A TEENAGER with her sights set on Olympic glory has been hailed as an example of what can be achieved when sport is pushed in schools.

Swimming sensation Emma Saunders combines her training with her school work at Bolton School and is studying towards A-levels in biology, chemistry, psychology and geography.

A survey by the Girls’ School Association found almost a third of independent UK girls’ schools have pupils who are hoping to compete in the 2012 Olympics, while more than 68 per cent have pupils who routinely represent their country at international level.

And almost 88 per cent of girls’ school pupils who compete in sport at a national level have their sights set on the 2016 Olympics Emma scooped silver and bronze medals in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays at the last Commonwealth Games, despite being the youngest member of the GB swimming team.

The 16-year-old from Heaton holds the British Swimmers’ 2011 Splash Award for Young Swimmer Of The Year and was nominated for the BBC Young Sports Personality Of The Year.

She said: “It’s tough at times trying to balance training and school work, but it essentially boils down to being organised and making the most of your time.

“While I want to be the best swimmer I possibly can be, I am also conscious it is important to achieve as highly as you can in your academic studies.”

Bolton School has other students who are also aiming for Olympic success, including Year 11 pupil Emily Ruaux, who is a member of the GB fencing team, and Year 11 pupil Georgina Roden, a member of the GB dressage team.

They have developed their sports outside of school.

Head of PE Kath Heatherington said: “Sport is taken seriously at Bolton School and we encourage girls to consider it as an everyday part of their lives.”