Swim England puts training at heart of organisation

The biggest provider of swimming qualifications in England is inspiring a generation of highly trained swimming teachers, according to latest figures.

Previously known as the ASA Awarding Body, Swim England Qualifications develops a range of qualifications for the swimming sector.

Latest figures show that 80 per cent of the swimming workforce hold a Swim England Level 1 or Level 2 teaching qualification¹. And each year, over 17,000 Swim England qualification and accredited CPD certificates are issued².

Courses include a flexible approach that maximises in-pool training with theory and teaching skills. A range of CPDs also enables swimming teachers to keep up to date with the latest sector developments.

Employers favour the mixed training approach taken by Swim England Qualifications, with over 90 per cent of pool operators who expressed a preference choosing  the national governing body’s qualifications, and 87 per cent of private swim schools³.

Simon Stevens, Head of Swim England Qualifications, said: “Our focus has always been to provide a high quality qualification and accreditation service to the swimming workforce.

“By working with a national network of Approved Training Centres, we are able to deliver our courses in over 320 locations across England and Wales. This not only gives our learners flexibility about when and where they learn, it also means we can maximise the amount of time that is spent learning in the pool, which provides vital practical skills and experience.

“Swimming teachers are amazing. They help to keep our children safe by teaching them to swim so we need to ensure their training is as high quality as possible.

“We are very proud that our qualifications are endorsed by all four UK swimming national governing bodies, and our change to Swim England Qualifications will help to highlight the importance we place on supporting the swimming workforce.”

“Supportive of our vision to train quality teachers”

Emma Flanagan, Head of Becky Adlington Training, said: “We have been working with the team for nearly two years. They have been very supportive of our vision to train quality teachers through access to the best qualifications and gain a career that change people’s lives.

“The new name of Swim England Qualifications is brilliant because it aligns to Swim England’s overall brand which helps learners identify that their qualification is that of the national governing body and the leader in our sport.”

As part of the change to Swim England Qualifications, a new website has been developed to support learners find the right course for them. For even more information and support, join the Swimming Qualifications community on Facebook.