SCHOOL SWIMMING EVENTS IN SCOTLAND
Scottish Schools Swimming Championships
The Schools Championships allow pupils at primary and secondary schools an opportunity to represent their school and compete to become the national school champion in a range of age groups and events. Pupils attending certain college courses are also eligible to participate in the 17 and over age group. These championships take place in June in one of Scotland’s long course swimming pools.
Scotland is divided into a number of geographical areas to allow a large number of participants throughout Scotland. Each area has the choice of organising time trials or in some of the larger areas school championships. This gives areas the autonomy to choose what fits the specific needs of the many different geographical areas.
A set of qualifying standards are set by the organising committee and each area is allowed to submit a maximum of 3 swimmers per event provided they have acquired the set time. These trials take place between January and March and the finalists are then notified early May. Medals are awarded to the first 3 in each event and there is also an overall top performance award in each boys and girls age group. The award is based on World Aquatic points with points being assigned based on each swimmer’s best time.
School Team Relay Championships
These championships take place every year in June prior to the end of the school year. The date is not fixed and takes into account the school examination diary to allow pupils to represent their school if possible. From 2026, the event will be combined with the individual championship.
This event is primarily about fun and enjoyment as it comprises of teams of 4 racing over 50 metres in both freestyle and medley events. This means each school has a realistic chance of fielding 4 swimmers even although they might have 2 club swimmers who train on a regular basis and perhaps 2 other swimmers who are just naturally good swimmers perhaps interested in other sports.
Swimmers compete in school year groups with a 1st year/2nd year/3rd and 4th year combined / open age group.
All swimmers love to compete in relays and this is an event looked forward to by all. It also has the advantage of being a day off school!! The atmosphere is electric for the finals and it can create some very close , exciting races.
There is an overall trophy for the school gaining most points in all girls events, all boys events and the overall top school.
