Small Classes. Big Confidence.
Understanding the stages of our Learn to Swim Programme
At Alpha Aquatics Academy, we adopt the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework, a nationally recognised programme designed to develop confident, capable, and safe swimmers. The framework is structured into seven progressive stages, each building on the last to help children master essential swimming and water safety skills.
This guide is designed to help you choose the right stage for your child when booking.
Stage 1
Water Confidence
Stage 1 introduces children to swimming in a fun, supportive environment, focusing on water confidence, safe pool entry and exits, floating, breathing and basic movement skills.
At Alpha, our Stage 1 classes normally have just four swimmers, with teachers in the water providing individual attention, encouragement and reassurance.
Ideal for: Children who are new to swimming or need support building confidence in the water.
Stage 2
Basic Skills
Stage 2 builds on the foundations of Stage 1, developing greater independence through floating, gliding, coordinated arm and leg movements, breathing control and submersion.
At Alpha, our Stage 2 classes normally have just four swimmers, with teachers in the water providing individual guidance to develop confidence, coordination and good swimming technique.
Ideal for: Children who are comfortable in the water and ready to develop their basic swimming skills and independence.
Stage 3
Independent Movement
Stage 3 focuses on developing independent swimming, improving coordination, body position and breathing control. Children build confidence swimming greater distances on their front and back without support.
At Alpha, our small classes of no more than five swimmers allow teachers to provide individual guidance and support in the water, helping children develop strong swimming foundations.
Ideal for: Children who can swim short distances independently and are ready to improve their technique, control and confidence.
Stage 4
Stroke Development
Stage 4 focuses on developing technique across all four swimming strokes, improving arm and leg coordination, body position and breathing. Swimmers also develop essential aquatic skills, including sculling, treading water and underwater swimming.
At Alpha, our classes have a maximum of five swimmers, allowing teachers to provide individual feedback and in-water support to develop strong swimming technique.
Ideal for: Children who can swim at least 10 metres independently and are ready to refine their strokes and develop greater control in the water.
Stage 5
Technique & Endurance
Stage 5 focuses on improving technique, coordination and endurance across all four swimming strokes. Swimmers develop more efficient movements, breathing control and the ability to maintain good technique over longer distances.
At Alpha, our classes have a maximum of five swimmers, allowing teachers to provide individual feedback and in-water support as children develop their swimming ability.
Ideal for: Children who can confidently swim approximately 10–25 metres and are ready to improve their stroke technique, stamina and swimming efficiency.
Stage 6
Proficiency & Lifesaving Skills
Stage 6 develops greater swimming proficiency, endurance and technical consistency across all four strokes. Swimmers also practise essential water safety and personal survival skills, including rescue principles and swimming in clothing.
At Alpha, our classes have a maximum of six swimmers, allowing teachers to provide individual feedback and support as children develop their confidence, technique and independence.
Ideal for: Swimmers with established stroke technique who are ready to swim longer distances with control and develop more advanced water safety skills.
Stage 7
Confident & Capable Swimmers
Stage 7 brings together the skills developed throughout the core Learn to Swim programme. Swimmers refine all four strokes, improve endurance and demonstrate greater confidence, control and water safety awareness.
At Alpha, our classes have a maximum of six swimmers, allowing teachers to provide individual feedback and support as children develop their technique and swimming proficiency.
Ideal for: Confident swimmers with established stroke technique who are ready to progress into Alpha’s advanced stages, Swim Club or other aquatic activities.
Stage 8
Introduction to Aquatic Disciplines
Stage 8 builds on the core Learn to Swim programme, introducing more advanced stroke techniques, swimming efficiency and competitive skills, including starts, turns and streamlined movement.
At Alpha, our classes have a maximum of six swimmers, allowing teachers to provide individual feedback and focused technical guidance as swimmers develop their confidence and performance.
Ideal for: Swimmers who have completed Stage 7 and are ready to refine their technique, develop advanced swimming skills and explore opportunities beyond the core Learn to Swim programme.
Stage 9
Skill Development & Performance
Stage 9 focuses on improving swimming performance, stroke efficiency and endurance across all four competitive strokes. Swimmers refine their technique, develop effective pacing and practise advanced skills, including starts, turns, underwater phases and finishes.
At Alpha, our classes have a maximum of six swimmers, allowing teachers to provide individual feedback and focused technical guidance to support continued progression.
Ideal for: Swimmers with established stroke technique who are ready to improve their performance, build stamina and prepare for more structured training or club-level swimming.
Stage 10
Advanced Skills & Competitive Readiness
Stage 10 brings together advanced swimming technique, endurance and competitive skills. Swimmers refine all four strokes, develop effective pacing and demonstrate proficiency in starts, turns, underwater phases and race finishes.
At Alpha, our classes have a maximum of six swimmers, allowing teachers to provide individual feedback and advanced technical guidance to help swimmers reach their potential.
Ideal for: Accomplished swimmers ready to progress into Alpha’s Swim Club, explore competitive swimming or continue developing their skills for fitness and enjoyment.
How to Choose the Right Stage
Choosing the right swimming stage is important for your child’s confidence, enjoyment and progress. If you’re unsure where to start, use this simple guide to help identify the most suitable level.
New to swimming or nervous in the water?
Stage 1 – Ideal for beginners who are developing water confidence and learning essential safety and movement skills.
Comfortable in the water but still developing basic skills?
Stage 2 – Suitable for children learning to float, glide, submerge and develop greater independence.
Able to swim short distances without support?
Stage 3 – For children developing independent swimming, coordination and control on their front and back.
Swimming at least 10 metres independently?
Stages 4–5 – For swimmers ready to refine their strokes, improve technique and develop endurance.
Confident across several strokes and swimming longer distances?
Stages 6–7 – For swimmers developing greater proficiency, stamina and advanced water safety skills.
Completed Stage 7 or ready for advanced swimming?
Stages 8–10 – For swimmers looking to develop advanced technique, performance skills and potentially progress towards club-level swimming.
Still unsure? We’re here to help!
Our team will be happy to advise on the most appropriate stage for your child. We also offer free trial lessons, giving children the opportunity to experience Alpha before joining.
Please note: Stage recommendations are a guide only. Swimmers are assessed during their first lesson to ensure they are placed in a group appropriate to their ability, confidence and development.
