About ESAA

The English Schools’ Athletic 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.
ESAA are also responsible for the organisation of multi-disciplinary Athletic events, allowing schools and athletes to compete at regional, national and international level. The Annual Council Meeting is held on the 18th November 2023.

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ESAA General Committee

The General Committee is made up of volunteers and they are responsible for the co-ordination of all aspects of the work of the Association. The General Committee of the association consists of 24 members nominated by their affiliated county schools’ associations and the Vice Presidents of the Association. Nominations for members of the General Committee take place prior to the Association’s AGM, which usually takes place on the third Saturday in November.

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Frequently Asked Questions

County Schools’ athletics associations in England are eligible for affiliation to the association, individual schools’ and educational establishments shall affiliate only through their county athletic association. 

Individual schools can enter teams in the Track and Field Schools’ Cup and the Cross-Country Cup. Entries must be submitted by the closing dates identified in the competitions area of the website.

Age groups differ according to the competition rules but are usually defined as being under a specified age on 31st August at the end of the current school year. The age groups are identified in the competition rules in the competition area on the website or in the ESAA Handbook.

The ESAA Handbook is updated annually and is available for purchase through the website shop. 

The only county you can compete for in the ESAA Track and Field Championships, the Combined Events and Race-Walking Championships and the Cross-Country Championships is the county to which your schools is affiliated.  

Athletes are selected for their county Schools’ team to participate in the ESAA Track and Field Championships, the Combined Events and Race-Walking Championships and the Cross-Country Championships. There is a maximum size for county teams:

Group A – 70 athletes

Group B – 40 athletes

Group C – 32 athletes

Group D – 24 athletes