Although Headington School opened in 1915, it was not until 1991 that rowing started at this girls only institution, writes John Wiggins.

However, it has since grown in size and strength to the point where it is the undisputed top girls’ boat club in the UK.

The architect of this perennial success is Ryan Demaine, director of rowing and first eight coach.

Now in his tenth year at Headington, he has been promoted to director of sport while retaining overall control of the Boat Club, while promoting coach and boatman Chris Hermes to his assistant.

There are a number of girls who are strong contenders for international representation, led by captain Isabel Lingard.

Meanwhile, St Edward’s School, Oxford, look forward to continued success.

Peter Rudge, the Great Britain and Cambridge University cox, starts his second year in charge with fellow international Tom Burton leading the girls’ coaching and Jonny Singfield the boys coach for the sixth year.

Singfield’s superbly drilled crews have for the past two years reached the final at Henley.

With six of the 2014 crew returning together including GB international silver medallist cox, Hugo Marsh, they hope it might be third time lucky.

Abingdon School, after three consecutive Henley wins and despite winning at the National Schools’ Regatta, went out in the semi-final in 2014.

They have some impressive talent, not least, Tom Digby – a world junior silver medallist from 2014.

Radley College, with world silver medallist, Charlie Elwes as captain, look forward to the opening of an indoor rowing tank, enabling their crews to train in all conditions.