Schools: Swimming

All schools must provide swimming and water safety lessons within the physical education (PE) national curriculum, either in key stage 1 or key stage 2. Swimming and water safety are vital life skills, and every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim and keep themselves safe around water by the time they leave primary school. In addition, the statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance ensures that all pupils are taught about the water safety code, supporting them to stay safe in a range of water environments.

We recognise the importance of these life skills, which is why the department is working closely with sector organisations, including Swim England, the Royal Life Saving Society UK and National Water Safety Education, to support schools in delivering high-quality swimming and water safety lessons through teacher training and resources.

Schools receive core funding for activities within the curriculum, including funding to deliver PE, such as swimming and water safety lessons. Supporting pupils to access swimming and water safety will be a key priority for the new PE and School Sport Partnerships approach. By bringing together schools, local clubs and National Governing Bodies of Sport to identify and address barriers to participation, including access to swimming, funding and support can be targeted where they are needed most.