NSR is back in Nottingham: What you need to know

Back in Nottingham for the first time since 2015, here’s what you need to know about The National Schools’ Regatta this weekend

The National Schools’ Regatta (NSR) kicks off on Friday with three days of action-packed racing ahead. 5,196 juniors from across Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales will descend on the National Water Sports Centre.

Competing across 47 events,19 more crews than last year will compete in a schedule packed full of time trials right the way through to A Finals and in some events, H Finals. As is often the case, rowers from Aberdeen and Ireland will travel the furthest to come and race with more than eight hours of driving, and a ferry for many of the crews from the Emerald Isle.

When asked what crews can look forward to this weekend, Mike Martin said, “Support, and lots of it.”

The Chairman of NSR continued, “Most importantly, they need to be prepared for the level of vocal support that will come from the banks as they race down the course.

“Over 80 supporter marquees will line the south side of the course, fellow competitors will line the north side. There will be a building wall of noise as they approach the finish. I hope they enjoy it and thrive on the energy.”

Leading the way with 32 entries is The Windsor Boys’ School. At last year’s event, the club left with gold medals in the J15, J16, and Championship Quads as well as the J16 2nd Quad winning its event.

Wallingford Rowing Club, who won the Junior and Overall Victor Ludorum at the 2024 British Rowing Club Championships are also entering en masse. 24 of their crews will represent the red and blue of Wallingford. Matching Wallingford’s entry numbers is Emmanuel School. After several A-final places last year, the tideway-based programme will be hoping to continue that momentum in events such as Championship Pairs, as well as open and girls Championship Coxed Fours.

Following the recent Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, many of the successful teams will be in action once again in Nottingham. Thames Upriver, who won the Overall and Boys VL will have 11 of its 12 clubs. Seven of the clubs who represented Scotland, and helped Scotland lift the Girls VL, will travel back across the border in search of more silverware.

“Over 80 supporter marquees will line the south side of the course, fellow competitors will line the north side. There will be a building wall of noise as they approach the finish. I hope they enjoy it and thrive on the energy.” – Mike Martin, Chairman of NSR

One of the scullers to watch from Scotland will be Glasgow Academy’s Briony Wood.The Glaswegian burst onto the scene back in 2022 and this year sees her going for three wins in a row in the Championship Girls Single Sculls. On the Boy’s side, Hartpury University & College’s Oliver Leppert will look to replicate the success of his former teammate. Elliott Donovan-Davies’ gold medal was one of three golds the west country club won last year and with eight entries, Hartpury are sending a larger squad than last year to Nottingham to build on their success 12 months ago.

Schools’ Head of the River Race Winners St Paul’s School, Headington School, Windsor Boys, and Tideway Scullers will all be aiming to continue early season success. After winning the Championship Eights and Quads events respectively, the four clubs will hope to add another win to their trophy cabinet as they try to win the illustrious ‘triple’ (SHORR, NSR, and Henley Royal Regatta).

The National Schools’ Regatta will be held at Holme Pierrepont Country Park in Nottingham from 23-25 May 2025.

For those who can’t make it to Nottingham, every race will be streamed live thanks to the generous support of Henry Cobbe and Elston Consulting so you can tune in from home. It’s free to watch, but registration is required: sign up here. If you listen carefully you might even hear some of the British Rowing comms team on commentary!

The full draw is available here.

For all information, including details of the event livestream, visit the NSR website.