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Our Year 8 boys' relay team made ºìÐÓÊÓƵ history on Saturday 15th November, claiming Gold and Bronze at the ESSA Secondary Schools Team Relay Championship finals in Birmingham's Commonwealth Games venue.

The English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) Relay Championships is the largest national event for secondary school aged swimmers from across England, including state, independent and home-schooled students. Guy, Harry, Alex and Oscar competed in 4x50m Freestyle and Medley relays, delivering outstanding performances against top competition.

The Championships are run as a National Final with competing schools determined by the fastest times achieved in a qualifying round organised by the ESSA divisions. In 2022 there were 2099 teams from over 300 schools who participated in the qualifying round in 20 separate galas across the country.

The Medley Final: Pure Gold

After qualifying 1st in their heat, the boys entered the Final with everything to prove against strong competition from RGS Guildford and Millfield Schools. The tension was palpable but the boys were fired up, with Alex and Harry swimming the first and second legs a second faster than in the heat. Oscar kept that lead and Guy dived in knowing that he had to give all he had. Our boys touched first, smashing their heat time by two seconds to become National Champions—a moment that parents, siblings, and teachers will never forget!

Freestyle Final: Bronze Brilliance

Still buzzing from their Gold, the team reset for the Freestyle relay. Another stellar performance—two seconds faster than their qualifying time—secured them 3rd place and a well-earned Bronze medal.

This unprecedented achievement reflects countless training hours, unwavering commitment, and true team spirit. Huge thanks to coach Tina and all the families who supported this remarkable journey.

Double national medallists—simply unforgettable!