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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.
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 athlete