A SCHOOL swimming team made a splash with their record-breaking success at National English Schools’ Swimming Association finals (ESSA).
Pupils from Balsall Common Primary School Academy made history by achieving the school’s best-ever results at the (ESSA) competition in Sheffield.
The school’s year 5 and Year 6 swim teams qualified to compete at the prestigious event after excelling in regional heats earlier this year.
Out of over 16,700 state schools nationwide, both the boys’ and girls’ teams finished as the second fastest state school in England in both of their relay events.
In an even greater triumph, the boys’ team went on to qualify for two finals and came in as the fifth fastest school in England out of a combined total of 19,185 state and prep schools — a remarkable feat for a school with a modest 13-metre, one-metre deep swimming pool on its premises.
Ryan Bird, swim teacher at Balsall Common Primary School Academy, said: “We’re immensely proud of every pupil who competed.
“To achieve results of this calibre on a national stage, particularly given the size of our school pool and training resources compared to larger schools, is a testament to the dedication of our pupils and staff.
“It also highlights the importance of making swimming a regular part of school life for all children.”
