New funded programme aims to boost swimming teacher numbers in Staffordshire
The Institute of Swimming has partnered with MyActive to launch a funded swimming teacher training initiative, aiming to grow the number of qualified swimming teachers in the area to ensure more children in Staffordshire Moorlands have the opportunity to learn to swim.
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The specialist training academy will offer local people the chance to retrain and embark on a career as a swimming teacher for just an £85 administration fee - a fraction of the usual £1,000 cost.
MyActive is looking to recruit an additional 20 new teachers to grow its aquatics offer to the community and ensure there are enough qualified staff ready for the reopening of MyActive Leek in Spring 2026 following its £17 million redevelopment. The upgraded facility will include a six-lane swimming pool, a smaller teaching pool and new changing areas.
Sarah Gilman, Swimming Lessons Manager, Myactive Biddulph says: “We currently deliver swimming lessons to over 2,000 children each week in Staffordshire Moorlands, and as our lesson programme expands we need to invest in future teaching talent. The partnership with the Institute of Swimming will provide us with recruitment and training support to ensure we have the highest quality teaching staff for our Learn to Swim Programme.”
Teaching swimming is a rewarding career with flexible hours. Work can be full-time, part-time or casual, with most key hours during weekdays, evenings and weekends - perfect for supplementing existing income or working around shift patterns and caring responsibilities. There are no educational requirements for applying, and you don't need to be an 'elite' swimmer.
There are also some opportunities within Staffordshire’s school national curriculum programme, which teaches swimming to schools and provides the opportunity for swimming teachers to work term time only.
Swim England’s data shows 96 per cent of UK swimming teachers love their job and love giving back to the community to support children in developing an essential life skill. Further data shows that more than half of swim teachers have previously held different careers and they are even more likely to agree that being on poolside gives them happiness, fulfilment and a good work/life balance.
Once qualified, successful trainees will be employed by MyActive as swimming teachers and will earn £15.39 per hour. The swimming teaching opportunities are available at the at the following three centres in Staffordshire Moorlands.
MyActive Leek, Brough Park, Ball Haye Road, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 6AT
MyActive Biddulph, Thames Drive, Biddulph, Staffordshire ST8 7HL
MyActive Cheadle, Allen Street, Cheadle, Staffordshire ST10 1HJ
Rebecca Cox, Managing Director, Institute of Swimming says: “We want to attract new people to swimming teaching, including those who may not have considered it as a career. This funded training offers enthusiastic locals the chance to gain a rewarding role give back to their community and help children learn a vital life skill.”
Quentin, 62, is a swimming teacher for MyActive. The former head teacher, who teaches swimming 20 hours a week in his retirement, says: “Teaching swimming has a very direct and immediate impact on kids.It’s incredibly rewarding. It’s great to be able to top up my pension whilst still maintaining the joy of teaching and working with young people. Teaching swimming is great fun, it keeps me on my toes and keeps me feeling young! For someone that has always enjoyed inspiring young people and loves to teach, being a swimming teacher is a great solution. I also find a lot of the team I work with are younger than me, which keeps me in touch with modern life and youth. I plan to keep on teaching swimming well into my retirement, as it gives me a great work/life balance.”
The Academy gives people the chance to become a swimming teacher for just £85 and takes them through the Swim England Qualifications (SEQ) Level One Swimming Assistant (Teaching) and Level Two Teaching Swimming courses. The usual cost of these two courses is £1,000. In addition to the training, applicants will also receive a years’ membership to the Institute of Swimming and access to the online Introduction to Swimming Strokes - Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Anyone interested should complete an online form by the 22 June: instituteofswimming.org/course-information/staffordshire-swimming-teacher-recruitment-academy
