Funded Swimming Scheme

Expression of Interest Forms Reopen

We are pleased to announce that our Expression of Interest forms have reopened. Applicants who previously submitted a form but were unsuccessful are encouraged to reapply.

Thank you for your patience and continued interest.

Preston City Council has provided GLL £95,000 to deliver a Free Swimming Campaign, offering eligible Preston residents free access to swimming sessions and swimming lessons.

This initiative includes six different offers designed to remove barriers to swimming, ensuring everyone has the chance to enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of being active in the water.

Our swimming programmes cater to all ages and abilities, with friendly, professional Lifeguards and Instructors ready to support you and keep you safe. We also provide gender-specific sessions. By removing financial and accessibility obstacles during the funded period, more people than ever will be able to experience the life-changing benefits of physical activity and develop healthy habits that last.

Read on to discover the available offers, how to register, and how to confirm your eligibility.

Free swimming for all Preston residents under 18

Residents under the age of 18 will receive free access to all publicly available casual swimming sessions, including but not limited to Swim for Fitness, Swim for All, Fun Swims and Inflatable sessions. Session specific rules and Swim Safely Rules apply.  

Eligibility: Proof of age required, access to sessions up to 31st March 2026

Free swimming for adults receiving income support or on maternity/paternity leave

Residents receiving income support or on maternity/paternity leave will receive free access to all publicly available casual swimming sessions, including but not limited to Swim for Fitness, Swim for All, Fun Swims and Inflatable sessions. Session specific rules and Swim Safely Rules apply.

Eligibility: Proof of eligibility required, access to sessions up to 31st March 2026.

Funded swimming lessons for Preston children eligible for Free School Meals

6 months of free swimming lessons on GLL’s Better Swim School for children in receipt of Free School Meals and children in care. 

Please complete an Expression of Interest Form and a member of our team will get back to you.

Eligibility: Must register on or before 31st March 2026. Access may be subject to availability. Serial non-attendees will lose their funded place, which will be reissued to another eligible child. Proof of eligibility required.

Free Junior membership for Preston High School students on Free School Meals

6 months of free Junior membership for 11-17 year olds in receipt of Free School Meals or in care.

Please complete an Expression of Interest Form and a member of our team will get back to you.

Eligibility: Must register on or before 31st March 2026 Must complete at least 1 swimming activity per month or the place will be reissued to another eligible child Other Junior membership benefits can be used on this scheme. Limited spaces available.

Free accessible family swimming sessions

A peak time weekend session for families and carers of children with disabilities to attend with reduced capacity and additional lifeguarding. Swim Safely Rules apply.

Eligibility: Proof of eligibility required, access to sessions up to 31st March 2026.

Free exclusive pool hire for eligible groups

Organisations or groups of eligible, designated residents can book an ad-hoc private session in times already allocated for this type of use. This could include, but not limited to disability or SEND groups, youth groups such as Scouting groups, education settings providing enrichment activities, faith groups, or other VCFSE organisations.

Eligibility: Excludes school years already accessing GLL’s Education Swim Programme. Excludes birthday parties hiring parties will have to satisfy GLL management that all members of their group meet the eligibility criteria. Availability limited to ‘gaps’ in the Education Swim Programme and unbooked Pool Party slots. 

How do I register to access these offers?

  • Register online or in centre for an Adult or Junior Preston Resident Discount Card. This can take a few minutes, so we recommend doing it online before coming to the centre (if possible).
  • Every attendee needs to register their own account, even when registering as a family.
  • Bring proof of eligibility to the centre, and our Front of House team will convert your account to a free swimming membership.
  • You can then download the Better UK app to book your sessions, or book online or in centre.
  • For children registering for free swimming lessons, or young people registering for the free junior membership, you will need to complete the relevant Expression of Interest form, which will be provided by your school or available on request from our centre teams.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must prove that you are a Preston resident by providing a utility bill or Council Tax bill in your name, dated within the last 3 months, showing an address that pays Council Tax to Preston City Council.
  • For juniors, the bill can be in the name of a parent or guardian.
  • To access Free School Meals offers, you must complete the relevant Expression of Interest form and be able to provide your HAF code.
  • All other eligibility documents for income support or disability can be checked here.

Full Terms and Conditions

  • The Preston Funded Swimming offer is available to Preston residents from designated groups, including children under 18, adults from low-income households, adults with a disability, seniors aged 66 and over, and parents on maternity or shared parental leave.
  • Existing prepaid members are not eligible unless they have cancelled their membership and have not held a Better membership for at least three months, while existing pay-as-you-go or booking members are eligible if they meet the above criteria.
  • Eligible residents must register by 31 March 2026 by creating an online account and visiting their nearest centre to show proof of residency, such as a utility bill dated within the last three months, and proof of eligibility, with parent or guardian verification accepted for children under 18.
  • Funded access includes casual swimming sessions such as Swim for Fitness, Swim for All, Fun Swims, and Inflatable sessions, Swim School lessons, and a junior membership for six months.
  • Access is subject to availability and may be limited depending on demand, and funded sessions do not guarantee specific times, instructors, or places for Swim School lessons.
  • Offers cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions, and participants who repeatedly miss sessions may lose their funded place at the discretion of the Area Swim Manager.
  • Offers hold no cash value, are non-transferable, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time. Customers cancelling a paid membership are ineligible for funded schemes for three months, and the offer is only open to new members or former members who have not held a Better membership for at least three months.
  • By registering, participants agree to these terms and Better’s standard terms and conditions.
  • All funded sessions and memberships are subject to availability, and depending on interest levels, application windows may close and reopen at the start of the following month. 
  • Juniors must be 11-17 years to take part in junior gym sessions. Facility access subject to availability, refer to home centre and individual location page for facility listings. Gym inductions are mandatory for all Better Health Junior members.