There are just a few things you will need to know before you head to the pool. Here you can quickly find answers to common questions, so you can arrive feeling prepared and focus on enjoying the lesson.
Top FAQs
What age can my child start swimming lessons?
Most children can begin from around 3 to 4 years old, once they are comfortable being away from a parent or guardian in the water. We also offer Baby Pre School lessons earlier, which can then transition into independent classes.
Do you offer parent and baby classes?
No. We take children from age 3 years old and our teachers are in the water with swimmers. Parents are not required to enter the water.
How do I know which level my child should join?
If your child has swum before, we will ask what level they achieved, including any badges awarded through Swim England or STA pathways. If your child is new to swimming, we will place them in a class that matches their current confidence and ability. We also ask a few questions at sign up so we can place every swimmer where they feel comfortable and able to progress.
What is the teacher to child ratio?
Our non swimmer lessons have a ratio of 4 swimmers to 1 teacher in the water, which supports faster confidence building and more individual guidance. Our maximum class size is 6 swimmers to 1 teacher for improver to advanced levels. Junior Lifeguard Academy can have up to 12 swimmers with 1 teacher because swimmers work in teams and pairs.
How long are the lessons?
All lessons are 45 minutes long. This is an ideal length for children to stay focused while practising key skills.
Can anyone start swimming at any time?
Yes. If there is a place available, swimmers can join at any point during a term. We run 40 weeks of lessons per year, delivered in 10 week blocks.
Do you offer lessons for children with additional needs or disabilities?
Yes. We have qualified disability teachers who have taken additional qualifications and CPD to support a range of abilities. Core Aquatics is also an Autism Swim Approved swim school and we work with Level Water, who provide partially subsidised places for children with other abilities.
Do you focus on water confidence or technique first?
We focus on water confidence first, then teach and develop stroke technique. Confidence is the foundation that helps swimmers progress safely and consistently.
Before Booking
My child is nervous about swimming. Can they still join?
Absolutely. Many children start lessons feeling unsure. Our teachers focus on building water confidence first using encouragement, routine, and fun activities so swimmers learn to feel relaxed and safe. The more information you share on your enquiry and new starter forms, the better we can support your child from the first session.
Do you follow the school holidays?
No. We close for two weeks over Easter, two weeks in the summer, and around four weeks over Christmas. Because school holiday dates differ across counties and schools, we do not close for half terms.
What awarding certificates and badges do you use to assess swimmers?
We follow the STA International Learn to Swim Programme. Certificates and badges are awarded to recognise progress within this framework. We also run the STA Rockhopper and Emperor Distance Series alongside the programme, which can be especially helpful for swimmers with other abilities.
How do you track progress?
Teachers create a scheme of work and lesson plans across each 10 week block, based on the learning outcomes swimmers are working towards. Progress is assessed on an ongoing basis each week. Not every outcome is covered in every lesson, as different strokes and skills rotate across the term.
Do I have to purchase the certificate and badges?
No. You can view the learning outcomes for STA certificates and badges on the STA website. If you do choose to purchase, we place orders on Mondays after the payment deadline so items can be delivered and prepared ready for week 10, when swimmers receive them. If you miss an order, we can add it to the next one.
How often do children move up a stage?
Teachers submit assessments at the end of each 10 week block and our admin team will contact the primary contact with suitable lesson times. If a whole class moves up together, the class usually stays at the same time and the level changes.
What should my child bring to lessons?
Please bring swimwear, a towel, and goggles if your child likes to wear them. We also recommend bringing a drink and something warm for after the lesson.
Can parents watch the lessons?
Yes, parents and guardians are welcome to watch from the poolside viewing area. We ask that adults do not distract swimmers during lessons so teachers can keep the session focused and safe.
What happens in the first lesson?
The first lesson is about helping your child feel comfortable and confident in the water. Teachers will check confidence levels, introduce key safety habits, and begin skills that match your child’s starting point.
Disability Swimming
What’s included in a Team Day Out to Adventis?
What’s included in a School Trip to Adventis?
Do you have risk assessments for a School Trip?
How much does a school trip cost?
When is full payment due?
Adult Swimming
Do you offer adult swimming lessons?
Yes. Our adult lessons are suitable for complete beginners as well as swimmers who want to improve confidence, technique, or a specific stroke.
Follow this process to re-schedule your adventure.
Log in to your Adventis account.
In the menu on the left select ‘My Bookings’, and then ‘Upcoming Bookings’.
You will then see a list of your bookings, select ‘Re-book’.
Follow the onscreen prompts to select a new session.
Please note that there is a £5 fee for re-scheduling a booking within 7 days of your session. Bookings closer than 48 hours cannot be re-scheduled.
I am nervous or have had a bad experience in water. Can I still learn?
Yes. Many adults start with nerves or past experiences. Our approach is calm and supportive, and we progress at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
How long are the lessons?
Adult lessons are 30 minutes long, which gives enough time to practise key skills while keeping sessions focused and achievable.
Do you focus on water confidence or technique first?
We start with water confidence and comfort, then build technique step by step. Confidence makes it easier to improve breathing, balance, and stroke skills.
Can I start at any time?
Yes. If there is availability, adults can join at any point during a 10 week block.
Can you help me work towards a specific goal?
Yes. Many adults learn for holidays, fitness, or confidence in deeper water. Tell us your goal and we will help you work towards it with a clear plan.
Gift Vouchers
Do you offer lessons for children with additional needs or disabilities?
Yes. We have qualified disability teachers who have taken additional qualifications and CPD to support a range of abilities. We work to understand each swimmer’s needs so lessons feel calm, safe, and achievable.
What does Autism Swim Approved mean?
Core Aquatics has been Autism Swim Approved since 2019. Our Autism Swim Approved teachers have had additional in depth training and access to resources and a community to help them better understand and support swimmers with ASD and other abilities.
Can you support swimmers who need routine and familiarity?
Yes. Many swimmers benefit from predictable routines and clear expectations. If you share what works best for your child on the new starter forms, we can help teachers plan a supportive approach.
Do you offer subsidised places through Level Water?
Yes. Core Aquatics works with Level Water, who offer partially subsidised places for children with other abilities. You can register on their waiting list and specify Core Aquatics as your preferred swim school.
How long does it take for a child to learn to swim?
Every child progresses differently. Some swimmers gain confidence quickly, while others need more time. With regular lessons, swimmers gradually build the skills needed to swim more independently and safely. Childhood development, including growth spurts and puberty, can also affect progress.
How do you recognise progress if it happens at a slower pace?
Alongside the STA programme, we also use the STA Rockhopper and Emperor Distance Series, which can be a brilliant way to recognise progress over time. We also use the Core Aquatics Award of Achievement for milestones that may not yet meet every badge outcome but still represent a meaningful step forward.