press release: Swimming Teachers' Association (STA)
Active Lambeth renews STA Swim Academy partnership and prepares to launch new graded Learn to Swim programme
Active Lambeth has renewed its partnership with STA and is preparing to introduce STA's new graded Learn to Swim Programme (LSP) across its STA Swim Academy.
The renewed agreement builds on a successful partnership that began in 2023 when Active Lambeth launched its STA Swim Academy across its leisure centres in Brixton, Streatham and Clapham. Since then, thousands of children have developed their swimming and water safety skills through the programme, benefiting from a structured pathway designed to build confidence, competence and a lifelong love of swimming.
As part of the renewed partnership, Active Lambeth will introduce STA's graded Learn to Swim Programme, which provides a clear progression pathway from grades 1 to 7 while maintaining the strong focus on swimming technique, confidence and water safety that has been central to its existing swimming lesson offering.
The programme has been designed to help swimmers of all ages and abilities develop essential swimming skills and strokes, while introducing participants to a range of aquatic disciplines that can support long-term participation in swimming and aquatic activity.
Vivian Muhlemann, head of service - operations for Active Lambeth, said: "We are delighted to be extending our partnership with STA. Since 2023, the programme has helped us provide high-quality swimming lessons and water safety education to thousands of people across Lambeth.
"The introduction of the graded Learn to Swim Programme will further strengthen our swimming lesson pathway by providing clear progression for swimmers and additional resources to support both participants and teachers. We look forward to continuing to work closely with STA as we develop our swimming programme."
Katrina Davy, leisure operations manager for Active Lambeth, added: "The support we have received from STA during our partnership has been excellent. The quality of the programme, resources and ongoing guidance has helped us create a consistent and engaging swimming lesson experience across our sites.
"We are excited to introduce the graded Learn to Swim Programme and the additional progression opportunities it offers. The clear structure will help swimmers celebrate their achievements and support our teachers in delivering enjoyable, progressive lessons."
Zoe Cooper, commercial director at STA, said: "We are delighted that Active Lambeth has chosen to extend its STA Swim Academy partnership.
"Since launching its STA Swim Academy in 2023, the Active Lambeth team has demonstrated a real commitment to providing accessible, high-quality swimming lessons for local communities. We have enjoyed working closely with the team over the last two years and supporting the continued development of their swimming programme.
"We now look forward to supporting the introduction of STA's new graded Learn to Swim Programme, which will provide swimmers with a clear progression pathway while retaining the strong emphasis on swimming skills, confidence and water safety that sits at the heart of all STA learn to swim programmes."
STA's Learn to Swim Programmes provide a structured pathway for learners of all ages and abilities. Alongside developing core swimming skills and stroke technique, the programme embeds water safety throughout and introduces swimmers to a range of aquatic disciplines that can support lifelong participation in swimming.
STA's Swim Academy model, which launched 15 years ago, was designed to help leisure providers implement STA's learn to swim programmes and maximise opportunities for people of all ages to access high-quality swimming lessons at their local pool. STA supports operators with programme development, teacher training, resources and ongoing support, helping create successful and sustainable swimming lesson programmes within local communities.
Active Lambeth is Lambeth Council's leisure service provider, operating eight leisure facilities across the borough with the aim of boosting local people's opportunities to access sport and leisure. For more information, visit www.active.lambeth.gov.uk
Zoe Cooper, commercial director
Kayle Brightwell, director of education
Brett Preston, director of digital services
Stuart Tanfield, finance director
Its qualifications and memberships support individual swimming teachers, schools and organisations delivering aquatic programmes.
There will be a continued focus on expanding CPD provision with specialist partners, enhancing digital learning and improving accessibility to training.
STA will also progress charity initiatives to support recruitment within the aquatic workforce, including bursary programmes and outreach activity, while strengthening its work in inclusion, disability swimming and community engagement.
– Andrew Clark, national sport & aquatics manager, GLL
– Stuart Dickinson, quality development and apprenticeship manager, Virgin Active
– Kelly Gaffney, head of people and culture, swim@
