At this year’s conference, STA officially announced the launch of a brand-new Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification, which will go live in 2026. Created in direct response to feedback from members, swim schools, learners and employers across the UK, this new regulated qualification will not only shape the future of the profession, it will also streamline the way courses are delivered and managed.

Enhanced curriculum and practical focus

Developed in line with CIMSPA’s updated Professional Standard across the full learn-to-swim pathway, the qualification brings together everything teachers need to deliver safe, high quality, inclusive lessons. An enhanced curriculum covers core strokes, aquatic skills, survival and rescue techniques, and water safety – ensuring teachers are confident in adapting lessons for all ages and abilities. With a strong emphasis on practical, work-ready skills, learners will also gain more hands-on experience through this course and leave ready to deliver lessons on poolside straight away.

Modernised delivery for tutors

Feedback from ATCs and tutors calling for simpler delivery, greater flexibility, and reduced administration has also been fully addressed. Using updated resources and technology, STA has completely modernised the way courses can be delivered and managed, face-to-face or online for the theory elements.

Key advances include a fully digital learner portfolio, blended learning options, and an investment in AI-assisted marking. By automatically checking and processing elements of learners’ portfolios, this embedded technology will significantly reduce the time tutors spend on marking during courses, while maintaining accuracy and consistency. This means courses can run more smoothly, tutors have more time to focus on teaching and mentoring, and learners benefit from quicker feedback.

By embracing modern learning methodologies and placing value on tutor contact time, the qualification gives learners more support, greater flexibility, and valuable practical experience. A standalone online safeguarding module is also available as an option, which can be completed outside of course time to avoid taking time away from the core training.

Support beyond certification

Recognising that learning does not stop at qualification, STA has designed the programme to include ongoing support. On completion, every learner will receive a package of free CPDs and 12 months of STA membership, providing both structured support and opportunities to continue learning and growing as confident, skilled professionals.

Kayle Brightwell, Director of Education at STA, said that this new qualification marks an important milestone in shaping the future of the industry – not just in what teachers learn, but in how courses can now be delivered and managed. We’ve listened carefully to our tutors, employers, and ATCs, and designed a qualification that responds directly to their everyday needs.

She says; “We’re excited to have radically changed the way courses can be delivered and managed – with modern resources, streamlined admin, and advances like AI-assisted marking to reduce workload. This will make courses simpler to run and give tutors more time to focus on teaching.”

At the same time, its real strength lies in its comprehensive scope,” added Kayle. “By bringing together the skills needed to teach every ability in learn to swim programmes, along with the full range of aquatic skills, into one clear pathway, it creates consistency for teachers and employers alike. And because this is about training teachers – not delivering a specific awards programme – STA-qualified teachers will continue to be equipped to work confidently across different learn-to-swim frameworks.”

STA will fully support Approved Training Centres, tutors, IQAs, and swim schools through the transition, with live webinars scheduled for October and November to explain the changes, benefits, and implementation.

STA’s CEO Dave Candler confirmed: “Our new Level 2 qualification sets a new benchmark for swimming teacher training in the UK. By introducing AI-assisted marking – and embedding digital tools alongside a more practical, learner-focused curriculum, we’re not only addressing today’s challenges but also shaping how training will evolve in the future. It’s an exciting time, as this qualification reflects STA’s long-standing commitment to listening to the industry and leading the way with solutions that strengthen the profession, support tutors, and create new opportunities for continuous professional development across aquatics.”