Performance Swimming Programme (PSP) at St George’s Ascot is an exciting and enriching opportunity for our pupils. We understand you may have questions about the programme, so we’ve gathered answers to some of the most commonly asked queries below.
If you can’t find the information you need, please get in touch with our Admissions Team, who will be delighted to assist you.
Most co-curricular time during the week will be dedicated to swimming. Timetables will be designed to ensure scholars can still participate in a wide range of school life, while completing academic work to a high standard. Prep may shift slightly on some days, but the broader school routine remains unchanged.
The programme includes up to 10 hours of pool-based training per week, supported by 2 hours of dry-land strength and conditioning. As the programme matures, training hours may increase in line with athlete development.
Yes, this is encouraged, with School agreement. Local club sessions may supplement training during holiday periods when school is closed. The intention is for the core compulsory training hours to be completed during the school week, with optional club sessions at weekends if desired.
Swimming will be the priority. However, scholars will still join curriculum PE and Games, and, where timetabling allows, may take part in additional sports or activities during the week and at weekends.
Swimmers may be members of multiple clubs but can hold only one ranked club for competitions. From September, PSP scholars will register St George’s Ascot Swimming Club (SGASC) as their ranked club and will compete under SGASC at county, regional and national events. They may represent their home club at the National Arena League, and compete with their home club at galas where there is no clash with our competition programme and their club membership reflects this.
SGAS intends to compete at events held in both term time and the holidays. The Head Coach will coordinate arrangements. Full boarders may have the option to stay with guardians where appropriate.
Absolutely. All pupils, including PSP scholars, may join the School’s stretch & challenge programmes and may apply for 13+ or 16+ academic scholarships as they progress. If a pupil holds multiple awards, the higher discount applies.
Yes. Once joining documents are issued (late May/early June), families may request flexi boarding or tailored options. Admissions will advise on the most suitable arrangement depending on each pupil’s training schedule. Fee remission will match the pupil’s PSP scholarship level, with flexi boarding (1-4 nights per week) only being discounted if there is a direct relevance to a swimming event.
Yes. Where occasional boarding is required specifically due to a PSP commitment, such as an early start or late return from a competition.
Scholarships continue as long as pupils remain fully engaged in the programme, demonstrating consistency, progress and commitment. If a pupil stops swimming or participation drops below expected standards, the award may be reconsidered.
Yes. Each year we will grow squad depth and programme capacity. While scholarship levels may vary for new applicants, existing scholars will retain their awarded level unless performance, attendance and commitment does not meet expectations.
We are exploring partnership opportunities with leading sports brands. All PSP scholars will receive fully branded SGAS training and competition kit (hats, suits, equipment, etc.). The cost of the team uniform will be charged to fee payers, and we remain mindful of affordability.