Swimming
A life skill every child deserves
At Pallister Park we place a high value on children being able to swim. Not only is it a key life skill — it is an important way of helping children understand how sport can positively impact their health, fitness and wellbeing.
Pallister Park is committed to providing every child with regular swimming lessons from Year 2 through to Year 6.
Our programme
How our swimming lessons work
We have continued our full swimming programme throughout 2024/25, spending approximately £21,000 on swimming lessons for every child in Years 2 to 6. This year’s investment means that every child received ten lessons of 45 minutes each, delivered in an intensive two-week block.
During lessons, children are taught by trained, qualified swimming instructors and supervised throughout by school staff. The intensive block format ensures children build confidence and technique rapidly, with consistent instruction across the fortnight.
The National Curriculum requires all children to be able to swim competently and safely over a distance of at least 25 metres by the end of Key Stage 2. Our programme is designed to meet and exceed this standard.
£21,000
Spent on swimming 2024/25
Y2–Y6
All year groups take part
10
Lessons per child, per year
45 min
Each lesson, in a two-week intensive block
Year 6 outcomes
Swimming attainment — Year 6 cohort 2018 to 2025
The table below shows the percentage of Year 6 pupils achieving each swimming standard at the point of their final assessment.
| Cohort | Confidence in water | 25m — choice of stroke | Use a range of strokes 25m | Self rescue | 100m | 1km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2018 | 98% | 63% | 6% | 53% | 27% | 3% |
| Jul 2019 | 100% | 98% | 70% | 98% | 57% | 8% |
| Jan 2020 | 98% | 86% | 40% | 76% | 60% | 11% |
| Jul 2021 | 100% | 76% | 36% | 76% | 68% | 24% |
| Jul 2022 | 100% | 96% | 48% | 84% | 60% | 3% |
| Jul 2023 | 98% | 88% | 42% | 78% | 54% | 3% |
| Jul 2024 | 100% | 92% | 54% | 92% | 48% | 1% |
| Jul 2025 | 100% | 98% | 82% | 90% | 60% | 11% |
The 2025 cohort represents our strongest results across most measures since records began, with 98% swimming 25m and 82% demonstrating a range of strokes — a significant increase on prior years.
Questions about our swimming programme? Call us on 01642 242174 or email pkcontactus@oc1st.co.uk