Learn to Swim
After School Swimming Lessons
Here at Bluecoat Sports Swim Academy, we offer Swim England Learn To Swim (LTS) swimming lessons for school-aged children during the week and on Saturday mornings. Children of all ages and abilities can join a lesson in our 25-metre swimming pool that caters to their current level of swimming, developing their skills with our professionally trained swimming teachers.
Bluecoat Sports Swim Academy runs between 16:30-18:30 Monday to Friday and 09:00-11:00 on Saturdays. Check our pool timetable for updates. Sessions run for 44 weeks a year (breaking during the Easter holidays and for 4 weeks in the Summer & Christmas holidays).
The benefits of our LTS swim school lessons
- Small class groups, personalised tuition
- One session per week
- See children improve their confidence and essential swimming skills
- Taught by trained Bluecoat Sports Swim Academy Instructors
- Fit swimming into their daily routine
- Watch from a poolside viewing area
Your child will learn to swim and develop their skills in a safe and structured environment, following the Swim England framework. Our qualified teachers make lessons fun and entertaining. After a day at school, it is a great way to work off some energy and continue learning at the same time.
After-school and weekend lessons help children develop their swimming skills while having fun and making new friends. By coming each week, the children build a routine and are committed to their lessons.
Intensive Swimming Courses
Our next course will take place in Easter 2026.
During the school holidays, Bluecoat Sports offer 4/5 day intensive swimming courses for those wishing to brush up on their technique, learn a new skill or just try something completely different. These courses cater for children of all abilities from the complete beginner to the more advanced including Front Crawl/Backstroke and Breaststroke/Butterfly stroke clinics.
For those wishing to develop other swimming skills, we offer Snorkelling and Rookie Lifesaving. The daily sessions are 30 minutes over the 4/5 day course.
Please keep an eye here and on our Instagram and Facebook for updates on future Intensive Swimming Courses.
Suitable For : From school-age
Class Duration : 30 minutes
When : School Holidays
Memberships Included : None
Learn To Swim
School-aged children can join our after-school sessions on weekdays and Saturday mornings, suited for complete beginners as well as the more advanced. Taught by professionally trained swim teachers, Children develop at their own pace with ongoing assessments throughout to make sure they are in the class that is right for them.
View our lesson term dates here
Suitable For : From school-age
Class Duration : 30 minutes
When : After-school sessions on weekdays & Saturday mornings. Sessions run for 44 weeks a year (Breaking at Easter, 4 weeks in Summer & Christmas)
Memberships Included : None
Rookie Lifesaving
Rookie Lifesaving is a valuable survival, rescue, and sports skills session, delivered in an exciting way that will get children involved and motivated.
Our programme offers the first opportunity to explore water safety, gradually gaining independence and confidence while learning vital life skills. Our team of instructors will inspire and embolden your child, helping them keep themselves, their friends, and their family safe in the water through a range of fun activities that lead towards a series of awards.
Rookie Lifesaving is aimed at children who have finished to Learn To Swim program. The scheme begins with Stage 1 of the Bronze Award and progresses to Stage 3 of the Gold Award; starting off at an ability level suitable for brand-new rookie swimmers and progressing to the level where our Rookie Lifeguards will understand vital first aid lessons and can perform impressive lifesaving tows, rescues and saves.
The first half an hour of these session will be ‘dryside’ learning, where our Rookie’s will learn vital first aid skills. The second half an hour is ‘poolside’ learning, where our Rookies will learn key lifesaving skills in the water, such as rescues.
View our lesson term dates here
Suitable For : Those who have completed LTS
Class Duration : 45 minutes
When : Thursday’s at 17:30-18:30
Equipment Needed : Towel, Swimming Costume
Memberships Included : None
Barracudas Club
Barracudas is for the more advanced swimmer. On a Tuesday 18:00 – 18.30 and Friday 18:00 – 18:45, these sessions help children work on their technique for all four strokes, starts, turns and use of the pace clock. They are the perfect option for those who wish to continue swimming after completing Stage 1-7 but don’t want to enter competitive swimming clubs. A great way to ensure your older child maintains the fitness benefits of swimming. The classes do not have a starting age, however swimmers do need to have completed their LTS Stage 7 to join.
View our lesson term dates here
Suitable For : Those who have completed LTS
Class Duration : 30 minutes / 45 minutes
When : Tuesday and Friday evenings
Equipment Needed : Towel, Swimming Costume
Memberships Included : None
The benefits of swimming lessons for children
Safety skills
Teaching water safety and learning to swim can significantly reduce the risk of drowning, teaching children vital water safety skills.
Physical fitness
Swimming is a full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves endurance.
Coordination and balance
Swimming requires the use of multiple body parts simultaneously, enhancing overall coordination and balance.
Confidence and independence
As children master swimming skills, they build water confidence and develop a sense of independence.
Social skills
Our swimming lessons are group lessons, which allow children to interact, make new friends, and learn teamwork.
Cognitive development
Following instructions and learning new techniques can improve a child’s cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
Discipline and responsibility
Regular lessons instil a sense of discipline and responsibility as children adhere to schedules and follow safety rules.
Fun and enjoyment
Swimming is an enjoyable activity that can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy, making exercise fun for children.
Enquire about swimming lessons in Horsham
Please contact us to learn more about our LTS Swim School lessons. We will be happy to advise you on which class is suitable for your child based on their age and ability.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our Swimming Programme, please email us at bluecoatsswimacademy@christs-hospital.org.uk or contact reception at 01403 247 572.
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