Ella Pashley and Abraham Sellado from the Charles Read Academy are top of the Table Tennis England rankings

Two pupils from the Charles Read Academy have been named as the top ranked table tennis players in their age group in the country.

Ella Pashley and Abraham Sellado are respectively leading the Under 17 girls and Under 15 boys sections in the Table Tennis England rankings.

Their number one rankings are the latest in a series of significant achievements for both students who have both enjoyed a remarkable year of success.

Ella and Abraham both played key roles in helping Charles Read Academy, part of the David Ross Education Trust, secure the Under 16 National Schools Team Championship title.

Individually, Ella excelled by being crowned the Under 16 National Schools individual champion and also earned a silver medal in both the Under 19 and Under 21 National Championships.

Abraham, meanwhile, demonstrated his prowess by winning the Under 15 National Championships and advancing to the quarter-finals of the European Youth Championships.

Natalie Green, head of table Tennis for the David Ross Education Trust, praised their accomplishments.

She said: "This is a fantastic achievement for both Ella and Abraham and it's a wonderful way to start the new year.

"The dedication and work ethic they demonstrate daily is truly remarkable and it has been a pleasure to support them on their journey."

Both Ella and Abraham joined the Charles Read Academy Table Tennis Performance Centre in 2023, moving specifically to pursue their education and table tennis ambitions.

At school, students benefit from between six to eight hours of specialist coaching and training.

They are then able to access a further 18 hours at Grantham College Table Tennis Academy, Charles Read Academy's table tennis partner.

Ella said: "I am really pleased to become England number one.

"It is the first time I have reached this level and I am very happy that all my effort has paid off."

Abraham added: "It feels amazing to be England number one.

"I think it shows the work I put into table tennis last year and it is very rewarding for my results and the commitments I made."

Sue Jones, executive principal at Charles Read Academy, was also delighted for the pupils.

She commented: "We are extremely proud of both Abraham and Ella.

"Their hard work and commitment has really paid off and they are a credit not only to themselves but also to Charles Read Academy.

"We hope that they, along with the other table tennis scholars, continue to achieve their sporting and academic goals as the year progresses.

"This outstanding success reflects both their individual talents and the supportive environment at Charles Read Academy, where students are encouraged to strive for excellence both on and off the table.

"The achievements of Ella and Abraham set a strong example for their peers, inspiring others to pursue their passions with equal dedication."