ISA Swimming
Scotland’s first school-based competitive swim club programme.
ISA Swimming
ISA hosts Scotland’s first integrated school-based competitive swim club programme. Supported by Ian Wright, National Coach for Scottish Swimming, we are dedicated to developing high achieving student swimmers right here in the North East.
Under the leadership of award-winning Head Coach Laura Bowie, our athletes benefit from a seamless wrap-around environment that combines elite pool training and land-based strength and conditioning with ISA’s internationally recognised academic curriculum. Our holistic approach extends beyond the pool with dedicated pastoral care and academic mentoring, ensuring our swimmers build the resilience and discipline to succeed.
Swimming Programme
World-Class Swim Facilities
Our on-campus 25m, 6-lane competition pool equipped with anti-wave lane ropes, serves as the hub of our training programme. Located entirely on-site, these facilities provide a professional environment that allows students to train effectively without leaving the school grounds, supported by expert coaches and support staff.
Strength & Conditioning
To support performance in the water, athletes have direct access to our high-performance gym and fitness suite for specialised land-based training, while also having access to our local and international team sports for wider physical development. This integrated approach combines swim coaching with strength and conditioning to build power and prevent injury.
Academic Support & Pathways
Swimmers will benefit from our international, values-based curriculum that fosters resilience and global citizenship. We offer the primary years programme and middle years programme, IGCSE options, the IB Diploma qualification and American High School Diploma. This ultimately opens flexible and diverse pathways, from entry to Scottish, UK and global universities and colleges.
Student Wellbeing
We prioritise the mental and emotional health of our swimmers through dedicated pastoral care and a supportive community environment. By fostering resilience and balance, we help students manage the demands of competitive sport while ensuring they feel safe, happy, and capable of becoming the best version of themselves.
Our Team
Our programme is led by award-winning Head Coach Laura Bowie, who works alongside a specialist team dedicated to nurturing every aspect of our athletes’ development. Athletic Director Mark DeGraw and Pool Manager Sam Kazmierki oversee our performance environment to ensure world-class standards.
Crucially, this support extends beyond the pool: School Counsellor Valerie DeGraw and University & Careers Counsellor Heather Barker work closely with the wider school faculty to provide the essential pastoral care and future planning that defines our wrap-around approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of swimmer is this programme for?
It is designed for competitive swimmers of all levels, from developmental squads to high-performance athletes aiming for national selection.
What age of swimmer is this programme for?
- Students can apply from age 8 (Primary 4 / ISA Grade 3) up to age 18.
Who will be coaching my child?
The programme is led by award-winning Head Coach Laura Bowie, supported by a specialist team including Athletic Director Mark DeGraw looking after strength and conditioning.
Will my child still compete for their current club?
ISA Aberdeen Swimming is a fully registered competitive club, so athletes will represent ISA at local, Scottish, and national meets.
How often will they train?
Training frequency depends on the individual swimmer’s level, and will take place immediately before and after classes, utilising our on campus facilities.
How is student wellbeing and balance supported?
We operate an ecosystem of care where our student support team collaborates closely with coaches and academic faculty. This integrated approach allows us to proactively monitor physical and emotional health.
Does the school support university applications for swimmers?
Yes, our University Counsellor Heather Barker specialises in securing future pathways for all students.
Is there an assessment to join?
Yes, all competitive swimmers complete a practical pool assessment with the Head Coach.
Are sports scholarships available?
We offer Sports Scholarships for talented athletes, subject to assessment at our Discovery Day.
When does the programme start?
The full competitive programme starts in August each year but we operate rolling admissions so there are opportunities to join throughout the year.
Can my child join if they are not a student at ISA?
This is an integrated school-based programme, so all members must be enrolled students at International School Aberdeen. However, ISA hosts a community swim programme which is open to all.
How will my child be supported academically when away from school?
We understand that travel is essential for high-level competition. Students can access learning materials and assignments remotely via Google Classroom, ensuring they stay connected to their studies from anywhere. Additionally, our teachers proactively coordinate with athletes to plan ahead and provide extra support to help them catch up on upon their return.
How to Apply
Joining ISA Swimming is part of our standard school admissions process. In addition to the regular admissions process, aspiring swimmers will take part in a practical pool-based assessment with our coaching team to ensure they are placed correctly. We also offer Sports Scholarships and applicants for these awards will be invited to attend our interactive Discovery Day.
