A Q&A with Award-Winning Swim School SwimwithJo

How long has your swim school been established, and what inspired you to start it?

SwimwithJo was officially established in April 2021 when three separate swim schools – Swimwithjo, Tammy’s Swim School, and Swim With Tracey – decided to join forces. Even before coming together, we worked closely, supporting one another. Since our merger, we’ve grown from 200 swimmers to an incredible 1,960 swimmers as of our latest count! Each of us brings unique skills to the table, making us a perfect team.

What age groups do you cater for, and what disciplines do you offer?

We teach swimmers from as young as 12 weeks old to adults. Our programmes include:
– Discovery Ducklings
– Ducklings
– Learn to Swim Stages 1 to 7
– Adults
– Aqua Athletes – a programme introducing a new discipline every half term, such as Competitive Swimming, Rookie Lifeguard, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, and Diving.

How often do you run lessons, and what types do you offer?

We operate seven days a week across 12 pools. Our offerings include group lessons, private lessons, nursery swimming programmes, and curriculum-based school swimming sessions.

Can you tell us about one of your favourite themes for lessons?

We love incorporating themed lessons into our planning, and Space is always a hit! The theme easily aligns with lesson outcomes and creates a fun, engaging environment for both swimmers and teachers. It’s especially helpful for our newly qualified teachers, boosting their confidence while keeping sessions exciting for students.

How do you track swimmers’ progress and share updates with parents or students?

We continuously assess our swimmers and advance them through the framework as they achieve their outcomes. In addition, we host three badge weeks a year—one per term—focused on Distance, Water Safety, and Cold-Water Safety.

Can you share a recent testimonial from one of your learners?

Here’s what Lisa Hawley had to say about her experience:
“My two little boys started attending the Birchwood sessions three weeks ago, and it is absolutely amazing. I used to have to drag them to swimming, but now they ask to go all the time! The classes are small, with loads of one-on-one time, and taught in a really fun, interactive, and playful way. Their teacher, Tammy, is so encouraging and positive, and I’ve already noticed a big improvement. The rest of the team are also really kind and welcoming. Parking is right next to the entrance, the pool is warm and clean, and one adult gets to sit poolside to watch the lessons up close.”

Where do you see growth opportunities for SwimwithJo over the next year?

We’re focusing on two key areas:
Advanced Training and Pool Space – We’re investing in training for higher stages and specialised disciplines, working with Club Links to make this happen.
New Facilities – We’ve been given access to a newly renovated pool where we can offer lessons seven days a week. Alongside our regular classes, we plan to facilitate school curriculum swimming and sessions for local community groups.

Do you influence water safety and swimming education within your community?

Yes, absolutely! We run water safety badge programmes, especially during Drowning Prevention Week and the winter months for Cold Water Safety. This year, we delivered 17 water safety assemblies using our mascot, Oscar the Otter. These reached over 5,500 children across local primary schools and nurseries. We’re already planning next year’s assemblies and hope to extend our reach to groups like Guides and Scouts.

What are three top tips for someone starting their own swim school?

Get involved with your local community.
Look after your team.
Hire a good accountant!

What has been the most helpful resource from Swim England for you?

Swim England’s new membership offers have been a game-changer for us. We’ve also found their portal invaluable for tracking our team’s qualifications, ensuring everyone stays up to date.

In 2024, SwimwithJo proudly won the Gold Award for Swim England Swim School of the Year, a testament to our incredible growth, dedication to high-quality teaching, and commitment to providing engaging and inclusive swimming lessons for all ages.

Find out more about the Swim England Swim School Membership