The English Schools’ Athletic Association was founded in the Victoria Hotel, London on 16 May 1925.
The English Schools’ Athletic Association (ESAA) was formed to allow school athletes to compete at county, regional, national and international level.
The ESAA is an entirely volunteer based organisation provides aspiring athletes with a crucial championship platform to compete against the best in their age group across the nation in the disciplines of cross country running, combined events, race walking and track & field athletics.
The English Schools has made athletics more accessible to students from various backgrounds and schools across the country. This inclusivity, alongside the promotion of a healthy, competitive spirit, has helped elevate the importance of athletics as part of the physical education programme in schools. This democratic access to athletics has played a crucial role in uncovering hidden talent and broadening the scope of the sport across the country.
There are two cross-country events organised by ESAA:
The Cross-Country Cup is a school-based competition, and the Cross-Country Championships is a competition where athletes are selected to represent their county team.
There are two Track and Field Competitions organised by ESAA:
The Track and Field cup is a school-based competition where any secondary aged school in England can enter.
The Track and Field Championships is a competition where athletes are selected to represent their county schools’ team.
The ESAA Combined Events Championships are held over two rounds. Athletes enter through selection for their county schools’ team.
The Race-Walking Championships are held at the same time as the Combined Events Championships. Athletes enter through selection for their county schools’ team.
The ESAA fields National teams in the Schools International Athletics Board
(SIAB) competitions which involve England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern
Ireland.
These take place in Cross-Country and Track and Field. There is also a Combined Events International held annually. The ESAA may also send teams to the World Schools’ Cross Country Championships (ISF), and also to the ISF World Schools Track & Field (The Jean Humbert Memorial).
To purchase ESAA and partner merchandise, the ESAA Handbook 2024, and awards, please explore our shop.
The English Schools’ Athletics Association was formed in 1925 and is made up of volunteers who promote athletic activity and competitive opportunities for schools and affiliated County Schools’ Associations.