❊ Est. 1982 - Patcham, Brighton

Swimming lessons in Patcham for children and adults.

Swimming is a life skill. We teach children and adults to swim with confidence, enjoyment, and strong technique, all within a safe and supportive environment.

Timetable & Prices
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Indoor swimming pool with lanes, ladders, and overhead lighting, enclosed by tiled walls and a wooden ceiling.

5 ★

40+

Google rating

Years teaching

Swimming is a core safety skill that protects children & adults throughout their lives.

It gives them the ability to stay safe around water and enjoy a huge range of activities.

Water is everywhere — pools, beaches, rivers, holidays — and children who can swim are far safer in all of those environments.

  • Learning about cold water shock – how to float, breathe, and stay calm in the water can prevent panic and save lives.

  • Early, consistent lessons build instincts that stay with children into adulthood.

Our mission is built around the following aims:

  • Safety first — ensuring every child learns essential water‑safety skills in a calm, supportive environment.

  • Progress with purpose — helping swimmers move through clear, structured stages that build technique, confidence, and pride.

  • Community and care — creating a warm, family‑centred atmosphere where parents feel informed, children feel valued, and staff feel supported.

Cartoon penguin with a yellow ring around its body, orange beak and feet, black and white body, and a white eye with a black pupil.

Trusted by Patcham families for over 40 years

  • Katy LB

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    All 3 of my children have lessons with this swim school, and we have been very impressed since switching 6 months ago. My boys have improved dramatically since starting with PWS. There is much more focus as they are swimming all the time (at other swim schools, we found there was quite a lot of hanging around), and they absolutely love it. The teachers are all lovely and very technique focused ensuring an excellent standard of swimming.

  • Tom Freeman

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    The format is such that all the children spend as much time learning to swim as possible during every session. There is very little waiting around. It is pretty much continuous swimming, which I think is great. All the staff are approachable and excellent with the kids, and provide good individual feedback throughout the sessions. I'm really pleased with Patcham Water Survival Group and highly recommend them.

  • Filitsa Watts

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Such a fantastic group of teachers! …my son started his swimming lessons two years ago aged 10 and has been thriving since! He loves swimming and has achieved his 25 metres certificate. The team have been instrumental to his progress with their gentle and caring yet assertive approach and the kids are made to work on acquiring their skills while having fun! So inspired that I’ve joined the adult group to brush up on my own technique for regular exercise. Same positive experience on an adult level, lessons are fun and informative and always look forward to being there. Highly recommend

  • Julie Murray

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    My two children have attended PWSG lessons… They are both now very strong swimmers. I am always recommending these lessons to friends as the teachers are all very friendly, encouraging and competent. Every lesson the children do a lot of swimming, learn a range of strokes and always have a little fun activity at the end too. Communication from Rebecca is also excellent.

  • Tracy Murray-Bate

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our five year old started at Patcham Water Survival Group swimming lessons in Reception. She has come on leaps and bounds and we see her improve every week. Well organised, great facilities and friendly instructors. We are very happy 💦

  • Hazel Hart

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Two of my children attend these lessons and I wouldn't go anywhere else! They swim constantly throughout the whole session (in some swimming lessons at other venues, I've found that not a lot of swimming actually happens!!) and i'm so impressed with their technique and how beautifully my children swim now. Once they reach the final stage of their swimming lessons, they will be taught how to survive in a water emergency situation and this will give me so much peace of mind and really makes these lessons stand out. I have also just joined the adult classes, a really enjoyable relaxed atmosphere and great for adults learning to swim as well. The whole team are so lovely and friendly.

❊ Our Lessons

Lessons for every level

From first splash to long-distance challenge awards — structured, purposeful sessions that build real technique, real confidence, and genuine water safety skills.

Term Dates & Full Timetable

  • 30 MINUTES

    Focus on basic water skills.

    Initially, children wear an aquaplane float to build confidence whilst swimming with front paddle and on back.

    Once ready, the float is removed, and they must swim 10m independently on their front and back before progressing to stroke development drills such as backstroke and front crawl.

    - - - - -

    Awards: Puffin, 5m, Water Skills 1, 10m

    - - - - -

    £8.00 per lesson

    - - - - -

    Timetable:

    • Monday:

      • 4:30pm-5:00pm

      • 5:00pm - 5:30pm

    • Tuesday:

      • 4:45pm - 5:15pm

      • 5:15pm - 5:45pm

    • Wednesday:

      • 5:00pm - 5:30pm

      • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

      • 6:45pm - 7:15pm

    • Thursday:

      • 5:00pm - 5:30pm

      • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

    • Friday:

      • 5:15pm - 5:45pm

      • 5:45pm - 6:15pm

  • 30 MINUTES

    Continued development of water skills, more front crawl and backstroke, arrows, and advanced beginners (middle lane) progression towards front crawl breathing.

