ESSA Primary Team National Finals

Our U11 girls’ swimming team proudly represented Bromsgrove Prep at the English Schools’ Swimming Association (ESSA) Primary Team Championships National Finals at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield.

The team, consisting of Year 6 pupils Katherine Z, Harper C and Lizzy F, alongside Year 5 pupil Matilda F, qualified through the regional rounds to earn their place among the very best Primary School swimming teams in England. The championships feature both state and independent schools from across the country, making qualification itself a tremendous achievement.

The girls first competed in the Open Schools Girls’ Mixed Stroke Relay, producing an excellent performance against a strong national field. Swimming with determination and composure, the team finished 17th overall in the country, a fantastic achievement at such a prestigious event.

Later in the day, the girls returned to the pool for the Open Schools Girls’ Freestyle Relay. Having qualified for the national finals ranked 17th in the country, the team delivered an outstanding swim in their heat to secure a place in the B Final. They then improved again in the final, recording a superb time of 1:05.70 to finish 4th and 12th overall in the country, moving up five places from their qualifying ranking.

To compete at a national final is an achievement in itself, and the girls should be extremely proud of the commitment, teamwork and resilience they demonstrated throughout the competition. Representing Bromsgrove Prep on the national stage and finishing amongst the top schools in England is a remarkable accomplishment.

Well done to Katherine, Harper, Lizzy and Matilda on a memorable day of swimming and for being such excellent ambassadors for the School.