The School has a fantastic facility for swimming. The 20m indoor heated pool provides the opportunity for training throughout the year and encourages the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through aquatic pursuits. Swimming, teaching, water polo, scuba diving, canoeing and lifesaving are just some of the regular activities taking place here.
Cottesmore is proud of its great record over the years in swimming competitions. The School Squad has won honours at the IAPS National Championships on several occasions and the teams have always been among the most competitive in the country. Our Squads train every week and take part in galas against other local schools all year round. Individual success also inspires others and Cottesmore provides the necessary training and support to ensure individuals achieve their personal goals through consistent training, good links with local Clubs and the provision of extra pool time. Regular Time Trials are held to encourage development; these lead to the nationally standardised ASA Speed Awards, which are regularly awarded. In addition, the ASA National Programme is followed in order to develop aquatic techniques leading to the award of Progress Awards at various stages.
Fully-qualified ASA Swim Teachers provide a structured programme which with support from the Aquafins School of Swimming, takes the pupils from non-swimmer or beginner right through to the top level of competition. Pupils entering the Prep School are expected to be able to swim 25m unaided; extra teaching is provided to ensure new pupils meet this target. Additional coaching is provided by Crawley Swimming Club, Aquafins and the School’s own swim teachers and coaches. Free swim activities take place in the pool every weekend for boarders and aquatic activities are a key part of the School’s curriculum.
David Holdway
Head of Swimming, Cottesmore School