Pentathlon

Leweston Pentathlon Talent Hub

The Leweston Pentathlon Talent Hub seeks to develop athletes of all abilities and backgrounds in the five sports of the Modern Pentathlon: Fencing, Swimming, Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) and Laser-Run. The Hub is home to young athletes from across the region and you don't need to be a Leweston pupil to get involved.

We host pentathlon events, training camps and taster sessions, to allow young people to come to the school and try out the various disciplines.

The Leweston Pentathlon Programme

The Pentathlon programme at Leweston is open to athletes of all abilities and any pupil in the school can join in. Pupils in Prep 3 upwards can start to take part in local events and competitions and for those who have the potential to join the Performance Squad, there is the opportunity for additional coaching, personalised training and a move to regional and national competitions. Pupils in the Prep have competed at National, European and World Championships.

Leweston’s highly experienced Head of Pentathlon, Mick Flaherty, leads a team of specialist coaches many of whom are involved with the National squad. The team deliver a weekly onsite training programme as well as mentoring, tailored to individual needs and abilities.

The Leweston Pentathlon Programme is divided into three stages:

Development

For younger athletes who come onto the programme with little experience, or those who do not wish to be part of a full training programme and just take part in local events and competitions. Many Prep School pupils start on the Development Programme.

Potential

For athletes who have been following a regular training programme; have been taking part in local events regularly and have started to take part at a regional and national level. This stage is also for younger athletes who show the potential to move into the Performance Squad.

Performance

For athletes from Year 9 and above who have been on a regular training programme for at least a year. They will have been taking part in national events and are looking to move to a more challenging training programme with more regular national and/or competition.

Pathway + Scholarship Opportunities

Leweston’s Pentathlon Pathway Programme is designed for pupils with clear athletic talent, ambition and the drive to progress. Through structured coaching, mentoring and performance development, pupils receive tailored support in all pentathlon disciplines, including shooting, fencing, running, swimming and obstacle events. Invitations to join the Pathway are based on ability, commitment and potential, with initial strength and conditioning assessments and ongoing guidance from specialist staff. The programme also offers expert-led seminars, one-to-one mentoring and opportunities to shadow senior athletes, helping pupils build confidence, resilience and leadership.

Performance athletes are paired with a sport-specific mentor and supported to access high-level external training with organisations such as Bath Swords, alongside extensive onsite provision. For those aiming to compete at the highest level, Leweston’s elite programme enables pupils to engage fully in their sport while maintaining strong academic progress, with coaches and teachers working closely to balance training, competition and study. Many Sixth Form athletes complement their programme by studying A Level Physical Education or Sport BTEC and taking on leadership roles within the department.

The Pentathlon Scholarship Programme recognises exceptional sporting ability and leadership potential at Year 9 and Sixth Form entry, offering an annual fee remission. Applicants are assessed through a sports CV, reference, performance evaluation and interview with the Head of Pentathlon and Director of Sport. Scholars benefit from enhanced access to specialist coaching, mentoring and competitive opportunities at regional and national level. In return, they are expected to represent the school, support and mentor younger athletes and contribute to a positive, inclusive sporting culture. Together, the Pathway and Scholarship Programme create a high-performance environment in which pupils can flourish physically, mentally and personally, preparing them for success on and off the field.

Tom Johnson

Tom is a regular fixture in the GB Pentathlon team and is current U19 Biathle Team Relay World Champion. In 2022 he won the U17 Biathle World Championships where he also took Silver and Bronze Medals in Triathle and Biathle.

Izzy Kettle

Izzy started competing when she joined the Prep and was U11 National Triathle Champion by the time she was in Prep 4. She has competed at European and World Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run Championships.