The announcement was made at the official launch of STA’s new Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification on Thursday 29 January at Westminster Boating Base. / STA

GLL, the UK’s largest operator of swimming pools and a charitable social enterprise, has announced a five-year extension to its partnership with STA. This renewed commitment marks a continued effort to professionalise the aquatics industry, support long-term workforce development, and meet the growing demand for high-quality swimming teaching across the UK.

The extended partnership also coincides with the introduction of STA’s new Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification, a modernised, employer-aligned training model designed to support consistent, high-quality delivery across the learn to swim pathway.

Since the partnership began in 2017, GLL has successfully transformed its approach to swimming teacher training by adopting STA’s comprehensive qualification framework. Over 4,300 swimming teachers have been trained using STA’s Level 2 Award and Certificate in Teaching Swimming, alongside STA’s Baby & Pre-School qualification. This structured approach has enabled GLL to establish a progressive internal career pathway while addressing industry-wide recruitment and retention challenges.

Andrew Clark, GLL’s national sport & aquatics manager, said: “We have been consistently satisfied with the service and support we receive from STA. Their qualifications, and the Approved Training Centre (ATC) model we’ve built together, have not only helped us meet our recruitment needs but also supported the upskilling of our existing workforce, enhancing knowledge, confidence and competence across our aquatics teams.”

The STA-GLL model has allowed GLL’s in-house aquatics team to deliver cost-effective, centre-led tutor training, enabling greater flexibility and accessibility for staff development. This approach supports GLL’s commitment to providing local people with affordable, high-quality training and sustainable employment opportunities in aquatics.

The contract extension also reflects a shared vision between both organisations for creating clear, supportive pathways in aquatics education.

“The STA shares our vision for developing the aquatics career pathway and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn how to swim and stay safe in and around water,” added Andrew.

Emma Lewis, GLL’s national aquatics manager, continued: “Over the last eight years, we’ve built a strong, practical training model with STA that continues to deliver real results for both our workforce and the communities we serve.

“Importantly, STA’s new Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification is endorsed against and aligned with the latest CIMSPA Professional Standard for swimming teachers, a standard shaped by employers that clearly defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the role. By bringing core teaching competencies together within a single, modern qualification, and combining this with a curriculum informed by current grassroots teaching practice, the programme supports individual career progression and ensures teachers are equipped to deliver safe, engaging and effective lessons from day one, right across the learn to swim pathway.

“The redesigned qualification also responds directly to feedback from our in-house Approved Training Centres and tutor teams, addressing the need for simpler delivery, greater flexibility and reduced administration. With modernised resources and digital delivery options in place, GLL is proud to be one of the first organisations in the UK to deliver the new STA qualification,” confirmed Emma.

Dave Candler, CEO of STA, a national governing body for swimming, said: “This five-year extension is a testament to the strength and purpose of our partnership with GLL. Alongside the introduction of our new Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification, it reflects a joint commitment to modernising training delivery and strengthening the aquatics workforce. Together, we’ve built a framework that supports the entire swimming journey, from teacher development to learner outcomes, and we look forward to continuing this work to give more people the opportunity to learn how to swim and expand access to water safety education.”

GLL’s nationwide swim school currently supports over 200,000 children each week, with specialist programmes such as Swimbies for infants and Swim Doctor for adults continuing to grow in reach and popularity.

As both organisations move forward, they remain focused on growing and supporting a well-trained, accessible swimming workforce, ensuring more people have the opportunity to learn to swim and stay safe in and around water.