20 Frequently Asked Questions About Our Weekly Swimming Lessons in Wimbledon

Over the past 15 years, we’ve answered thousands of questions from parents. Below are the ones we’re asked most often about our weekly termly lessons. For full details, please also read our Terms & Conditions.

1) Where and when are your weekly swimming lessons?

Our weekly lessons take place at Wimbledon College in Wimbledon Village (SW19) on Saturday afternoons from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

2) How long is a term of swimming lessons?

We follow the school terms. Each term is approximately 12 weeks (between 11 and 14 weeks, depending on the term). Our weekly lessons run whenever schools are open.

3) How many terms are there in a year?

There are three terms each year:

• Autumn term: early September to mid-December
• Spring term: early January (after the New Year) until the Easter break
• Summer term: after the Easter break until mid-July

4) Do I need to make a block booking, and why?

Yes. Booking a full term gives your child the same lesson time and the same swim teacher every week. This consistency is key to steady progress.

5) Can I book lessons on a pay-as-you-go or ad-hoc basis?

No. We don’t offer pay-as-you-go, ad-hoc or selected-dates bookings for weekly lessons, including for families who are busy or often away. All weekly lessons are booked as a termly block, so your child has a guaranteed slot and a consistent teacher.

6) Can I book a trial lesson before committing to a full term?

Subject to availability, we can sometimes offer a one-off paid trial session. If you’d like to continue afterwards, you’ll then need to make a block booking for the term.

7) Do you offer large group lessons?

No. We offer private (1:1), semi-private (1:2) and small groups of a maximum of 3 children per class.

8) What are the options for adult lessons?

Adult lessons are generally 1:1. Semi-private 1:2 or 1:3 lessons can be arranged for partners or friends who wish to share. We don’t offer group lessons for adults.

9) Are 1:2 (semi-private) lessons only for siblings?

No. 1:2 lessons are popular with siblings, but they’re not limited to one family. They work best for children of a similar age and swimming ability. Friends can book together, and where possible we can also match your child with another child of a similar age and level.

10) What’s the cancellation policy for termly lessons?

Termly bookings are for a minimum of one term, and once payment is made the booking is non-refundable. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

11) What happens if my child misses a lesson?

We’re unable to offer credit or catch-up lessons for lessons missed for personal reasons such as birthday parties, weekends away or common illnesses like a cold. Missed lessons are forfeited.

12) Do you offer Saturday morning lessons?

Not at the moment. Our Saturday lessons run in the afternoon only, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at Wimbledon College.

13) Do children wear life jackets or vests during lessons?

No, we don’t use life jackets or vests in any of our lessons. You can see the flotation aids we do use in this video.

14) Will an instructor be in the pool with my child?

Yes, if needed. Our instructors get in the water with children who can’t yet fully support themselves. As children become more confident and competent, instructors teach from both in the water and poolside.

15) My child has had lessons elsewhere. How do you decide which lessons suit them?

If your child has a recognised badge or certificate from another swim school, that helps us understand their level. If they’ve had lessons before but still can’t swim without help or floats, no assessment is needed. For children who can swim more than 10 metres, we recommend booking an assessment first, so we can advise on the most suitable lesson type and time slot.

16) Is there a fee for the assessment, and how do I book one?

The 10-minute assessment is free for children who can already swim unaided. Assessments must be booked in advance. We can’t accept walk-ins on the day. Complete beginners don’t need an assessment, and a child who can only swim with armbands or other flotation aids is classed as a complete beginner.

17) Can I book an assessment in advance if my child can’t start straight away?

Yes. If your child can’t start immediately (for example, due to a notice period with another swim school), we’re happy to arrange an assessment ahead of their start date, so everything is ready as soon as they’re available and we have a slot to offer.

18) Do you run lessons during the October half-term?

Weekly lessons pause during school holidays, but we run a 1:1 Half-Term Crash Course for the week commencing 26th October 2026. Daily lessons during the holiday are a great way to boost progress. See our Crash Course FAQs for more details.

19) Can a crash course replace weekly lessons?

A crash course is an excellent boost to help your child jump to the next level, but we recommend regular weekly lessons for long-term progress and technique.

20) Where can I find current fees and availability?

Our 2026 fees and live availability are on our Dates and Fees page.