Learn to Swim

Our Learn to Swim programme offers classes for children of every age, irrespective of their ability, and is aligned with Scottish Swimming’s National Framework, with six primary levels to work through.

The programme criteria can equip a child who has never been in the water before with the early stages of Core Aquatic skills before improving the quality of stroke technique, developing multi- aquatic skills and basic life support.

Our lessons

Lessons are offered at all six of our swimming pools. The programme runs for 50 weeks of the year with children taking part in one 30-minute lesson per week. Your 12 monthly payments covers 48 weekly swimming lessons, there is a two week break at Christmas.

In the event of more than two classes being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances we shall endeavour to provide an alternative lesson where this is possible.

How do I book?

Booking is really simple, just click on the ‘Enrol Now’ button below and you will be transferred to our Go Learn Postal to begin the process. 

Please note that Galashiels Academy is not yet available to enrol online as it is a brand new venue, but we hope to have it online soon.  

Enrolling 

It is essential that your child is placed into the appropriate class according to their ability. Before they can join the programme, they can either undertake a free swimming assessment to determine which class would best suit them, which can be arranged at any pool.  Alternatively you can answer the assessment questions when you work through the enrolment process online.  Please note, if you enrol your child in a class where they do not have the ability required to take part at an appropriate level, you will not receive a refund for the classes attended. 

What are the costs? 

Classes are paid for by Direct Debit and are £30 per month.  

In addition to the monthly Direct Debit there is a one-off enrolment fee of £15 per child to the Swim Borders Club. 

What is included in the Swim Borders Club? 

When you first enrol you will receive: 

• Your personal Swim Borders membership card for your child (which can be used for all Live Borders activities) 
• Registration on our portal – to track your child’s process easily online 
• A free Junior Swim membership for your child for the whole time they are in the Swim Borders Club – that’s free swimming, as many times as you like 
• A Swim Borders swim bag – with goggles and a swim stick, so they are ready to hit the pool with confidence. 
• Digital or printed certificates when they hit those key milestones 

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ASN Lessons

We’re proud to offer 2 tailored types of packages of swimming lessons tailored for children with Additional Support Needs (ASN). These sessions provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where each child can build confidence and skills at their own pace.

Small group ASN classes: £30 a month consisting of one 30min group lesson per week.
Ideal for children who benefit in a low ratio setting. No more than 1:4

1:1 ASN lessons: £125 per 5-week block, consisting of one 30min lesson per week
Perfect for those who require dedicated one-to-one attention and a fully personalised approach.

If a child requires a parent or carer to join them in the water, we are more than happy to work together and accommodate this wherever possible.

What to Expect:

• Smaller class sizes with a ratio of 1:4 or 1:1 support (depending on option chosen)
• Experienced instructors trained in adaptive teaching methods
• A calm, sensory-considerate environment
• Customised lesson plans to suit individual needs and comfort levels

 To help ensure that as many children as possible can benefit from these opportunities, lessons will be delivered in 5-week blocks, with participants rotating through each block

We believe every child should have the chance to enjoy the water — and we’re here to make that happen.

Progress, feedback and certificates

We understand you would like regular updates on how your child is progressing. Our online home portal allows you to track your child’s progress at any time from your own home.

CLICK HERE  to view your child’s progress on the GoLearn Home Portal.

The Early Years Programme has 3 levels, each with its own clearly defined objectives.