Clifton High School Swimming Programme
DISCOVER OUR Swimming programme A complete swimming pathway from Infant School through to Sixth Form Elite Performance, in partnership with Bristol Henleaze Performance Swimming Club 1
Clifton High School Swimming Programme
Clifton High School Swimming Programme
A SWIMMING PATHWAY LIKE NO OTHER
SWIMMING SCHOLARSHIPS
From first strokes to performance swimming, Clifton High School’s swimming pathways are embedded in and form an integral part of our Physical Education and enrichment provision.
Combining Academic Excellence with Elite Performance Clifton High School Swimming Scholarship
Access to our on-site 25m heated indoor swimming pool provides pupils from The Hive Pre-School through to the Sixth Form with a swimming programme that builds confidence, technique, fitness and competition skills.
Entry Requirements:
Clifton High School’s partnership with Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club provides additional specialist coaching and training sessions before and after School, depending on age and ability.
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“Whether swimming is a pupil’s main sport, an additional activity or simply an enjoyment, there is a pathway to suit them”. - Mr Jez Birds, Director of Swimming Swimming Pathway Framework: • • •
Learn to Swim Programme (Stages 1-7) National Swimming Programme (Stages 1-4) Elite Adaptations / Elite Training
One School. One Pathway. Endless Possibilities.
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Year 7 to 9 pupils who are typically at, or have the potential to reach, county level. Year 10 and 11 children who are typically at, or have the potential to reach, regional level.
Clifton High School’s Swimmer Scholarship offers talented swimmers from Year 7 upwards the opportunity to receive an academic education combined with exceptional swimming opportunities. A team of dedicated and professional swim coaches provide swim scholarship pupils access to regular timetabled sessions in our on-site 25m pool and a bespoke training schedule that incorporates strength and conditioning workouts and nutrition advice. Curated around the individual, their ability to receive an academic education alongside a commitment to swimming does not compromise either.
Bristol Sport Elite Swimmer Scholarship Bristol Sport’s pioneering initiative combines elite, international-level swim coaching alongside a first-class academic education. It is open to select Bristol-based students aged 16 years+, who are already swimming at a competitive level. In partnership with Clifton High School, pupils may apply for an Elite Swimmer Scholarship to receive a 25% financial award to continue their swimming development in conjunction with studying A levels in our Sixth Form. Since the initiative’s inception in 2022, Clifton High School recipients of the Bristol Sport Elite Swimmer Scholarship have achieved national and international accolades.
To discover more about how your child can enjoy swimming at Clifton High School, contact our Admissions Team: admissions@cliftonhigh.co.uk | 0117 933 9087 1
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Clifton High School Swimming Programme
INFANT SCHOOL SWIMMING PROGRAMME
SENIOR SCHOOL SWIMMING PROGRAMME
Building Strong Foundations - Learn to Swim
Supporting Every Swimmer
Swimming begins with building confidence and comfort in the water. Our youngest pupils develop core aquatic skills, including water safety, fundamental movement and coordination skills. They progress through stages 1-7 of the national ‘Learn to Swim’ programme. Our on-site swimming pool gives children access to structured lessons, scheduled within the School day, helping us to deliberately keep children ahead of national expectations.
All Senior School pupils, whatever their level or motivation, are encouraged to participate in the sport of swimming, whether they prefer to swim competitively or for enjoyment. Lessons are delivered within the School curriculum, with provision also available through after-School clubs and in association with our partner, Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club.
Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club Partnership We prime our Infant School children during their curriculum swimming lessons to progress to the Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club when they transition to the Junior School. This unique partnership allows outstanding professional coaches to develop pupils’ competitive skills or simply encourage the enjoyment of recreational swimming.
