Sport plays a big role in life at Upton Juniors in Broadstairs – and the school is celebrating more success.

Team Upton’s Year 5 and 6 boys relay swimming team excelled in the Kent Primary School event at Margate’s Hartsdown Leisure Centre – and will now represent the county in the south east finals in Guildford in May.

The group won both their races - freestyle relay in a time of 1:05.51 and medley relay which consists of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle in a time of 1:18.19.

Teacher and PE Lead Callum Noble said: “The finals will be a chance for the team to go up against some of the best young swimmers in the region, but with their incredible drive and teamwork, they are more than ready for the challenge.”

And if determination and enthusiasm are qualities that all of Upton’s sporting sides display, the dedication of the biathlon competitors is well worthy of gold medal standard.

During the same weekend four pupils travelled across country to Bath for the national biathlon finals in the Year3/4 category of a 400m run and a 25m swim, while Year 5/6 competitors faced an 800m run and a 50m swim.

Competing in a gruelling combination of disciplines, Upton’s team held its own against some of the finest athletes in the country.

Mr Noble added: “Our team rose to the occasion, pushing themselves to their limits and demonstrating impressive stamina and focus. Although they faced tough competition, they fought valiantly and showed incredible resilience.

“Parents, teachers, and supporters who made the journey to Bath cheered on the team, offering loud and proud encouragement. Their presence was a boost to the athletes, whose spirits were high throughout the competition.

“They applied themselves fantastically well after a long trip right across the country where they were up against the best of the best.

“It is to their credit that they turned in excellent performances. In the end we had the following placings in the country, 47th, two 27th’s and a 6th.

Upton held the national biathlon qualifier for the south east in January attracting more than 80 competitors from around the area and beyond.

The reasoning to host the qualifier originally was that the school firmly believes that all children should have the opportunity to partake in a national event such as this if they wish. The aim was to make attendance at qualifying heats easy and to give the opportunity to as many young people as possible.”

Head of School Darci Arthur said: “Our school is so proud of all of our sports participants at whichever level they compete.

“Our swimmers and biathletes, and all their supporters and coaches, deserve the highest praise for the way embodied grit and determination to take on some of the best young competitors in the UK and they performed to a gold standard in our eyes.

“We wish our swimmers all the best for the national finals.”

Earlier this month Upton’s footballers won the Les Riggs Cup following a dominant display in the competition.

Upton Junior School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Chilton Primary School and Ramsgate Arts Primary School.

*For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393.