A headteacher says she is delighted her school's chess team has made it to the semi-finals of a national competition.

Pupils from Coldfall Primary School in Muswell Hill played in the 2013 English Primary Schools Chess Championships last week and have made it to the semi final round which will take place in June.

Teams from Year Four and Year Six took part in the contest, battling it out against other schools from across London.

Evelyn Davis, headteacher of the Coldfall Avenue school, said: “We are extremely proud of all our chess teams and their successes in recent months.

“We've seen what a positive effect it can have on pupils and are thrilled to have recently introduced chess as part of the curriculum for all our Year 3 pupils.

“Not only has it improved pupils' concentration and problem-solving skills but in many children the success they have in chess has hugely boosted their confidence and self-esteem, which has been transferred to all aspects of school life."

Year Six pupils Oscar Pollack, captain of the Under 11 A team said: "It’s great being captain of the Coldfall chess team. We have done well because of our fabulous teacher Kamlesh."

He added: “Our goal is to qualify for the national final of the competition and we think we may be finally good enough.”