JUNIOR SCHOOL SWIMMING PROGRAMME Developing Skills and Confidence From Years 3 to 5, pupils continue to progress through the ‘Learn to Swim’ stages, developing their swimming techniques, strokes, water confidence, fitness and race skills. Sessions are delivered within the School curriculum and in after-School clubs, with additional sessions available at Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club. In Year 6, alongside structured weekly lessons, pupils progress to the first stage of the National Swimming Programme known as ‘Progressive Talent ID’ and can access the next stage of the programme, Progressive Talent ID. Sessions encompass all strokes and technical skills to provide further opportunities at club and competitive level for pupils who choose swimming as their main sport. It also develops selected athletes for future performance pathway possibilities. We ensure that all children are swimming ahead of the national expectations, putting them at an advantage throughout their swimming development journey. This not only builds the foundations for lifelong enjoyment but also can whet their competitive appetite. 3
Clifton High School Swimming Programme
In Years 7 to 9, swimming is an important part of Clifton High School’s multisport approach to developing well-rounded, confident athletes. We continue to administer the National Swimming Programme, progressing children to the second and third stages of Progressive Talent ID. Focusing on the fitness foundations required for swimming, technical skills are reinforced for those pupils who have chosen swimming as a main sport, or for selected athletes who will navigate our performance pathways. In Year 10 and 11, swimmers may advance to the fourth and final stage of Progressive Talent ID, to reach Elite Training and Elite Adaptations. This level of training aims at competitive success, with dry land training and pool slots as part of their curriculum timetable or within an after-School provision through Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club.
SIXTH FORM SWIMMING PROGRAMME Performance Without Compromise Selected Sixth Form swimmers continue to partake in the final stage of Progressive Talent ID, namely Elite Training and Elite Adaptations. Supported by professional coaches and a dedicated Swim Team, they train for competitive success and have access to dry land, strength and conditioning sessions, nutrition advice and pool time slots that are scheduled within their individual curriculum timetable. Additional sessions with our partner, Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club, or recreational swimming at Clifton High School remain available for all students.
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Clifton High School Swimming Programme
Clifton High School Swimming Programme
ELITE SWIMMER PROFILE
ELITE SWIMMER PROFILE
Jacob, Year 11
India, Year 13 Jacob is a talented swimmer who successfully balances his academic studies with an intensive training programme alongside his rugby commitments. His weekly schedule includes multiple swimming sessions, strength and conditioning training, shoulder health work, and rugby training.
India is a dedicated swimmer and water polo player who balances her academic studies with an intensive training programme that includes swimming, strength and conditioning, shoulder health work, and water polo training throughout the week. Her commitment and talent have led to success on the international stage. In summer 2026, India represented Great Britain Under 20s at the European Water Polo Championships, helping the team secure an 8th-place finish.
His dedication and commitment have led to impressive national success. At the 2026 British National Championships, Jacob placed 5th in the 100m Backstroke and 13th in the 100m Freestyle. In recognition of his potential, Jacob has been invited to join the England Talent Programme for 2026/27, an achievement that highlights him as one of the country’s most promising young swimmers.
Alongside her swimming, India competes at a high level in water polo, combining demanding training schedules in both sports.
Alongside his swimming, Jacob continues to compete in rugby, using rugby training as part of his strength and conditioning programme.
Weekly Training Schedule
Weekly Training Schedule • • • • • •
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Monday: Rugby Sevens Tuesday: Team swimming (morning) and rugby (afternoon) Wednesday: Strength and conditioning followed by swimming Thursday: Shoulder health session and swimming Friday: Swimming Sunday: Bristol Henleaze Swimming Club training
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Monday: Strength and conditioning followed by swimming Tuesday: Swimming (morning); strength and conditioning followed by swimming (afternoon); water polo training (evening) Wednesday: Strength and conditioning followed by swimming Thursday: Shoulder health session and swimming; water polo training (evening) Friday: Swimming
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Clifton High School Swimming Programme
www.cliftonhigh.co.uk 7
admissions@cliftonhigh.co.uk
0117 933 9087