Upper sixth student Tilly features in our Sixth Form docu-series sharing some amazing insights into life at Millfield. As an international swimmer, Tilly successfully balances the demands of her sporting career alongside her academic studies. Here are some extra bits from the interview that didn’t make the film final cut but gives you more about her experiences. 

What motivated you to join Millfield in lower sixth?

I wanted to join because of the amazing swimming facilities, and the fact I can walk to training within five minutes of waking up is incredible. Having previously competed at the Olympics, my goal is to return. I wanted to find somewhere that would allow me to flourish not only in the pool but also my academics and I feel like Millfield balances it extremely well.

How do you balance the demands of competitive swimming with your academics?

I think an open line of communication is important, not just with your coaches but also your teachers. Telling your teachers in advance when you’re competing or telling your coaches when you need to prioritise your academics, is essential. It requires keeping everyone in a loop.

How has being part of the Millfield community helped with your development as an athlete and a student?

Millfield has a place for everybody, and I feel like when I swim and compete with my friends it’s amazing. Everybody is here to try and help each other not just better themselves. The pastoral care is phenomenal, and my house parents are the most understanding people I’ve ever met. I have coaches that really love the sport and have a real passion for wanting to improve it.

What is it like to be the captain of school?

I really do enjoy it; it’s a great way to improve your teamwork, communication, and leadership skills because we work so closely with different aspects of the school not only the students but the teachers as well.

What does swimming mean to you?

It means the world to me; I genuinely don’t know what I’d do without it. I want to compete in at least one more Olympics and I believe my drive in life is swimming, it’s my happy place. I intend on taking a gap year to develop my swimming by staying with Millfield’s performance squad focusing on the 2028 Olympics.

After your gap year, where do you plan to go?

I am planning to study biomedical sciences. I’m currently considering the University of Bath and Loughborough University, but I’m prioritising their swim programmes first and then checking whether they offer my course.