For students passionate about swimming, finding a school that actively nurtures their talent is key. UK boarding schools are renowned for their holistic approach to education, and many offer outstanding facilities and programmes for aspiring swimmers.
We have curated a selection of 10 of the best UK boarding schools for swimming, all with exceptional facilities, coaching expertise, and a dedication to helping students thrive both in and out of the pool.
Finding the best UK boarding school for you is our top priority – contact us to find out more about what the schools have to offer.
Bournemouth Collegiate School is a co-educational school located on the south coast of England. The school has multiple sports academies, with swimming being their most successful. The Swimming Academy has produced many national medallists and even some record-breaking Olympians such as Alice Tai. Their excellent reputation for swimming resulted in them being awarded the Independent Schools Association Prize for Sports in 2021.
Make a splash at Bournemouth Collegiate School.
Culford School is a co-educational school set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Known for its dedication to nurturing sports talent, Culford provides a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool and professional coaching through its Swimming Academy, tailored to each student’s needs. The school has a proven track record of producing skilled swimmers who achieve great success in regional and national competitions.
Take the plunge at Culford School.
Eastbourne College, a co-educational school on the south coast of England, offers excellent swimming facilities as part of its broad sports programme. Students that are part of the Swim Club train mornings and evenings, and benefit from a six-lane swimming pool with touchpad timing. There’s also seating for 100 spectators and a plasma screen for competitions. Students are coached by Claire Bryant, a nationally recognised swimmer and water polo player.
Dive into success at Eastbourne College.
Ellesmere College is a co-educational school located in the picturesque Shropshire countryside, near the Welsh border. The school has a Swimming Academy that provides students with fantastic facilities and coaching, whilst ensuring they have plenty academic support. Students consistently achieve national and international medals, making Ellesmere a great choice for those passionate about swimming.
Make waves at Ellesmere College.
Kingswood School, a co-educational institution in the historic city of Bath, offers a thriving Swimming Club supported by a heated indoor pool and expert coaches. Students have the opportunity to compete in local, regional, and national competitions, all while balancing academic excellence with their passion for the sport.
Perfect your stroke at Kingswood School.
Malvern College is a co-educational school set in the stunning Worcestershire countryside. Students benefit from a 25-metre indoor swimming pool within the Sports Complex. The school has experienced coaching staff ready to give students individualised training tailored to their goals. Their strong reputation and outstanding facilities led former Olympian swimmer Mark Foster to host his training camp at the school in 2016.
Dive deeper at Malvern College.
Millfield School is a co-educational school in Somerset and is known as one of the best boarding schools for sports in the UK, with alumni being present at every Olympic games since 1968. The school boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool and full water polo facilities. Training is offered six days a week and programmes are tailored to the individual student’s goals and level.
Take the plunge at Millfield School.
Plymouth College, a co-educational school in Devon, has excellent swimming and diving programmes, producing Olympic Gold Medallist Tom Daley and World Champion Ruta Meilutyte. The school is partnered with Plymouth Leander, one of the UK’s best Swimming Clubs. This partnership ensures students receive world-class swimming coaching whilst still focusing on their academics. Facilities include both a 50 and 25-metre pool, and a fantastic diving programme.
Make a splash at Plymouth College.
Strathallan School is a co-educational school in Perthshire, Scotland. The school has a Swimming Academy that offers students physiotherapy and mentoring alongside excellent swimming coaching. Academy swimmers have exclusive use of the pool and swim for up to 6 days in the mornings and evenings. Duncan Scott MBE, a previous Strathallan student, became the Most Decorated British Olympian at the Tokyo 2020 Games after winning four medals in swimming.
Reach new depths at Strathallan School.
Whitgift School, an all boys school in Surrey, has an outstanding swimming programme. Students have access to a 25-metre swimming pool and have 14 hours of training available to them per week before and after school. The school takes part in multiple galas and competitions, competing in clubs from across the UK. From first time swimmers to those aspiring to compete at national levels, Whitgift caters for all abilities and goals.
Dive into excellence at Whitgift School.
Beyond the pool, UK boarding schools offer a supportive community, high academic standards, and an emphasis on personal development. Their commitment to nurturing talent ensures that students receive the best possible start in their swimming journeys, equipped with skills to succeed in sport and life.
Contact us to find the best UK boarding school for your child’s swimming aspirations.
Keep an eye out for the next blog post in our ‘Best UK boarding schools for…’ series!
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