Olympic diver, Tom Daley, has enrolled at Plymouth College. One of the main British medal hopes for London 2012, Tom, 15, has joined the independent HMC school after spending half term in America.
Home to an elite swimming programme of more than 30 national and international swimmers, Plymouth College, in partnership with Plymouth Leander, is no stranger to nurturing world-class athletes - Beijing 10K Open Water bronze medalist, Cassie Patten, won a clutch of world, European and national medals during her four years at the school. As well as boasting 50 British and English age group records, several swimmers have been identified as Olympic potential for 2012 and beyond.
But the school’s sporting headlines are not just limited to swimming. The Plymouth College Modern Pentathlon and Fencing Academy saw its first British champion last year and boasts an England U18 fencer. In addition, a 14-year-old gymnast won silver and bronze medals in the 2008 British Gymnastic Championships and an U19 England cricketer will take up a professional contract with Somerset this summer.
Tom, who recently returned from the FINA Grand Prix in Florida with his first international gold medal of 2009, said: “I’m really looking forward to going to Plymouth College and being with other young people who understand the pressures of high-level competition. The school has a lot of experience in putting together academic programmes for pupils like me so I won’t miss out on my school work when I’m away. The location is also very convenient as it’s just across the park from where I do my training!”
Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton said: “We are delighted that Tom has joined the school. In common with many of our athletes, he has a busy training and competition schedule so we are working on a flexible academic programme to fit in with his various commitments. We will help Tom to keep on top of his studies so that he can reach the high academic standards of which he is capable whilst at the same time, fulfilling his extraordinary potential in the pool. We also have an excellent pastoral network in place with staff on hand to provide help and support in all aspects of school life.”
“Tom will be fine here”, said 15-year-old pupil Grant Halsall, who has won more than 12 international swimming medals, has been identified as having Olympic potential and is representing the Great Britain in the European Youth Olympics this summer. “There are more than 30 of us on the elite swimming programme and we all compete nationally – some internationally – and we all support each other so Tom will feel at home. Plymouth College is a great school and everyone is helpful – he will enjoy himself.”
