Swimming is a great way to get fit or improve fitness regardless of age and ability. Here at Kensington Leisure Centre we have three pools and options to get everyone comfortable in the water. At Kensington Leisure Centre we have three Swimming Pools. A 25m competition pool, 20m teaching pool and leisure pool. We work closely with Swim England to provide lessons for both adults and children of all abilities to get all swimming.
Baby and Parent Swim
SWIMBiES are our swimming lessons for children ages 3 months to 3-4 year olds, providing a fun syllabus to help guide you and your child to build water confidence that lasts a lifetime.
As a parent, grandparent or guardian, you can join your little one in the pool to share their first splashes. Our baby and infant swimming lessons are led by experienced and qualified teachers who are there to guide your little one every step of the way.
Dippers (3 to 12 months)
Dippers baby swimming sessions give you time to bond with your child while we teach you and your child water basics. Entry at three months to cruising (approx. 12-18 months).
Splashers (13 months to 2 years)
Following on from Dippers, Splashers infant swimming sessions are a great way to grow your child's water confidence with you right beside them. Entry after completing Dippers or children walking (approx. 12 to 18 months) to two years.
Paddlers (2 to 4 years)
Moving on from Splashers, Paddlers sessions build on the fundamentals and prepare them for swimming independently. These infant swim lessons are designed for those who have completed Splashers or for children aged three to four years old.
Pre-School – ages 3 to 5 years
Our Pre-School swimming lessons focus on developing your child’s confidence in the water and introducing them to the key skills they’ll need to swim on their own safely. Lessons are available with and without parents in the water.
Better Swim School
Pre-School – ages 3 to 5 years
Our Pre-School children’s swimming lessons focus on developing your child’s confidence in the water and introducing them to the key skills they’ll need to swim on their own safely. Parents/guardians required in the water.
What will they learn?
These classes will teach your child essential swimming skills such as how to enter and exit the pool safely, how to float unaided and how to co-ordinate themselves in the water. Pupils will also be taught aquatic breathing and the basics of water safety.
Foundation – aged 4 and over
Our Foundation swimming lessons are designed for school-aged kids who are beginners or completely new to swimming. These lessons will teach them how to be safe in and around water.
What will they learn?
Foundation classes consist of 3 levels which swimmers work towards to complete these lessons. They are designed to introduce, develop and master water confidence, essential swimming skills and stroke development techniques.
By the end of this course, your child will be able to swim 10 meters unaided learning the basics of all 4 swimming strokes.
We believe that children of any age can, and should, learn to swim. That’s why we offer special Foundation classes for older beginners, starting from aged 9 as well as Foundation swimming lessons for teens.
Development – ages 5+
Development classes are a level above Foundation lessons and are for children who already have a good basis of swimming skills and who are able to swim 15m unaided. Like our Foundation classes, these cover various ability levels, ensuring each child feels comfortable.
What will they learn?
Building on what was learnt in Foundation classes, these lessons will cover more swimming essentials including developing technique across all 4 strokes, an introduction to aquatic sports and basic water survival and rescue skills.
The skills your child will learn in these classes will also contribute to them achieving their Bronze, Silver and Gold milestone awards.
Academy – children who are able to swim more than 200m
The final level of our children’s swimming lessons, Academy classes will help your child develop further and work towards achieving their own personal goals in the pool.
What will they learn?
We want to encourage your children to become confident independent swimmers. So, Academy classes are a lot more focused on self-led progression and advanced safety techniques. This will include setting personal targets, junior lifesaving and personal survival techniques.
Adult Swimming Lessons
Swim Doctor Learn
Swim Doctor is Better’s adult swimming programme for all your swimming needs. Our range of swimming classes for adults are designed for all swimming levels so everyone can get comfortable in the water. Whether you want to learn to swim for the first time, are training for an event, or simply want to improve you’re technique, we’ll get you to where you want to be.
Swim Doctor Learn Womens
Run for women, by women, our sessions are led by female swimming instructors and cater to girls and women of all abilities. With our ladies swimming sessions and classes, you can develop a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the social and mental benefits of swimming. Swimmers must be at least 16 years old.
Private Lessons
At Kensington Leisure Centre we understand that people enjoy learning in different, in groups and one on one with a qualified swimming instructor. We offer private lessons where our expert instructors can create and tailor bespoke lessons and plans to help you or your child reach their swimming targets. These are subject to availability, to enquire please contact emma.latimer@gll.org .