Girl with pink swimming cap smiling Girl with pink swimming cap smiling

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A different approach to swimming lessons

Would you like to learn to swim the way the champions do? You can. We can teach you. Obviously we can’t promise you an Olympic gold medal – but we can teach you great technique. Good technique is the secret of confident, enjoyable, efficient, powerful swimming. With correct technique you will find yourself gliding through the water almost effortlessly – rather than slogging along by brute force (or barely making progress at all!) When it comes to swimming beautifully, less is definitely more.
 
Who we teach –

For Children (age 4+) we run weekly lessons. These are held during school terms, because we know a lot of parents don't want to pay for swimming lessons they won't use during the holidays. Our groups have a maximum of 4 students.  Private lessons are also an option.  Read more about our swimming lessons for children

For Adults we currently only offer private lessons.  This is because we have found through experience that each individual's needs are unique.  (The exception is we occasionally run technique workshops for students who are already comfortable in the water.)
We cater for all abilities. And all ages – it’s never too late! 
Read more about our adult swimming lessons

Nervous or downright scared of water? Tried to learn before and failed? We understand that learning to swim is sometimes more about psychology than mechanics. Your confidence and skill will grow together, and reinforce each other. Joined a class but got left behind? All our students get the personal attention they need. Our approach allows you to progress at your own pace. We put a big emphasis on exploring how your own body interacts with the water, allowing you to discover your own "inner swimmer".

How we teach –

Traditional swimming lessons are a somewhat haphazard affair. Far too much depends on the approach and knowledge of the individual teacher. (Did you know you don’t even have to be able to swim to qualify as a swimming teacher? Incredible, but true.) Some of us get lucky and have a great teacher and/or a natural gift, and become good swimmers. But far too many people end up as weak swimmers despite having plenty of lessons. Most will remain stuck at the same level for the rest of their lives.

Swimming by Design is a different kind of swim school.  Naturally our teachers have experience of traditional methods, and are suitably qualified. But we also have our own unique approach - which is logical, scientific, and specifically designed to make learning to swim easy and enjoyable.  We want ALL our students to love their swimming lessons, and reach their potential at their own pace.  

We have a LOT of students who have struggled at other swim schools, but are now making great progress with us.  Why?  Because we think about how students learn (or fail to learn!) motor skills;  because we treat each student as an individual;  because we have designed the swimming lessons and learning environment to make it easy to succeed; because we are constantly looking for ways to improve;  because we don't blame the student if they find something difficult - we look for ways to make it easier.

Read more about Our Approach.

 

Swimming is a skill for life. Start your child out on the right path to give them the gift of great swimming.

Or give yourself or your older child the chance to learn properly once and for all - It’s never too late.

TERM DATES 2023-24

Autumn Term -

Starts on 02-03 September
Weekend off 16-17 September (school exams)
Weekend off 28-29 October (half term)
Ends after 16-17 December

Spring Term -

Starts on 06-07 January
Weekend off 17-18 February (half term)
Ends after 23-24 March

Summer Term -

Starts on 13-14 April
Weekend off 04-05 May (Bank Holiday weekend)
Weekend off 25-26 May (half term & BH weekend)
Ends after 06-07 July

 

TIMES (school terms only)

Saturdays  1.00pm - 5.15pm.
Sundays     9.00am - 5.00pm.  

Please contact us for available spaces

LOCATION

SIR THOMAS RICH'S SCHOOL
Oakleaze
Longlevens
Gloucester
GL2 0LF

Map

PRICES

Children's groups -

Our groups have a maximum of 4 students. Classes are 30 minutes, including a brief changeover.

Fees work out at £12.00 per lesson.  

You can pay for a term at a time;  or join our monthly payment plan.  (Both schemes are direct debit).

Private Lessons (adult or child) -

£30.00 per half hour

For adults, we usually recommend an hour at a time.