press release: Swimming Teachers' Association (STA)
Strong start for STA's new Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification as 450 learners begin training in first 50 days.
The launch of STA’s new Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification has already seen strong early engagement across the sector, with more than 450 learners beginning their journey as swimming teachers within the first 50 days.
Introduced earlier this year, the new regulated programme represents a significant step forward in how swimming teachers are trained and supported across the UK.
Developed and endorsed against CIMSPA’s updated Professional Standard, and shaped through extensive consultation with employers, tutors and teachers, the qualification reflects a shift in how the sector approaches training. The focus is no longer simply on gaining a qualification, but on ensuring new teachers are prepared for the realities of poolside work from day one.
Employers have been clear that newly qualified teachers must feel confident, capable and supported from the moment they begin teaching. In response, the programme places greater emphasis on practical teaching skills, supported by modernised delivery models including blended learning options. Digital learner portfolios and clearer assessment structures also help streamline the learning experience while maintaining high standards.
Learning does not end once the qualification is achieved. To support teachers at the start of their careers, graduates receive a bundle of CPDs alongside 12 months of STA membership, helping them continue developing their skills and stay connected with best practice across the profession.
This continued support is particularly important when it comes to retention. Providing structured development opportunities early in a teacher’s career helps address this challenge and reinforces that swimming teaching is a profession with value, progression and long-term opportunity.
Tutor feedback highlights early impact
Early feedback from tutors delivering the first courses has highlighted the strong practical focus of the programme and the confidence it builds among learners.
Chris Bateman, STA tutor, said: “Delivering the new Level 2 qualification has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Learners gain a huge amount of practical experience during the course, and you can see their confidence grow as they move through the programme.
“One of the standout features is the digital portfolio and AI assisted marking, which provides clear and consistent feedback against the assessment criteria. Combined with the strong practical focus, it helps ensure learners leave feeling confident and prepared for real teaching on poolside.”
Kayle Brightwell, director of education at STA, added: “We are really pleased with the response to the new qualification from both tutors and learners. Feedback so far has been very positive about the curriculum and the supporting resources that have been developed alongside it.
“This early uptake also reflects the continued demand for new swimming teachers and the commitment across the industry to developing confident, well-prepared professionals.”
Simplifying the pathway for the profession
Through its long-standing delivery of swimming teacher qualifications, STA has developed a strong understanding of what works on poolside and how training can best support the profession.
STA has also worked alongside CIMSPA and other workforce partners to help shape the latest Professional Standard for swimming teachers, reflecting a shared commitment to greater clarity, consistency and confidence across the sector.
Dave Candler, CEO of STA, added: “For some time, multiple qualification titles and levels have created unnecessary confusion for employers, operators and teachers. With the industry as a whole moving towards a single, clearly defined regulated Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification, it provides a much clearer route forward and makes it easier to understand what a professional swimming teaching qualification represents.
“This qualification reflects years of delivery and sector feedback. It is built on what we know works in practice, and I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done to help move the profession forward.”
As more courses begin to run across the UK, the new qualification is already playing an important role in helping shape the future of swimming teaching.
For more information, or to search for upcoming courses, visit https://www.sta.co.uk/sta-level-2-swimming-teacher-qualification/
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@
