Netball players pivoted and passed their way to victory as they wrote a chapter in their school’s history books.

Teams at St Helen & St Katharine in Abingdon wonthrough to the regional round of the biggest competition in the school netball calendar.

Mike Holland, spokesman for the girls’ school in Faringdon Road, said: “It was a tense day of competition and the three teams all played with typical determination and grace.

The quality of netball played was, as you would expect at the regional round, particularly high. The girls acquitted themselves incredibly well.”

"It was the first time in the school’s history that all three girls’ teams – under 14s, under 16s and under 19s – had made it through to the regional round of the national schools competition.

The under 14s went one step better and topped their group, meaning they immediately qualify for the final – another first for the school.

Annabel Wilson, who coaches the youngest team, said: “It was incredibly exciting for St Helen’s to have all three age groups qualify.

“They have worked tirelessly, shown enormous commitment and dedication, worked hard in training, rallied for each other and thoroughly enjoyed playing every match.”

The teams, made up of 28 students, will travel to Brighton on March 19 for the final.