Pupils from Loughborough Grammar School proudly represented the Loughborough Schools Foundation, alongside Loughborough High School and Fairfield Prep School, at the 2025 World School Swim Championships. The event, which was held from 9–11 May, took place at the Aquatic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London – a truly world-class venue.
This prestigious international event brought together over 40 schools from more than 10 countries, offering young athletes a rare chance to compete in the world-famous Olympic pool used during the London Games in 2012. The swimming championships showcased both elite and performance level competition alongside global camaraderie, with swimmers sharing not just lanes, but unforgettable experiences.
The Foundation’s team included 23 pupils: six U11 boys and five U11 girls from Fairfield Prep, four U13 girls from Loughborough High School, and eight boys from Loughborough Grammar School across the U13 and U15 categories with some of the swimmers making finals, posting personal bests and demonstrating excellent technique and determination.
Our U15 boys team won the overall team event, an incredible achievement. They also placed third in the 4x50m mixed freestyle relay and second in the 4x50m individual medley relay. We were thrilled to witness Zac win gold in the Nations Relay, helping England swim to victory against six other nations. Other notable races also saw our pupils place first in both the 50m and the 100m breaststroke.
But it wasn’t just all about medals. A true highlight of the trip was the culture of teamwork and mentorship, with older pupils guiding and supporting younger ones both in and out of the water. Whether cheering from the stands or helping each other prepare for events, the team embodied the values of sportsmanship, leadership and unity.
Outside the pool, pupils explored London, navigated the Underground, stayed in Canary Wharf, and enjoyed a team dinner at Pizza Express — a well-earned celebration after long days, including an eleven-hour Saturday spent poolside with 6am starts.
A huge well done to all who took part in the swimming championships and represented the Grammar School with pride, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm throughout a truly memorable weekend.
