Learn to Swim Programme
The national framework for aquatic skill development — seven core stages from first water contact to confident, multi-stroke swimming and beyond.
View all stagesAbout the Framework
Swim England's Learn to Swim programme is the national framework used by aquatic teachers and clubs across England to develop safe, confident swimmers from complete beginner through to stroke-proficient athletes.
The seven core stages provide a clear, evidence-based progression pathway — each stage building on the last, with assessed criteria that ensure every swimmer is ready to move forward before advancing. Stages are delivered by Swim England registered teachers in affiliated pools across England.
Each stage features a character from the My Learn to Swim app — from Harry the Hermit Crab in Stage 1 to Wesley the Whale Shark in Stage 7 — giving younger swimmers a fun, recognisable milestone to celebrate.
The Journey
Seven Core Stages
Select a stage to view the full assessment criteria, key focus areas and the awards earned at that milestone.
First contact with the aquatic environment — entry, exit, face washing, floating and basic travel.
Rhythmical breathing, streamlined gliding, log rolls and 5m unaided travel on front and back.
Full submersion, object retrieval, 10m unaided travel and the Swim England Water Safety Code.
All four stroke leg kicks over 10m, sculling and floating shape sequences exploring buoyancy.
All four stroke arm pulls to 10m standard, treading water, shaped jumps and somersaults.
Rhythmical stroke breathing, swimming in clothing, surface diving and shout-and-signal rescue.
25m all four strokes to standard, 50m single stroke, 100m multi-stroke endurance and obstacle course.
Continuing the Journey
Once a swimmer completes Stage 7, the Swim England framework continues with specialist pathways for further development.
Stages 8, 9 and 10 develop advanced aquatic technique across all strokes, culminating in personal best distance and time challenges. Designed for swimmers who have achieved Stage 7 competency and want to push performance further.
A parallel adult-specific pathway designed for learners aged 16 and over who are new to swimming or returning after a break. The framework mirrors the core stage progression with adult-appropriate teaching approaches and activities.
Standalone awards focused on personal survival, water safety knowledge and self-rescue skills. Ideal for learners at any stage who want to build their understanding of safe behaviour in, on and around water.
Distance and stroke challenge awards give swimmers achievable goals outside the stage pathway — covering distance milestones from 5 metres to 5 kilometres across all strokes and disciplines.