Swim England Water Polo Hub
Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) for Water Polo
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 water polo eligibility criteria and how to apply below.
Eligibility & Performance Criteria (Water Polo)
Athletes must meet both the eligibility criteria, and performance criteria, to be considered for the programme.
1. To be eligible for DiSE programme funding, a student must meet the following criteria:
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.
Learners/athletes must meet the Swim England criteria below:
- 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.
- Represent one of the GB nations (verified on Swim England membership) and be a member of an English, Scottish or Welsh club. Additional criteria may need to be met for Scottish & Welsh Swimmers before being accepted.
- Live in England (or Wales)
- Meet the following criteria:
- Currently part of a National Talent Programme (and meet the associated performance criteria)
- Priority given to those on GB squads
- The criteria above does not guarantee selection
Alumni
An extensive list of DiSE Diving alumni have gone on to enjoy continued international success on the world stage.
Past alumni of athletes to obtain the DiSE qualification include:
- Thomas Manley
- Sophie Jackson
- Kathy Rogers
- Joel Leighton
- Katy Cutler
- Jordan Elliot
- Anya Clapperton
- Amelia Peters
- Isobelle Robb
Apply Here
Important note: Please make sure you have read the eligibility and performance criteria for your discipline before applying.
Applications close on Wednesday 1st July 2026 at 5pm.
You can find out about the DiSE programme or eligibility and performance criteria for the other aquatic disciplines, using the links below: