Children can join Bootham Swim School from 5 years of age. However, the waiting list for Beginner lessons is often around 18 months long, therefore it is recommended that children are put on the waiting list from 3 years of age.

Children who can swim over 10 metres of breaststroke and backstroke unaided in good technique are above Beginner level and will be invited for a swim assessment prior to availability being offered. Assessments are held termly for children on the waiting list.

The length of the waiting list above Beginner level is dependent on ability level, some courses may have immediate availability, others up to a 12-month waiting list.

To join the waiting list the following details will need e-mailing to Catherine: Child’s name, date of birth, swimming ability at present and a contact telephone number and e-mail for the contact adult.

New child enrolment is only available in the first two weeks of each term, to minimise disruption to classes.

Adults may join swimming lessons at any time depending on availability.

If you are unsure of which class you will require we can arrange an informal swim assessment.

Adult and child new pupils are required to complete a registration / screening form prior to the first swimming lesson, to include contact information, medical information and emergency contact details.
Payment is required in full for the whole term (or remaining weeks of term) prior to the first swimming lesson. Payment is preferred by bank transfer, but can be made by cash or cheque.No deductions / refunds are made due to non-attendance at booked swimming lessons.

Our swimming lessons are held at Bootham School swimming pool. A map of the school grounds and a download of directions and current parking information is available on the website homepage.

Our lessons run over 3 separate terms each year of between 10 and 12 weeks each.
We hold swimming lessons on weekday evenings from 5.45pm – 9.15pm, Saturday’s from 11.00am – 5.30pm and Sunday 9.30am to 1.00pm.We also hold intensive holiday courses during selected school holidays.
Our current term time and holiday course programmes are available as downloads on the homepage.

Children and adults require suitable swimwear and towel. All long hair must be worn under a swimming hat.

Goggles are recommended for adult swimmers once they progress above Beginner level, but may be used in Beginners too.

Goggles are advised for all children in classes above Beginner level. Children in Beginner classes are recommended not to wear goggles as it is important they gain confidence of water on the face to develop water safety.

Parents / Carers of all children aged under 12 years old must remain on poolside observing their child/ren throughout swimming lessons.

The spectating area is on poolside on benches alongside the pool.

Yes, we work towards Swim England awards with all our child swimmers. It is not expected that a child will receive an award every term, but we will reward progress with badges and certificates when appropriate.

Awards achieved can be purchased at the end of each term.

Children will progress at their own rate through our lesson development scheme. There is no rule for how long it takes a child to learn to swim and we will ensure that each child is progressing at a rate suitable for them.

Progression to a new class will usually happen at the end of a term, although if a child is ready to move up mid-term we will ensure this can happen.

Each swimmer will receive a re-enrolment form at the end of each term, which if completed and returned by the re-enrolment deadline will ensure priority booking for the subsequent term of swimming lessons.

We understand the value of parent / carer support in a child’s learn to swim journey and will try to keep you informed of your child’s progress.

While it is important that you do not disrupt swimming lessons to talk to the swimming teachers, they will be happy to find time to speak to you at the end / start of lessons.

Remember you can contact Catherine at any time to discuss your child’s progress or if you have any questions.

Everyone misses the occasional swimming lesson and there is no need to let us know if you are going to be away for one lesson. However, if you are going to miss 2 or more swimming lessons in succession please let Catherine know as this will help with our lesson planning to meet the needs of individuals.

Our belief is that everyone should learn to swim in group lessons where possible. However, we acknowledge that for some children and adults an occasional or course of one to one lessons may be necessary. Therefore, we offer term time one to one lessons for our existing group lesson pupils by teacher recommendation.

We do not offer term time one to one lessons for child beginners under 8 years of age.

During holiday courses, one to one lessons may be booked by any pupils.