Ice Skating Lessons | Link Centre | Swindon

Whether you're a beginner or looking to advance your skills, our Learn to Skate program is designed to help you glide with confidence.

We offer lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels-from toddlers as young as three to adults of all ages. Our structured, nationally recognised British Ice Skating (BIS) programme will guide you on a journey of improvement and mastery.

Want to push your skills even further? Book a one-to-one lesson with our expert coaches for personalised guidance and training!

How does it work?

Lessons run weekly for 50 weeks a year, with a 2 weeks' break over the Christmas Holidays. Apart for those 2 weeks, lessons run through all half-terms, summer holidays and Bank Holidays. You can start the lessons anytime as you or your children are individually assessed during each lesson, allowing each pupil to progress at their own pace.

You can track your or your children's progress online via your Home Portal. Download the Better UK app for easy access to your account for one or multiple children. The app also allows you to scan your member card(s) at the gates and skip the queues at reception!

As an added bonus, Learn to Skate pupils receive free access to Public Ice Skating sessions to practice their new skills — skate hire included!

View Lessons Availability and Register Now

What should I know before my/my child's first lesson?

Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior the start of your lesson to allow time for going through the reception gates and collect your skates and put them on.
Upon arrival, please inform the concierge this is your first skating lessons so they can show you how to use the Better UK app and use the reception gates. (The app will show your member card barcode, which allows you to go through the gates 10 minutes prior the start of the lessons. You can download the app here: Get our app!)
The concierge will ask your child's name and verify they are in the lessons register so you can go through.
Make your way to the rink and collect your skates at the window next to where the lockers are. If you need to use a locker, please ask the staff at the skate hire for a token (please note regular trolley tokens or £1 coin do not fit in the rink lockers).
You will then meet the instructor who will check you/your child in their register.

What should my child wear for the lessons?

Please make sure your child is wearing warm clothes that are comfortable but fitted, warm socks and gloves.

How do I move to the next level?

Once you or your children have completed 100% of the first level, your instructor will inform you can go to the next stage.

Please note this process is not automated, as the next level may not be available on the same day or time.

Please check the spaces available in the next level online here, or ask the concierge at reception.

The easiest way to get moved up is to ask at reception as our staff can do this for you then and there. Alternatively, please send us a request by email.

We regret we do not offer waiting lists.

What is the teacher-to-pupil ratio?

Lessons are taught in groups of 12-15 pupils. (Ratio cannot excede 15 pupils per teacher.)

For Snow Tots (under 5s), groups are for 7 children maximum.

What are the age ranges of the pupils within each level?

Snow Tots are for 3-5 year olds.
Children lessons from level 1 up until Academy are for all ages from 5 up to 15. There is a mix of ages in all levels.
Adult lessons from level 1 up until Academy are for all ages from 16 years. There is a mix of ages in all levels, from young adults to seniors!

What You'll Learn (British Ice Skating Level Pass Criteria)

Once you become proficient on the ice you can then progress on to our advanced dance and free skating awards. You could also try different activities on ice such as figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey. Speak to a member of staff for more details on how you can get involved.

Skate Tots (Toddlers Under 5s)

Stage 1

Getting on and off the ice unaided. | Hold onto your skating aid and march 10 steps forward. | Stand on ice unaided. | March on the spot. | Wiggle on two feet.

Stage 2

Throw toy forward and collect it. | Fall down and get up unaided. | Stationery basic lemon motion. | Forward moving march 10 steps unaided. | Turning on spot.

Stage 3

Forward moving march followed by two foot glide plus basic lemon motion. | Forward moving march in and out of cones. | Unaided moving forward across ice. | Moving backwards. | Stationary snowball to gather snow.

British Ice Skating - Level 1 to 8

Level 1

Level 2

Moving forward 10 steps - two-foot glide on a curve left & right. | (a) Moving forward snowplough stop or (b) T-stop (a) snowplough stop. | Moving backwards. | Two-foot turn on the spot (180 degrees). | (a) Forward and (b) backward lemons (min 5 of each) (a) forward lemons.

Level 3

Forward stroking (correct glide, push & free leg). | Backward snowplough stop. | Forward to backward two foot turns (both directions). | Forward outside and inside edges one foot glides, both directions. | Forward two-foot slalom.

Level 4

Forward open chasses on circle and both directions. | Backward stroking demonstrating correct free foot position & pushing technique. | Forward outside edges to be held for a minimum 5 seconds in both directions. | Forward inside edges - minimum of 5 seconds in both directions. | Two-foot 3-turn both directions on a semi-circle.

Level 5

Forward crossovers both directions -executed slowly. | Forward outside 3-turn - both directions. | Backwards open chasses - both directions. | Stepping from backwards inside edge to forward inside edge. | Backward two-foot slalom 10 metres minimum.

Level 6

Backward crossover both directions - executed slowly. | Backwards outside edges both feet, on a circle for a minimum of 5 seconds. | Backward inside edges - both feet on a circle for aminimum of 5 seconds. | Forward inside 3-turn - both directions. | Stepping from backward outside to forward outside - 3 seconds on forward glide.

