 Almost all the founding 16 schools compete to this day and, although it remains an invitation event, no eligible school would be refused entry upon application.In 1956 the Preparatory Schools competition was started for IAPS schools and in 1973 the Juniors (U13s) were held for the first time.In March 1997, a new competition was introduced for the U16s and it has been the policy during the past few years to invite schools from overseas who may be touring the UK to play in the tournament.