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Swim Academy

Westonbirt Swim Academy provides fun, inclusive, and high‑quality swimming lessons for children and adults. Taught by our team of qualified, professional instructors, our programmes follow Swim England’s trusted frameworks and are designed to help every swimmer feel confident, motivated, and supported. Based in our 25m heated indoor pool at Westonbirt Sports Centre, we offer small group classes (max. 6-8 students) for ages 3–16, as well as private 1:1 and 2:1 lessons, appropriate for both children and adults looking for more focused tuition.

Duckling Awards

From 3+ years, Duckling Awards are the early years framework for toddlers and are designed to help them enjoy learning to swim with help from a parent or guardian.

  • Duckling 1 will see children start to move by themselves in the water and by Duckling 4 children are jumping in, going underwater, floating and travelling 10 metres without support
  • Children work towards four different colourful Awards, each with its own certificate and badge
  • Duckling Awards are great at promoting increased independence and water confidence to help prepare for Stage 1 of the Learn to Swim Framework.

Swim England Learn to Swim Awards

Stages 1-7 Programme

  • Fun, structured lessons for children aged 4+ to develop water confidence and foundational swimming skills
  • The Learn to Swim Stage 1-7 Awards are divided into progressive stages. They make up the core, national syllabus of learning to swim for primary school aged children.
  • They are designed to reward your child for their development of the essential aquatic skills they need to be confident, competent and safe in the water.

Stages 8-10 Programme

  • The Learn to Swim Stages 8-10 Awards make up the Aquatic Skills Framework of the Learn to Swim Programme
  • They continue the swimmer’s journey past Learn to Swim Stage 7 of the Learn to Swim Framework.
  • Swimmers are encouraged to take part in different aquatic disciplines that develop their fundamental sports skills.
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Why Westonbirt Swim Academy?

  • Experienced team with over 25 years combined swim teaching experience
  • Following the trusted and reputable Swim England framework structed so that your child progresses through an accredited swim programme
  • Inclusive fun sessions that keep children engaged and motivated whilst learning essential life skills
  • Small group lessons (max 6-8 per session) so that children have full attention of the swim teach and the time and encouragement to succeed
  • Parents can easily monitor their child’s swimming progress through a private parent portal
  • Certificates & priority access to next Swim stage lessons
  • Regular communication of crash courses, galas and age-appropriate activities at Westonbirt Pool and Westonbirt School
  • Free parking at Westonbirt Pool

RLSS UK Rookie Lifeguard

Developed by the Royal Life Saving Society UK in partnership with Swim England, the Rookie Lifeguard Awards offer parents the comfort and knowledge that their child has the knowledge to avoid dangers and enjoy the water safely. The Rookie Lifeguard Awards are for your children if they are budding lifeguards. The Bronze, Silver and Gold stage awards ensure children have a solid safety education and have learned rescue and resuscitation techniques.

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Private Swim Tuition

Alongside toddler and junior Swim Academy, we offer private 1:1 lessons for all ages 4 and over. So whether you are a beginner or less confident adult swimmer keen to learn to swim or improve confidence in the water, or have a junior swimmer that would benefit from private lessons, please drop us a line:

Enquire here

Current Prices

Programme Prices per 30-minute lesson Programme method
Children’s Weekly Group Lessons £12.00 Monthly Direct Debit in advance
Adult or Child Private 1:1 £30.00 One-off fixed-term payment made in full in advance
Adult or Child Private 2:1 £40.00 One-off fixed-term payment made in full in advance
Children’s Holiday Crash Courses £15.00 One-off payment for full course made in advance

Opening Times

Day  Times
Monday 3:30pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursday 3:30pm – 7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 12:30pm

Meet the Team

Ben – Swim Academy Coordinator

Ben leads the Westonbirt Swim Academy with expert knowledge of swimming teaching and leisure operations. Qualifying as a Swim Teacher in 2018, he worked for over five years in the leisure industry as a Swim Teacher, Lifeguard, and Duty Manager. This experience, complemented by a First Class Degree in Sport Management from Loughborough University, has inspired his commitment to ensuring that every swimmer feels safe, supported, and motivated throughout their journey to reaching their potential at Westonbirt Swim Academy. ‘Everyone is welcome at Westonbirt Swim Academy, as I believe that the ability to swim and awareness of water safety are essential life skills. I take great pride in being trusted to lead the delivery of the transformational aquatic education we offer at Westonbirt Swim Academy’.

Matilda – Swim Teacher

Matilda discovered her love for swimming teaching through her local swimming club, where she began by shadowing one of the coaches. That early experience opened the door to a rewarding journey of helping young swimmers grow – there’s nothing quite like seeing swimmers develop their skills and gain confidence in the water.

Nisha – Swim Teacher

Nisha started her swim teaching career as lifeguard at Westonbirt School, where encouraged by a wonderful mentor, she decided to pursue teaching qualifications. That was six years ago, and every day since has reinforced her love for swim teaching. She gets immense joy from watching swimmers progress in every class, driven by their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. She feels privileged to be part of their journey.

Chris – Swim Teacher

Chris initially got into teaching after searching for a more active role, and with a background in club swimming at his local club in Stroud, swim teaching was the perfect fit. The fast-paced environment at the pool means each day is both varied and rewarding. Chris enjoys seeing the children progress through the swim awards and the sense of achievement they have on moving up to the next level.

Aimee – Swim Teacher

Aimee has been swimming her whole life and continues to swim competitively at a high standard for her local club. She began her teaching career helping out at club sessions before completing her teaching awards. ‘I love passing on my knowledge to others. It’s great to see the children’s achievements and help them to overcome obstacles as they progress.’

 Karen – Swim Teacher

Karen’s journey into teaching started after joining my local triathlon team where she took advantage of the ability to train as a Group Triathlon coach. She particularly enjoyed coaching swimming and took on a volunteer role with a local children’s swimming team, which led to her becoming a Level 2 Swim Teacher. ‘I enjoy watching children gain confidence in the water whilst not only learning a lifesaving skill, but something that gives them enjoyment and a sense of achievement’.

Tabitha – Swim Teacher

Full bio coming soon.

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