A clear path from first splash to advanced swimmer

We follow the STA Learn to Swim Programme, giving every swimmer a structured pathway with clear milestones from baby classes right through to lifesaving and advanced awards.

How our swimmers progress

All Strokes Swim School lessons follow the STA Learn to Swim Programme — a nationally recognised framework that tracks your child's progress through clearly defined stages, from the very first session in the water through to advanced swimming and personal survival.

Teachers assess swimmers continuously and move them up when they're ready, rather than waiting for end-of-term dates. When your child is ready to progress, you'll be contacted by Joni Hales by email and a new class slot will be found for them.

Classes from 2 months to teens

Baby Swimming swimming class

Baby Swimming

Adult and child classes for babies aged 2 months to 1 year. A gentle introduction to the water with parent or guardian in the pool alongside their baby.

Toddler Class swimming class

Toddler Class

Adult and child classes for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years. Building water confidence and introducing basic swimming movements with parent or guardian in the pool.

Pre-school Class swimming class

Pre-school Class

Teacher works within the water. Children aged 3 to 5 years begin to swim independently with teacher support in the water. Parents/guardians watch from poolside.

Stanley 1 – Stanley 4
Beginners Class swimming class

Beginners Class

For non-swimmers aged 3 years and upwards, learning to paddle without armbands. The foundation class where swimmers gain their first real water independence.

Stanley 1 – Stanley 4
Advanced Beginner Class swimming class

Advanced Beginner Class

For swimmers paddling without armbands who are starting to learn full stroke technique. Building on basics to develop proper swimming form.

Stanley 4 – Stanley 6
Middle Class swimming class

Middle Class

Swimmers learning full stroke but still requiring teacher assistance within the water. Developing strength and technique to swim independently.

Stanley 7 – Goldfish 1
Deep Widths Class swimming class

Deep Widths Class

Swimmers have mastered full stroke and now practise swimming out of their depth, starting to perfect their strokes and build endurance.

Goldfish 1 – Goldfish 3
Easy ¾ & Hard ¾ Classes swimming class

Easy ¾ & Hard ¾ Classes

Swimmers improve their distance and learn harder skills such as diving and tumble turns. Working towards competitive techniques.

Angelfish 1 – Shark 1
Full Lanes Class swimming class

Full Lanes Class

Swimming lengths, working on distance, speed and more advanced skills such as racing starts and turns, plus personal survival.

Shark 2, Dolphin 1 & 2, Bronze & Silver Water Safety
Advanced Lanes Class swimming class

Advanced Lanes Class

Our highest level for teens in a fitness and fun style class. Hard fast swimming mixed with lifesaving, water polo and diving.

Gold Water Safety, Bronze/Silver/Gold Advanced Swimmers, Starts & Turns 1 & 2
Private Lessons swimming class

Private Lessons

1-2-1s, 2-2-1s and crash courses held every school holiday. Tailored individual instruction for accelerated progress at any level.

Rewards that mean something

As swimmers progress through each level, they earn STA badges and certificates — from Starfish 1 all the way to Advanced Swimmers and the 10,000m award. Progress reports are sent towards the end of each term, and parents can order badges and certificates if their child would like them.

Tracker books are also available so families can follow along with each stage of their swimmer's journey.

Ready to find a class?

Check prices and timetables across all venues, or get in touch to ask about availability for your child's level.