New Head Coach for Swimming

We are delighted to announce that Robin Francis OLY will be joining Ashford School in September 22 as Head Coach for Swimming and will oversee the coaching programme at both sites. With over 25 years of experience as both an international athlete and swimming coach, he is ideally placed to develop the already successful swimming programme at Ashford School, showing our commitment to developing excellence as well as progressing swimming for its pupils across the curriculum.

Robin started his career at York City Baths Club where he won Youth Olympic and Junior European medals before studying at the University of Bath where he trained with the high-performance swim programme. He excelled during this time, becoming the nation’s number 1 ranked medley swimmer for several years, breaking multiple British records and a European record, plus achieving World and European silver medals in the process. In 2001 he achieved the 5th fastest 400m Individual Medley (short course) time in history and in 2004 achieved his ambition of competing at the highest level in both the 200m and 400m Individual Medley at the Athens Olympic Games.

He has since turned his attention to coaching and from 2006 has helped a multitude of aspiring swimmers fulfil their potential. He has coached in South Africa, led the age group squad at the University of Bath, led clubs and most notably spent four successful years as performance coach and Head of Strength and Conditioning at Mount Kelly (formerly Kelly College).

After this period of coaching, Robin focused his attention on becoming a teacher and has worked at Westonbirt School whilst continuing to coach in his spare time leading Malmesbury Marlins ASC. Robin’s aim is to bring all his experience to our swimming programme and to drive it to the next level, he is excited to be joining the school and getting to know the pupils.

As Mr. Hall, Headmaster of Ashford School has said, “I am delighted that we have been able to attract such a high calibre individual to lead our swimming programmes and continue the excellent work and standards achieved in swimming at Ashford School over previous years.”

We look forward to welcoming you into Ashford School Robin – we know you’ll achieve great things here.