The annual Junior School House Swimming Gala returned with a fantastic display of teamwork, courage and house spirit, as pupils proudly represented their teams across an exciting day of racing. The pool was full of energy from start to finish, with plenty of noise and cheering as swimmers worked together in pursuit of house gala points.
The morning session saw our Year 3 and 4 pupils take to the water, competing in a mixture of individual and team events. For many, this was their first experience of a swimming gala, and it was wonderful to see so many pupils stepping out of their comfort zones to represent their houses. In the afternoon, Year 5 and 6 pupils took part in a programme of more challenging individual races and relays.
House points were accumulated from every event across all four year groups, meaning that while the gala was split into two sessions, the final outcome relied on a whole-school effort.
The event was superbly supported by our Senior Swimming pupils, Sports Ambassadors and Sports Leaders, who undertook timekeeping, team management and recording duties throughout the day with professionalism and enthusiasm.
Year 3 and 4 Gala
The Year 3 and 4 programme included events designed to suit all abilities, from individual swims to fun team races involving floats and sinkers. From the outset, Badgers moved into an early lead, while the remaining positions changed frequently as the competition unfolded.
Many pupils from all houses were recognised with certificates for their bravery and determination as they entered challenging events.
Final standings for the Year 3 and 4 gala were:
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Badgers – 104 points
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Woodpeckers – 83 points
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Squirrels – 76 points
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Robins – 73 points
Year 5 and 6 Gala
Year 5 and 6 swimmers competed in 25m and 50m races alongside a series of relays. The cheering from the poolside became deafening at times, as swimmers repeatedly stepped forward to give their best for their houses.
Final standings for the Year 5 and 6 gala were:
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Squirrels – 158 points
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Woodpeckers – 115 points
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Badgers – 90 points
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Robins – 85 points
Overall Results
With points from both galas combined, the final results were:
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Squirrels – 234 points
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Woodpeckers – 198 points
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Badgers – 194 points
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Robins – 158 points
Congratulations to Squirrels, who retained the Junior School House Swimming Gala Shield following their victory in 2025.
The day would not have been possible without the support of Junior School teaching staff, Swimming Academy coaches, our dedicated team of senior pupil volunteers, and Chief Team Manager Mrs Hurst.
Well done to all swimmers for making the event such a special occasion.
