An inclusive activity inspired by an elite squad
The College swimmers and squad are fortunate to benefit state-of-the-art six-lane pool. The pool boasts touch-pad timing and a big screen for competitions and training, as well as seating for 100 spectators.
Swimming is available to all year groups throughout the school year. It is enjoyed as an activity in Years 9 and 10, or as a games option for pupils in Year 11 or the sixth form. The swim squad train in the mornings and evenings during the week. Swimming is led by Jessica Simmonds who is not only Head of Academic PE, but is herself an Ex GB swimmer, not to mentioned her highly accredited and decorated accomplishments in many others sporting areas. The swimmers are coached by Claire Bryant, a highly respected National swimmer and waterpolo player with a Level 2 coaching qualification.
The swim team are hugely successful in not only engendering a love of swimming in pupils, a true life-skill, but also in the success that they achieve at a very high level. For elite swimmers, a tailor-made programme is developed with links to training and competitions through the long-established and very successful Eastbourne Swim Club. 3 Current pupils are also enrolled in the GB talent development programme
Swimming galas take place throughout the year, alongside regular inter-school fixtures. October sees the national qualification rounds for the English Secondary Schools Association (ESSA) relay competition. The Weald and Downland Trophy (a seven-way inter-school event hosted at Tonbridge) takes place in February. March sees the annual Bath Cup relays at the London Olympic Aquatics Centre involving over 80 schools. The Sussex Cup, a four-school event, is run in April.
Recent Successes
Eastbourne College Boys’ Swimming Team
2022 Bath Cup podium 3rd Place. Weald and Downland Trophy winners Intermediate boys
2019 Bath Cup finalists
2018 Gold medal for senior boys, Weald and Downland Trophy
2017 Gold medal for senior boys, Weald and Downland Trophy. Senior boys relay team qualified for the national finals, improving their final standing by five places to 25th. Bath Cup finalists (sixth in freestyle, eighth in medley)
Eastbourne College Girls’ Swimming Relay Team
2019 The girls team finished 12th overall at the Bath Cup finals
2017 Bath Cup finalists
