Artistic Swimming Dictionary

What Are Synchro Grades?

Since January 2017, Swim England Synchronised Swimming have run a three-strand award system for athletes; Figure Grades, Routine Grades and Land Grades.

As you progress as a synchronised swimmer you will need to have your synchro grades tested before you can enter certain competitions. Learn about the different requirements here.

Figure Grades

There are six figures grades which provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their age group figures.

These grades support swimmer long term athlete development (LTAD) and ensure each athlete performs to their very best standard before moving to their next grade.

Each grade has three levels (gold, silver and bronze) so all athletes have the ability to perfect their figures before moving to the next grade.

Select one of the grades here to read more about it and watch videos of each element.

Routine Grades

There are five routine grades which provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their routine skills.

These grades compliment the figure grades and ensure athletes are developing their transitions, speed of movement and hybrids ready for solos, teams and routines as they develop.

Select one of the grades here to read more about it and watch videos of each element.

Land Grades

There are five land grades which provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their land skills.

These grades compliment the figure and routine grades, and ensure athletes are developing core strength, flexibility and speed of movement on land which transfer to the pool through figures and routines.

These grades will be released in 2018 and, once produced, the grade booklets will refer to movements, positions and stretches for each grade. A ‘Guide to Marking Levels’ document will provide further clarification on these skills.

Grading Days

Swimmers can pass these synchro grades at assessment days which take place throughout the year. View a list of upcoming testing days.

Alternatively, head to the Swim England Calendar to search manually.

Application forms will typically be available around six weeks before the start of the assessment.

Synchro Grades Resources

View useful resources about the England synchro grades, including marking guides for each grade, as well as a general conditions document and height chart.