There are some exciting changes happening at Puddle Ducks Swim Academy!
From 1st September 2026, our brand-new Swim Academy programme is officially here, bringing with it more opportunities for children to progress, celebrate their achievements and develop into confident, capable swimmers.
Suitable for children aged 4 to 10, Swim Academy has always been about so much more than simply learning to swim a certain distance. We want children to develop a lifelong love of swimming while learning fantastic technique, essential water safety skills and, importantly, having fun along the way.
Our new programme builds on everything we already love about Swim Academy – with some exciting improvements.
From 6 levels to 8
One of the biggest changes you’ll notice is that Swim Academy has moved from six levels to eight.
We’ve carefully reviewed and condensed the progressions within our programme, giving children more opportunities to achieve milestones and see the progress they are making.
Levels 1 and 2 are taught together and are equivalent to our previous Level 1 classes, while Levels 3 and 4 are taught together and are equivalent to our previous Level 2.
This means children can now work towards two different levels of skills within the same class, giving them more achievable milestones to celebrate along their swimming journey.
And we all know how proud they are when they get to tell you what they’ve achieved in their lesson!
Progress that children can see and celebrate
Learning to swim is a journey, and every child progresses at their own pace.
Breaking the programme into eight levels allows us to recognise more of those important steps along the way.
Rather than focusing solely on swimming longer distances, children work on individual skills, technique, confidence and water safety. Those smaller achievements all come together to create strong, confident swimmers.
For some children, mastering a particular skill can be just as significant as swimming their first length – and we want to celebrate both.
Building brilliant swimming technique
We don't just want children to be able to get from one end of the pool to the other. We want to teach them how to swim well.
Our programme deconstructs each swimming stroke, helping children develop the correct technique gradually as they progress.
By learning the right skills at the right stage, children can build strong foundations which will help them become more efficient and confident swimmers.
Taking our older swimmers even further
Our new Elite Swim Academy Levels 7 and 8 have been enhanced to give our more experienced swimmers the opportunity to really develop their swimming.
These levels have a greater focus on technical excellence through stroke deconstruction, targeted drills and technique analysis.
But swimming ability is only part of it.
Swimmers will continue to develop water safety and lifesaving skills while also experiencing activities including artistic swimming and water polo.
For children who may eventually want to progress into a swimming club or competitive environment, Levels 7 and 8 provide fantastic foundations for the next stage of their swimming journey.
More than learning to swim
At Puddle Ducks, we believe learning to swim should give children skills for life.
That's why water safety remains an essential part of our Swim Academy programme.
Alongside learning strokes and developing technique, children learn how to be safe and confident around water – skills which could one day prove invaluable.
Our programme meets all nationally recognised outcomes from both the STA and Swim England, but we don't stop there. We've designed Swim Academy to develop well-rounded swimmers who are confident, technically capable and knowledgeable about water safety.
The Puddle Ducks difference
Of course, even the best swimming programme needs brilliant people to bring it to life.
Our teachers are at the heart of Swim Academy.
They are highly qualified swimming teachers who also understand how children learn and develop. Lessons are designed to create a positive, encouraging environment where children can be challenged while still having fun.
Whether your child is completely new to swimming lessons, has been swimming with Puddle Ducks for years or is joining us after learning elsewhere, there is a place for them in Swim Academy.
Ready to start their Swim Academy journey?
The new Puddle Ducks Swim Academy programme launches on 1st September, and we can't wait to see our swimmers working towards their new levels and celebrating everything they achieve along the way.
Children can join us at any point during the term, so you don't need to wait for a new term to begin.
Whether they're taking their first independent strokes or refining their technique as an experienced swimmer, we'll help them take the next step in their swimming journey.
Find your nearest Puddle Ducks Chester, Wirral & North Wales Swim Academy class and come and join us in the pool!