A team of 24 pupils from the Loughborough Schools Foundation has returned triumphant from the World School Swim Championships 2025, held last weekend at the London Aquatics Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — the iconic venue of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The international event welcomed over 40 schools from more than 10 countries, giving young swimmers the chance to compete on a global stage. Representing Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School, and Fairfield Prep School, the Foundation’s swimmers progressed through heats to reach multiple finals, many achieving personal bests in the process. Loughborough Schools Foundation delivered a fantastic overall performance, placing 2nd in the U15 category and securing competitive finishes in both the U11 and U13 divisions.
The Under-15 boys from Loughborough Grammar School clinched the overall team title, with standout performances including:
- Zac L. winning gold for England in the Nations Relay
- James N. securing first place in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke, and third in the 200m individual medley
- Peter N. taking bronze in the 100m butterfly and ‘skins’ event, and placing fourth in two breaststroke races
The boys also secured silver medals in the 4x50m medley relay and demonstrated excellent teamwork alongside the Loughborough High School girls in the 4x50m mixed freestyle relay, where they proudly brought home the bronze.
Beyond the podium, and equally as impressive, the event was marked by exceptional camaraderie. Older pupils from Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School supported their younger teammates from Fairfield Prep, providing peer encouragement and fostering a united and inclusive group. All students demonstrated the Foundation’s core values of leadership, teamwork, and determination.
The swimmers, who were staying in Canary Wharf, celebrated with a team dinner at Pizza Express on Saturday after an 11 hour stretch poolside, before rising at 6am for another day of races on the Sunday.
Jo Hackett, Director of Sport at Loughborough Schools Foundation, spoke of her pride for the swimmers: “This was more than a competition — it was a celebration of teamwork and character. Our swimmers not only competed against some of the best in their swimming game from across the globe but supported one another throughout. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Chris Perham, Head of Swimming and Triathlon at Loughborough Schools Foundation, who is also an elite triathlete ranking 22nd in the world for indoor triathlon, coached the swimmers ahead of the competition. He added: “The whole swim team were fantastic. To compete in such a high-performance environment while continuing to support one another shows they truly embodied what sport should be about. From my perspective as both a coach and athlete, their resilience and unity were outstanding.”
Zac L, a Year 10 pupil at Loughborough Grammar School, won gold for England in the Nations Relay. He said: “It was a great experience to swim in such a magnificent venue. I met lots of children and teenagers from all over the world. We had lots of success as a team. The highlight for me was being selected to swim for the England team in the relay at the end of the event, and us winning gold!”
Ailix M, a Year 6 pupil at Fairfield Prep School shared: “It was an amazing experience to swim in the Olympic pool! I was quite nervous in the beginning, but I got to meet loads of older swimmers who helped me and the other Fairfield swimmers along the way. All together it was a great opportunity and I’m extremely happy that I was selected to go. I’ll never forget it!”
The Loughborough Schools Foundation extends heartfelt congratulations to all swimmers for their achievements and for representing their schools and country with pride.
Categories: Loughborough Grammar School School News