Level 7

Forward outside 3-turn with control & equal entry & exit edge plus backward crossover (both directions). | Forward outside continuous edges - minimum of 4 (2 each foot). | forward inside continuous edges - minimum of 4 (2 each foot). | Forward inside mohwak - both directions. | Bunnyhop + drag combo or two-foot jump + drag combo (hockey skates) bunnyhop + drag combo.

Level 8

Backward outside or inside continuous curves. | Forward change of edge outside to inside - both feet - with outside edge swing. | Forward inside mohwak, back crossover, step forward on to an inside edge - both directions. | Forward crossover, step wide & backward crossover step wide. | Forward outside 3-turn, backward crossover with sustained landing position on a circle - both directions.

Figure Skating Bronze, Silver & Gold

Bronze free skating

Silver free skating

Gold free skating

Loop jump. | Upright spin - minimum 5 revolutions - correct entry/exit. | Backward spirak - either edge/foot. | Simple step sequence.

Power Skate

Power Skate Level 1

Forward stride. | Two foot stop. | Skating Agility 1. | Skating circles forward. | Advanced forward slalom.

Power Skate Level 2

Knee drops. | Quick feet straight crossovers. | Skating circles backwards. | Power start and stop forwards.

British Skate Academy (Advance Free)

After completing all BIS levels up to Gold, you can continue your progress with our Learn to Skate Academy lessons. Please note this will require a membership upgrade. The membership will also include access to Patch Training Ice sessions.

Advance Free Skating (Figure Platinum)

Flip jump. | Sit or camel spin - minimum 2 revolutions. | Routine.

One-to-One Skating Lessons

Our team of resident instructors offer one-to-one lessons for all ages and abilities. To discuss prices and availability, please contact them directly using the details provided in their profiles below.

Please note: if you are not a member, you will need to book separately for the skating session (Patch or Public Skating) during which your private lesson will take place.

Meet Our Ice Skating Coaches

Carla Dominguez

About me:

My name is Carla and I have skated at National competition level 10. Passed all my skating tests and coaching levels. I have a National Diploma in Sport and Nutrition. I have been coaching for over 10 years and enjoy coaching all ages and levels.
I have taken figure skaters through their National British ice skating tests. Also through National competitions around the country.

I enjoy taking skaters to learn how to skate just to be more confident on the ice.
I also enjoy coaching ice hockey skating skills, enhancing speed and edge work and have many skaters over the years join academies through their development and on to play in league hockey.

Overall I just enjoy laughing and watching skaters develop skill and confidence.

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Call: 07427637190

Follow Carla on Facebook: Coach Carla Swindon ice skating coach

Chris Boyadji

About me:

Happy to coach from beginner to championship level skaters, I coach in a team with Zoe Jones.

Qualifications & Achievements:

European & World Championship Coach
Coach to multiple British Champions
6x British Senior Pairs Champion
Participated at multiple European & World Championships
Guinness World Record Holder
Part of Team GB Olympic Athletes

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Call: 07578 101 818

Email: chrisboyadji@hotmail.com

Fiona MacKellar-Clenton

About me:

I have been coaching for 20 years and enjoy teaching skaters of all ages and abilities, from beginners taking their first steps on the ice to competitive skaters. I particularly enjoy developing strong skating skills and helping skaters work towards their British Ice Skating tests. My coaching style is positive and encouraging, helping each skater build confidence, progress and enjoy their time on the ice.

Qualifications & Achievements:

British Ice Skating Level 2 Coach
Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
Former competitive figure skater
Trained at The Ice Castle, California, with world and Olympic-level coaches
Coaching skaters at competitions across the country

Private Lessons Availability:

Monday
Wednesday
Saturday

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Call: 07786 527 426

Email: fiona.clenton@outlook.com

Harry Mattick

About me:

I have been competing for Team GB since I was 13 years old and now have multiple decades experience in the sport of figure skating. I've worked with Olympic and world champions and their coaches and have the insight of their knowledge and experience.

I most enjoy coaching skaters who are keen to learn and improve their skating. My favourite part is watching a skater compete and seeing their progress.

Qualifications & Achievements:

World and European championship competitor and y. Olympian
British record holder: first British skater in history to achieve a landed quadruple jump in competition
15x British National Championship medalist
British Ice Skating Level 2 coaching qualification
Qualified personal trainer

Private Lessons Availabitity:

Everyday except Thursdays

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Call or Whatsapp: 07999 081 195

Email: harrymattick@googlemail.com

Instagram: @harrymattick

Visit my website: https://cutting-edge-coaching.co.uk

Jan Andrews

About me:

I fell in love with skating at 9 and have loved it ever since. I competed at National and European level before joining Holiday on Ice as a show skater, and later trained to be a National BIS Judge.

I have coached in Swindon for 12 years, specialising in introducing skaters of all ages to the joy of skating. I believe learning to skate should be empowering, fun and challenging. My patient, fun approach helps skaters of all ages builds confidence while developing strong foundations, whether for competitive figure skating, hockey, skill development, or simply skating for fun.

