Shooting success for Perse girls in team trials

Carla (Year 13) and Laetitia (Year 12), competing as part of the ‘Perse A Team’, recently set the standard at the Prince William of Wales Competition, hosted by the annual British Schools Small-bore Rifle Association (BSSRA).

The Perse A Team claimed first place overall in the Ladies Section finals. With an impressive combined score of 1744 points, the team was also awarded the Prince William of Wales medals, a major national success for The Perse.

Both Carla and Laetitia also achieved remarkable individual results at the New Zealand (NZ) Match Team Trials, against the strongest school-age competitors in the country.

Carla delivered a stand-out performance, finishing third overall, while Laetitia secured an impressive ninth place, underlining her consistency among the top tier of competitors.

The ultimate goal for many young athletes is to represent their country, and we are pleased to announce that both Carla and Laetitia have also been selected for the 2025/26 British Schools Team. Selection is reserved only for the top 12 scorers from the trials, marking this a significant milestone in their sporting careers.

The subsequent match against the New Zealand (NZ) team was a nail-biter. In a display of world-class precision from both sides, the NZ team edged out a victory by a razor-thin margin of just 3 points.

Results at a Glance

From Year 7 Beginnings to Nationals

Curiously, both students began their rifle shooting journeys at the Perse Rifle Club in Year 7. Carla joined, she says, for the social aspect, invited by a classmate for ‘a bit of fun.’ What started as an interest quickly shifted to a passion for the sport, and a continuing involvement in the club and regular shooting events.

“I always appreciate the challenge of a new competition and I try to take them as an opportunity to refine and better my skills,” said Carla

“Over the years I have been given more responsibility and independence in my training and this has allowed me to develop many other skills such as organisation and leadership as well as skills more specific to the sport like zeroing.”

Competing across multiple categories in the Prince William of Wales Competition, Carla has once again proven herself adaptable and confident in the sport. A standout gold medal in the Ladies Division set the tone, followed by a silver medal and badge in the B Class Section, and a well-earned bronze in the Juniors Division.

Laetitia’s journey into shooting started a little differently. As she describes it, was initially a battle of nerves when first trying the sport.

“As a Year 7 student, I was mortified of the idea of shooting,” she admits, reluctantly joining the Rifle Club as ‘something interesting to try’.

“After a slow and shaky start, my technique improved quickly, and my fear shifted into genuine enjoyment as I began to progress in the sport .”

Laetitia’s recent placements reflect the deep discipline, skill and passion she has developed for shooting, and we’re so excited to see how she continues throughout the year.

Congratulations to our teams, individual athletes and dedicated coaches on these phenomenal results. We look forward to seeing what the rest of the 2026 season holds!

To learn more about the Perse Outdoor Education Department including the Perse Rifle Club, visit https://www.perse.co.uk/admissions/sixth/school-life/beyond/outdoor-pursuits/