Following yesterday’s announcement regarding temporary VAT reductions on family attractions and summer activities, we will once again be writing to MPs to ask the Government to consider removing VAT from children’s swimming lessons where it currently applies.

This is not a new issue for the sector. STA has previously raised concerns around the affordability and accessibility of swimming lessons, particularly as more families become reliant on private swim schools and independent providers to teach children this essential life skill.

However, this latest announcement demonstrates that Government is willing to use VAT policy to help make activities more affordable and accessible for families during the cost of living crisis, and we believe it provides an important opportunity to raise the question again around children’s swimming lessons.

Swimming is not simply a leisure activity. It is a vital life skill that supports physical health, mental wellbeing and, ultimately, water safety and drowning prevention.

Despite swimming being part of the national curriculum, around 1 in 4 children still leave primary school unable to swim competently and confidently. The situation is often even worse in disadvantaged communities and areas facing reduced pool provision and accessibility barriers.

At the same time, local authority leisure centres and pools continue to face closures and service reductions, meaning more families are increasingly reliant on private swim schools and independent providers to teach children to swim.

However, there remains a common misconception that all swimming lessons are already VAT exempt. While certain public leisure facilities may benefit from different VAT arrangements, many independent swim schools are still required to charge VAT once they exceed the VAT threshold, increasing costs for families already under financial pressure.

STA believes swimming lessons should be recognised not simply as a leisure activity, but as an essential life skill and important public health investment.