Qualifications & Achievements:

Former National and European Competitor
BIS Level 9 (Ice Dance, Free, Skills)
NISA Judge 2005-2014
BA Hons in Psychology, NLP and Kinesiology Master Practitioner, Diploma in Nutrition
Founder of Positive Outcome Thinking for Sports (helped national skaters, Golfers, Riders overcome fears and mental blocks)

Private Lessons Availability:

Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Call: 07747 014 915

Email: jandrews446@btinternet.com

Josh Petty

About me:

I teach skaters of all ages, levels, and disciplines—from beginners to competitive athletes—in a friendly, supportive environment.

Working alongside top coaches in the Skateaway Academy, I focus on building confidence and core technique.

I also deliver international training seminars across Austria, Germany, and Italy. I specialise in Ice Dance.

Qualifications & Achievements:

Level 2 BIS (NISA) Qualified Coach
Former National Junior Ice Dance Competitor
International Seminar Coach (Austria, Germany, & Italy)
Founder & Head Coach at JPSkate
Professional Coach Member of the Skateaway Academy

Private Lessons Availability:

Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447811318027

Email: info@jpskate.co.uk

Visit my website: www.jpskate.co.uk

Book with Josh

Karen Wood

About me:

I enjoy teaching all ages and abilities.

Achievements & Qualifications:

NISA Level 2 Coach, Silver, Free, Inter-Silver Figures, Prelim Dance
competed in competitions throughout the country
coaches both competitive and recreational skaters from beginner upwards

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Price: £30.00 per 30 minutes

Email: kjwoods@hotmail.co.uk

Kayleigh Lidbury

About me:

I’m a fully qualified Level 2 coach with a passion for teaching. I started skating at 12 years old, which is considered late in the skating world, but I want to pass my passion on to other skaters and prove that it’s never too late to be successful in this sport!

I enjoy coaching all levels from Beginner to Adult and I’m happy to teach skaters who want to skate competitively or simply skate for pleasure.

Qualifications & Achievements:

BIS Level 2 Coach
Level 3 Diploma in Sports Science and Nutrition
Level 2 Diploma in Sports Coaching
National Figure Skating Competitor

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Call: 07399 066 033

Email: kayleighlidbury02@gmail.com

Kelly Daniels

About me:

I welcome all levels and ages of skaters to join me on the ice whether you are a beginner, hockey player or a competitive skater.

Qualifications & Achievements:

National Ice Skating association Level 2 Coach
Achieved Inter-Gold firgure and free aged 11
Competed Nationally for over 10 years in free skating including 4 British Championships
Sponsored by Oxford City Council for sporting excellence

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Call: 07584 735 344

Email: kellydaniels08@icloud.com

Kristen Spours

About me:

I am an Olympian and National Champion with over 20 years’ experience in figure skating. I coach skaters of all ages and abilities, from those taking their first steps on the ice and skating recreationally, through to elite athletes competing at national and international level.

I am passionate about creating a positive and supportive coaching environment, helping every skater develop their skills, confidence and love for the sport. My goal is to help each skater reach their own potential and achieve their goals, no matter how big or small.

Qualifications & Achievements:

2026 Olympian
4x World Championships Competitor
2x European Championships Competitor
2x Senior & 3x junior National Champion
Fully Qualified BIS Coach

Private Lessons Availability:

Everyday except Saturdays

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Book with Kristen

Lloyd Jones

About me:

I am an Olympian and international coach with over 33 years in figure skating, and have coached Olympic athletes and national champions.

I work with all ages and abilities, from complete beginners and recreational skaters to elite competitors. I tailor my coaching to each individual, combining skating skills, technical development, choreography and performance to help every skater achieve their personal goals.

Qualifications & Achievements:

2014 Winter Olympian – Team France
2026 Winter Olympic Coach – Team GB
2022 Winter Olympic Assistant Coach & Off-Ice Trainer – Team Poland
4× World & 5× European Championship Competitor – World Top 12 / European Top 7
Senior Grand Prix Medallist, 2013 Winter Universiade Champion & French National Champion

Private Lessons Availability:

Everyday except Monday & Sunday

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Instagram: @LloydJones19

Book with Lloyd

Zarah Wood

About me:

I have been skating since six and am currently a competitive pair skater, training daily and continuing to develop as an athlete. I am a Level 2 coach and have been coaching since 2025.

I enjoy helping skaters progress, achieve their goals and find confidence and enjoyment on the ice. I work with all ages and levels, particularly beginners, creating fun, engaging lessons that build skills while keeping skating enjoyable.

Qualifications & Achievements:

Represented Great Britain internationally
Competed at the ISU Junior World Championships
Competed on the ISU Junior Grand Prix circuit
Junior Pairs National Champion
Multiple international medals in junior pairs competitions

Private Lessons Availabilities:

Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Get in touch to book a private lesson:

Call: 07564222330

Email: zarahwood@icloud.com

Zinia Wood

About me:

I have been skating and competing since I was 6 years old and started coaching in 2025.

I really enjoy being able to help my skaters achieve their goals whilst also building up their confidence in a safe fun atmosphere through engaging and fulfilling lessons.

I work with both figure skaters and hockey players of all ages and levels.

Private Lessons Availabilities: