18 Nov 2025
An Oaklands College student has achieved remarkable success on the international stage, bringing home eight gold medals after representing Great Britain at the 8th European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Albufeira, Portugal.
Joe Edwards, a swimmer from the college’s Learning for Independence and Future Employment (LIFE) department, delivered a phenomenal performance at the competition, earning the title of European Junior Champion across four different strokes including 25m backstroke, 25m breaststroke, 25m butterfly and 25m freestyle. And it was the first time that Joe had taken part in the competition.
The icing on the cake for Joe’s remarkable success at the European Championships is this weekend, he took part in the 4th British Down Syndrome Championships at the K2 Sports Centre in Crawley and won junior gold in all eight of his races including 50m Butterfly, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke , 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle, 100m Individual Medley and 200m Freestyle. His 50m and 100m breaststroke times also gained him two bronze medals in the overall senior results.
Joe’s achievements are the result of years of dedication, perseverance, and passion for his sport, and have made him a source of inspiration for students and staff alike at Oaklands College.
“Everyone at Oaklands College is immensely proud of Joe’s achievements, which are the result of years of dedication, perseverance, and passion for his sport,” said LIFE director Roxanne Lowe.
“His hard work, determination, and positive attitude embody everything we stand for as a college. Joe has shown what’s possible when talent and commitment come together, and we couldn’t be prouder. Joe is a true champion in and out of the pool. His success at the European Championships is a huge inspiration to everyone across the college.”
Talking about his success, Joe, who currently swims with Verulam Swimming Club and was selected to join Down Syndrome Swimming GB in January this year, said: “Swimming is exciting. It makes me feel happy that I can be at competitions and inspire other people.”
Oaklands College’s LIFE facility supports young people aged 16-25 with very profound, complex, multiple learning difficulties or disabilities and it equips them with the skills needed to make the next step in education or employment.
It has three departments which have different specialisms including: Springfield, which caters for students with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties; Supportive Learning which is designed for students with Moderate Learning Difficulties, working from Entry Level 1 to GCSE in Maths and English; and Foundation into Vocation, which is dedicated to supporting young people with moderate learning difficulties, disabilities, and Social and Emotional Mental Health needs.
