sussex and Warwickshire Men. The highlight of his career was winning the 2017 Women's World Cup at Lords.
The Aldridge Cricket Academy provides exceptional state-school facilities and coaching for young cricketers who have a dream to become high level players. Graduates from our sixth form programme include Ollie Moore, who was named in Sussex 1st XI squads; USA and former Sussex Women’s player Tara Norris; and Liam O’Brien, current Physical Disability International.
Our young cricketers have unique access to:
- The £1.8m Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre outdoor and indoor facilities, home to Sussex Women’s Pathway Cricket and Sussex Men's Over 50's squad for training and matches
- Our ECB Level 3 & 4 qualified coaching team:
- Mark Robinson, OBE: Director of Cricket
- Jordan Shaw: Assistant BACA Lead Coach, Sussex Boys, Sussex Women, Assistant Southern Vipers Coach
- Janaken Prabhakaren: ACA and Sussex Cricket Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Phil Hudson: Junior Cricket Pathway Lead Coach, Sussex Pathway Manager
- Additional support from Sussex Coaches and players
Our mission is to ensure all BACA students benefit from an excellent education, secure great qualifications and develop into young adults who are the first choice recruits for universities and employers. We inspire each of our students to take control of their education as they develop the knowledge and skills they need to follow their passions into a successful future.
We are accepting in-year applications in all year groups. If you are interested in joining us or would like to arrange a visit please contact out Cricket Administrator cbowden@baca-uk.co.uk or Mark Robinson, Director of Cricket at mrobinson@baca-uk.co.uk.