One qualification. Ready to teach: Swim England overhauls teacher qualifications

Swim England, the national governing body for swimming, has today announced a landmark overhaul of its teaching qualification structure, introducing a new streamlined, one qualification pathway to becoming a swimming teacher.

The new SEQ Level 2 in Teaching Swimming qualification consolidates the learning journey, allowing individuals to become fully qualified and poolside ready more efficiently than ever before, whilst maintaining Swim England’s high professional standards.

The traditional two-step qualification process comprised a Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) course, followed by Level 2 Teaching Swimming course or an intense combined Level 1 and 2 course. These have been replaced with one single, comprehensive Level 2 qualification. The new Swim England qualification was developed following a sector-wide consultation with learners, operators, licensed educators and tutors. It directly aligns with CIMSPA’s updated Swimming Teacher Professional Standard.

Sarah Green, Head of Workforce Education at Swim England, says: “It’s essential that our qualifications continue to meet industry needs. The recent sector-wide consultation highlighted a clear need for change. Learners are seeking faster, more accessible training with a stronger emphasis on practical skills rather than academic content. There is also growing demand for a ‘one-course’ approach, without the intensity of a combined course. At the same time, our partners need high-quality teachers with the confidence and capability to deliver exceptional lessons from day one.”

The strategic move is a major win for people looking to start a rewarding career as a swimming teacher as well as for operators grappling with the national demand for a skilled aquatic workforce. The new single qualification is more affordable, for both operators and individuals, and allows people to qualify more quickly.

Green continues: “Swim England is setting a new standard of excellence in swimming teacher training. Our new accelerated qualification delivers quality without compromise. It’s simple, with one qualification, they are ready to teach. Ultimately, this will allow operators to reduce waiting lists and expand their overall aquatic offering, providing a better customer experience, as well as future-proofing their workforce.”

The SEQ Level 2 in Teaching Swimming features a total of 50 hours qualification time, including 38 hours of guided learning with a tutor, convenient online self-directed learning and practical experiences. The qualification offers a balance of theory and hands-on teaching, with practical assessments taking place in live lesson environments to ensure learners are confident and capable from the moment they step onto the poolside.

Swim England is also developing a new, integrated online platform featuring multiple-choice assessments and a central resource classroom for all learning materials and assessor marking, which streamlines the process for both learners and tutors. This digital flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for learners with special educational needs, makes the qualification more accessible and inclusive, allowing tutors to focus on providing high-quality, real-time practical training and feedback.

Green adds: “People come to teaching aquatics from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, ages and confidence levels, so we’ve ensured there are multiple entry points to accommodate everyone.

“The most straightforward way is to complete the new SEQ Level 2 in Teaching Swimming qualification. Individuals currently holding our Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) qualification can seamlessly upgrade to the new standard to become a fully certified teacher. We’ve also introduced a Learn to Swim Helper CPD entry pathway, available for people aged 14+, which is a great stepping stone that builds directly on their journey through the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme. It also supports individuals who want to build their confidence before continuing to the SEQ Level 2 in Teaching Swimming.”

Swim England’s licensed educators and all Approved Training Centres are poised to elevate their training delivery through the new qualification model, with the first course due to run in March 2026.

For more information, please visit SEQ Level 2 in Teaching Swimming Qualification – Swim England Qualifications