Why Swimming?
We have a comprehensive swimming and aquatics programme that provides opportunities for pupils to enjoy the water throughout school life, whether it be social, recreational, competitive or as part of the PE timetable.
Various swimming and aquatics activities are available throughout the year. In the Third Form, all pupils have swimming lessons as part of their PE programme and, in all other year groups, students can select swimming as their sports option. Furthermore, options exist for pupils to swim in early morning and/or evening sessions to fit in with their individual timetables.
Swimming is available as an individual sport option for those taking GCSE or A-level PE and BTEC students undertake the widely respected NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification) as part of their course.
25 Metre, Five Lane Pool
King's has a fantastic 25m, five lane pool which is 1.1m deep in the shallow end and 2.8m in the deep end, thereby facilitating other aquatic activities such as water polo, scuba diving, kayaking and lifesaving.
The facility also benefits from diving blocks, anti-turbulence lane ropes and waterpolo goals as well as an extensive stock of swimming equipment.
Test the Water
Swimming is a vital life skill and necessary for pupils wishing to take part in other water-based activities outside of the pool environment such as sailing and kayaking. At King’s we ensure all pupils complete a water safety test and provide additional tuition for those who require more confidence and practice.
For pupils who wish to swim recreationally, space is always allocated during programmed sessions.
Competitive Swim Training
For those who are serious swimmers, progressive squad training is delivered by our Head of Swimming Sandra Ison, a Level 2 Swim England coach and teacher. During the Michaelmas Term, training is focused on developing aerobic fitness, improving stroke technique and introducing pace.
In the Lent and Summer Terms, we focus on maintaining aerobic fitness and developing race skills and speed. Training takes place during games lessons and additional early morning and/or evening sessions. These are often a popular choice for pupils as they do not clash with other sports commitments, consequently this programme provides students with an opportunity to develop their swimming alongside other sports.
Competitions and Galas
Throughout the year, King’s pupils have the opportunity to compete in galas against other local schools and clubs.
In March each year, we enter a team into the prestigious Bath and Otter Cup, which is an exciting and traditional competition against independent schools across the country held at the London Aquatics Centre, home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In addition, King’s competes in the longest running unbroken competition in the world between independent schools, the annual Meade King Cup.
As well as traditional school fixtures, we offer time trials each half of term so swimmers can practice racing and monitor their progress. The season draws to a close at the end of the Summer Term with the ever-popular house swimming competition, and a pool party and BBQ for our swim team at our lovely outdoor pool at King's Hall.
For fixtures, results and match reports, please click here.
Swimming Lessons for our Local Community
We offer high-quality swimming lessons for our local community, we provide options catering for beginners through to advanced swimmers. Our lessons are 45 minutes long and swimmers are taught in small groups. Proficient swimmers can join our one-hour squad sessions to improve fitness and technique.
To view our community swimming microsite which includes details about the days and times of our lessons and our staff, please click here.
To contact our swimming team for more information about our lessons, please email communityswimming@kings-taunton.co.uk