We have been shortlisted for a Tes Schools Awards 2026!

We’re excited to share that Ashford School has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Initiative of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2026! We’re incredibly proud of our Community Learn to Swim Programme, which supports 20+ local primary schools and teaches over 1,100 swimmers every week. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of our local primary schools, parents, students, staff, and wider community – thank you all.

Ashford School Community Learn to Swim

Ashford School’s Learn to Swim Programme, first launched in 2015, makes full use of both our Senior School and Prep School swimming pools to deliver high‑quality swimming education to the local community.

Each year, the programme supports more than 20 local primary schools through the Primary Learn to Swim programme, while the wider Community Learn to Swim Programme engages over 1,100 swimmers every week.

The programme supports learners at every stage of life. It begins with parent‑and‑baby sessions, progresses through structured swimming lessons for children aged three and over, and extends to families through after‑school and weekend lessons.

Within the Community Learn to Swim programme, swimmers progress through the structured Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway. Continuous assessment allows instructors to move swimmers through stages when they demonstrate competence, ensuring that skills, confidence and water safety knowledge develop progressively.

In addition, the Primary Learn to Swim programme delivers curriculum swimming for local primary schools, helping them meet Key Stage 2 National Curriculum requirements.

Beyond early learning, clear progression pathways are embedded throughout the programme. Swimmers can advance into Ashford School’s internal swim academy and water polo programmes, while older students and adults can access adult swimming lessons and professional training opportunities, including the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, delivered through the Royal Life Saving Society UK.

To meet growing demand and maintain a strong teaching workforce, Ashford School has established a swim instructor apprenticeship pathway. To date, the programme has supported over 15 pupils in achieving Swim England teaching qualifications. Senior students initially work alongside experienced instructors before progressing to lead their own classes once fully qualified. This approach ensures a sustainable pipeline of skilled instructors, while offering meaningful employment and leadership opportunities for students.

If you would like to find out more, please contact us at learntoswim@ashfordschool.co.uk or follow at: Facebook: Ashford School Community Learn to Swim