Swim England Artistic Swimming
Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) for Artistic Swimming
June 11, 2021
2026 applications now open! Please scroll down for more information. The application form can be found at the bottom of the page.
To find out about the DiSE programme information, please click here.
Find details of the DiSE artistic swimming eligibility criteria and how to apply below.
Eligibility & Performance Criteria (Artistic Swimming)
Athletes must meet both the eligibility criteria, and performance criteria, to be considered for the programme.
1.
a. Be aged 16 to 18 (or aged 19 to 24 if they have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan), when they start the programme. (Born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010 – athletes are usually 16 at the start of the programme, as it is a requirement that they are in full time further education (FE) for the duration of the two-year programme.
b. Subject to paragraph 2 below, be enrolled on a state funded study programme and be studying towards an academic (e.g. A levels) or technical qualification (e.g. NVQs or City and Guilds).
c. Be on a talent pathway managed by their sport’s National Governing Body (NGB).
d. Must not be employed by their sport body or club on a professional contract.
2. The requirement in paragraph 1b. “be enrolled on a state funded study programme”, does not apply to students who attend a fee-paying school for their main study programme in the following circumstances:
a. The student is in receipt of the school’s means-tested bursary of at least 50% fee remission; or
b. The student is in receipt of a talent / ability-based scholarship of at least 50% but were this not to be the case then they would have otherwise qualified for the school’s means-tested bursary of at least 50% fee remission; or
c. At least 50% of the student’s fees are being paid by a third sector organisation but were this not to be the case then they would have otherwise qualified for the school’s means-tested bursary of at least 50% fee remission.
d. With regard to students eligible under paragraph 2 a., 2 b. or 2c., the relevant NGB should take all reasonable steps to confirm a student’s eligibility with the student’s fee-paying school before the student is enrolled on or starts the DiSE programme.
- Born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010 – athletes are usually 16 at the start of the programme, as it is a requirement that they are in full time further education (FE) for the duration of the two-year programme.
- Current member of Swim England
- Represent England (verified on Swim England membership)
- Live in England (or Wales)
- Athletes must have achieved the following points, to be considered for selection.
- Hold Figure Grade 4 Silver or above
- Participated in the 2025 National Championships in either solo, duet or team.
- Either on the Swim England National Programme (Junior or Senior National programme) or aspiring to represent the Country at International level
Coaching staff may also assess technical and tactical competencies in training and competition to support a selection. A physical trial will also be held on the weekend of 26th-27th September 2025.
Alumni
An extensive list of DiSE Artistic Swimming alumni have gone on to enjoy continued international success on the world stage.
- Isabelle Thorpe
- Olivia Federici
- Cerys Hughes
- Laura Turberville
- Cerys Larsen
- Katie Clark
- Robyn Swatman
- Eleanor Blinkhorn
- Ranjuo Tomblin
- Robyn Ashworth
- Florence Blinkhorn
- Loya Cenkci
- Eve Young
- Scarlet Garland
- Lily Halasi
Apply Here
Important note: Please make sure you have read the eligibility and performance criteria for your discipline before applying.
Applications close on Monday 14 September 2026 at 5pm.
You can find out about the DiSE programme or eligibility and performance criteria for the other