press release: Swimming Teachers' Association (STA)
Wakefield Council to transition to STA's new graded Learn to Swim Programme
Wakefield Council has confirmed plans to transition its swim school provision to STA’s new 1-7 graded Learn to Swim Programme (LSP), with implementation scheduled for May 2026.
The planned transition builds on Wakefield Council’s established partnership with STA, under which the council operates a fully functioning in-house STA Approved Training Centre (ATC). The ATC currently delivers STA swimming teaching, pool plant, lifeguarding and first aid qualifications across the council’s five leisure facilities, supporting a consistent, high-quality approach to aquatic training and workforce development.
Developed in consultation with the sector, STA’s graded Learn to Swim Programme provides a clear, progressive pathway from grades 1 to 7, embedding stroke development, essential swimming skills and water safety from the outset. The programme has been designed to support learners of all ages and abilities, while giving operators and teachers the flexibility needed to deliver consistently high standards across multiple sites.
Wakefield Council cited the quality of STA’s qualifications, the strength of customer service, and the benefits of working with a single awarding organisation as key drivers for the move. The council has also responded positively to the breadth of learner engagement tools available within the programme, including STA’s supplementary PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants awards, alongside plans to introduce STA’s digital awards to further motivate and recognise swimmer achievement.
The programme also supports swimmer retention by introducing participants to a range of aquatic disciplines, including competitive swimming, artistic swimming, water polo and junior lifesaving, helping learners identify how they would like to progress beyond the core Learn to Swim pathway.
Mark Lynam, Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director for Regeneration, Environment and Economic Growth, said: “Our partnership with STA has enabled us to build a strong, consistent approach to aquatic training and delivery across all five of our pools. As we plan ahead, transitioning to STA’s graded Learn to Swim Programme is a natural progression that supports both our teachers and our learners. The clear structure, strong water safety focus and range of engaging awards give us confidence that the programme will enhance the swimming journey for children and families across Wakefield.”
Zoe Cooper, Commercial Director at STA, added: “Wakefield Council has developed an excellent in-house training and delivery model with STA, and we are delighted they are planning to extend this into their learn to swim provision. The graded Learn to Swim Programme offers a modern, flexible and inclusive framework that supports teachers, engages learners and gives operators confidence in long-term programme sustainability.”
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@
