Swimming is thriving at Corbets Tey School in the London borough of Havering – and one pupil in particular is shining.
Thomas Hicks is a non-verbal communicator and unable to use sign language to communicate due to his right-side hemiplegia, but he is a very sociable student who thrives on the social element of working towards a shared goal with his peers – meaning Panathlon’s inclusive ethos is perfect for him.
The 17-year-old says: “I love swimming because it makes me feel relaxed and I am proud of learning to move in the water despite how difficult it is to move on land.
“The highlight of my last year at Corbets Tey was getting chosen to represent the school at the Panathlon gala held at the Olympic swimming pool in Stratford. It was fantastic to be with all my team-mates, competing in various swimming events – although the water was a bit cold!
“I was very proud to come home with a certificate and medal to show my friends and family!”
“The Panathlon gala ensures that every student can represent their school, regardless of their needs,” says teacher Sarah Collins. “This is particularly significant for Thomas, who has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and whose altered muscle tone affects his ability to stand and walk independently. He wears splints when out of the water due to poor foot positioning and has limited use of his hands, making it difficult for him to access many swimming pools that rely on ladder-based steps for entry and exit. Swim Panathlon removes these barriers, offering Thomas an accessible and supportive environment where he can participate fully, develop his skills and experience the pride of representing his school alongside his peers.
“His journey is a powerful example of how Panathlon swimming makes sport truly inclusive.”
External galas – like those provided by Panathlon – give SEN students the same opportunities as their peers to take part in community and sporting events, giving students recognition beyond the classroom and validates their individual abilities. It also gives them confidence and a motivation boost, supporting physical development, stamina and resilience. Thomas represented the school at the East London Panathlon gala, which Ms Collins says was “a proud and motivating moment” for him.
“The accessible pool pod gave him independence and freedom, allowing him to enter and exit the water confidently for his races,” she explains. “This experience not only celebrated his ability but also encouraged him to pursue swimming further through after-school lessons, where his goal is to swim independently.
“At the gala, Thomas enjoyed the camaraderie of competing alongside his peers and showed great sportsmanship, enthusiastically cheering on both his own school and other competitors. He is extremely proud of his Panathlon medal and eager to share his experiences with the school and wider community.
“Currently, Thomas attends a mixed age and mixed ability swimming class, where he not only develops his own skills, but also support younger students by demonstrating the games and techniques he learned whilst preparing for the Panathlon Gala. His determination to swim independently, combined with his infectious positivity, makes him an excellent role model within the school community.
“Through Panathlon, Thomas has embraced competitive sport, grown in confidence and discovered new opportunities to shine.”
And of course it’s not just Thomas who is benefiting from Panathlon. Lots of Corbet Tey’s pupils are experiencing sporting success for the first time, and are unsurprisingly proud of their achievements. They get to improve their teamwork and their communication – and they are enjoying physical activity more.
“The school’s participation in the Panathlon reinforces Corbet Tey’s ethos of equality and high expectations for all,” says Ms Collins. “It demonstrates the school’s ongoing commitment to inclusive sport while also strengthening community links and raising the school’s profile.”
And swimming is a crucial part of Corbet Tey’s provision because it’s not just a sport, but a life skill.
“Learning to swim equips pupils with essential water safety knowledge that could one day save their lives,” says Ms Collins. “For young people with SEN, swimming provides a unique level playing field. The water offers freedom of movement and opportunities for success that are not always possible in land-based sports. It supports the development of coordination, strength, balance and cardiovascular health within a low-impact, non-weight bearing environment that reduces risk of injury.
“In addition to its physical benefits, swimming has proven therapeutic effects. Being in the water can help
reduce anxiety, improve focus and build self-regulation, making it a powerful tool for both physical and emotional wellbeing.”
And she adds: “Panathlon swimming holds a unique place in inclusive PE, as it combines the life-saving skill of swimming with Panathlon’s ethos of inclusion and the celebration of ability. It provides children with special educational needs the chance to connect with peers, build confidence and feel part of the wider community. For many SEN learners, the experience of taking part in Panathlon swimming is just as valuable as learning to swim itself. It not only validates their achievements but also reinforces a sense of belonging pride and shared success.”
