STUDENTS from Winterbourne achieved two bronze medals at the National Swimming Championships after qualifying for the event for the first time.

Four boys from Winterbourne International Academy represented their school at the 57th English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) Championships on Saturday, November 22.

The year eight students travelled to the Olympic Aquatic Centre in London for the event and came away with two bronze medals, winning bronze for the first time.

Jack Smith,13, Jedd Woodruff, 13, James Webb, 12 and Samuel Johnson, 12, qualified from their heats to reach the final of the medley relay against schools from Millfied, Plymouth, Bournemouth College, Charterhouse and Reigate Grammar and more.

In the medley final the boys powered through to a third place to achieve their first bronze medal.

In the freestyle relay the four students again qualified from the heats. Their fourth swimmer came in third place and secured their second bronze medal of the day.

P.E teacher Patricia Lewis and swimming teacher Melany Rodriguez, who both travelled to London to watch the event, said: “we are delighted at this success.”

Miss Rodriguez added: “I am very proud of them, they were absolutely stunning. They were very calm and strong at the same time.

“They show an example of hard work, patience and discipline. Winterbourne International Academy has great swimmers and we must remember this.”

Principal of the academy, Rob Evans, said: "It is the first time the academy has been represented in these finals and to achieve two bronze medals is an outstanding achievement. The staff and their classmates are very proud of the four boys."

Swimmer Jack Smith was glowing from their achievement, he said: “It was a great team effort, and it’s amazing to come away with two medals."