King’s Ely Junior swimmers to compete in National IAPS Finals

Posted on 22nd May 2019 in School News, Competition, Achievements

Seven King’s Ely Junior pupils have qualified for the finals of a fiercely-contested national swimming competition.

The Independent Association of Prep Schools’ (IAPS) National Swimming Finals will see prep school-age swimmers from across the country battling it out at the London Aquatics Centre on June 8th.

This year, King’s Ely Junior is delighted to have four individual swimmers in the finals and, for the first time ever, a team qualification. The school’s individual qualifiers are: Thomas Alderton; U13 50m Breaststroke, Kendle Putter; U13 50m Breaststroke, Robert Banwell; U13 50m Freestyle and Vasilisa Shampanova; U12 50m Breaststroke.

King’s Ely Junior’s team qualification will see Charlotte Henderson, Keira Mavin, Lili-Rose Merrifield and Vasilisa Shampanova competing in the U12 4x 25m Freestyle Relay.

Head of King’s Ely Junior, Richard Whymark, said: “The swimming team have been working really hard over the last couple of years to secure ever greater success. We are delighted that this group has earned the opportunity to swim in such an iconic pool and represent our school and Ely at this prestigious event. We wish them every success on the day!”

IAPS is a schools association with around 650 of the world’s leading prep schools in membership. Schools must reach a very high standard to be eligible for membership, with strict criteria on teaching a broad curriculum, maintaining excellent standards of pastoral care and keeping staff members’ professional development training up to date.

When it comes to sport, IAPS says it “passionately believes in the importance of sport as part of an all-round education for its pupils”. The organisation adds: “First and foremost sport is about participation and enjoyment. It should be seen as an important part, but only a part, of the personal development of each child.”