    - - - - -

    Awards: 15m & 20m

    - - - - -

    £8.00 per lesson

    - - - - -

    Timetable:

    • Monday:

      • 4:30pm-5:00pm

      • 5:00pm - 5:30pm

    • Tuesday:

      • 4:45pm - 5:15pm

      • 5:15pm - 5:45pm

    • Wednesday:

      • 5:00pm - 5:30pm

      • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

      • 6:45pm - 7:15pm

    • Thursday:

      • 5:00pm - 5:30pm

      • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

    • Friday:

      • 5:15pm - 5:45pm

      • 5:45pm - 6:15pm

  • 30 MINUTES

    Three different lanes at these time slots, so continue development of water skills, front crawl breathing drills, backstroke, arrows and rotation drills 4 front 4 back and can increase, by 5, 6, 7, 8.

    Top improver groups if they are competent at the above, they can start to do circuits.

    - - - - -

    Awards: 25m

    - - - - -

    £8.00 per lesson

    - - - - -

    Timetable:

    • Monday:

      • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

    • Tuesday:

      • 5:15pm - 5:45pm

    • Wednesday:

      • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

    • Thursday:

      • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

    • Friday:

      • 6:15pm - 6:45pm

  • 45 MINUTES

    Children must be able to swim 25m front crawl with correct breathing and backstroke independently.

    Breaststroke is introduced, and water skills are further developed. Once proficient in front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke, children learn essential water safety skills, including swimming in clothes and personal survival techniques.

    - - - - -

    Awards: 50m, 100m, 200m water skills 2, 3, 4 & water safety 1 - 3

    - - - - -

    £10.00 per lesson

    - - - - -

    Timetable:

    • Monday:

      • 6:00 - 6:45pm

      • 6:45pm - 7:30pm

    • Tuesday:

      • 5:45pm - 6:30pm

      • 6:30pm - 7:15pm

    • Wednesday:

      • 6:00pm - 6:45pm

      • 6:45pm - 7:30pm

    • Thursday:

      • 6:00pm - 6:45pm

      • 6:45pm - 7:30pm

    • Friday:

      • 6:15pm - 7:00pm

      • 7:00pm - 7:45pm

  • 45 MINUTES

    At this level, children focus on achieving their long-distance awards—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Honours.

    Most groups swim between 400m and 1,000m per session, enhancing stroke technique while building stamina and speed.

    As a non-competitive club, butterfly is introduced only in advanced sessions.

    - - - - -

    Awards: 400m - 5,000m, water skills 5 & 6, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Honours (challenge awards)

    - - - - -

    £10.00 per lesson

    - - - - -

    Timetable:

    • Monday:

      • 7:30pm - 8:15pm

    • Tuesday:

      • 7:15pm - 8:00pm

    • Wednesday:

      • 7:30pm - 8:15pm

    • Thursday:

      • 6:45pm - 7:30pm

    • Friday:

      • 7:00pm - 7:45pm

  • Non-Swimmers/Beginners (Tuition):

    • Thursday 7:30pm - 8:10pm

    • 40 minutes, group session, £14 per session

    Improvers/Advanced (Recreational):

    • Friday 7:45pm - 8:20pm

    • 35 minutes, recreational swim, £6.10 per session

    121 Session - Any Level

    • Friday 7:45pm - 8:20pm

    • 35 minutes, £12 per session

  • Children:

    • Any level

    • 30 minutes

    • Friday 4:45pm - 5:15pm

    • £12.00 per lesson

    Adults:

    • Any level

    • 35 minutes

    • Friday 7:45pm - 8:20pm

    • £12.00 per lesson

Cartoon penguin with a white belly and black and orange features wearing a green ring around its waist.

❊ Achievements

Goals, progress, recognition.

Every milestone is recognised with a certificate and badge. A clear pathway from first 5 metres all the way to 5,000m and beyond.

Rainbow Distance 🌈

5m through to 5,000m — a milestone certificate and badge at every stage.

Certificate + badge · £4.00

Water Skills 1–6 🏊

Progressive practical skills, growing more challenging with each level.

Certificate + badge · £4.00

Water Safety 1–3 🛟

RNLI safety, HELP position, swimming in clothes, open water self-rescue.

Certificate + badge + pin · £4.50

Challenge Awards

Bronze, Silver, Gold and Honours. Distance, skills and timed swims.

Certificate + badge + pin · from £4.50

❊ Where We Are

Patcham High School Swimming Pool

📍 Address

Swimming: Patcham High School Swimming Pool, Ladies Mile Road, Patcham, Brighton. BN1 8PB

Office/Correspondence: 75 Ladies' Mile Rd, Patcham, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 8TB

🚗 Parking

School car park beyond the blue gates — marked bays only. Please avoid the community centre and library spaces (permit required). 5mph in the car park.

🚶 Getting to the pool

Gate in the lower car park → along the field → second set of gates on the left → up the steps or ramp → white double doors → pool entrance on your right.

📞 Get in touch

Pool Information

  • 20m × 7m · Shallow end 0.9m · Deep end 1.7m

  • Water temp 29–31°C · Disabled access available

  • Separate male & female changing rooms with showers

❊ FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

  • We teach children from 4.5 years old. To join, your child needs to be comfortable standing in water that is 0.9m (3ft) deep — the depth of our shallow end.

  • Yes — we welcome adult swimmers of all abilities, from complete beginners to those looking to improve their technique. We offer group lessons, 1-to-1 sessions, and Friday evening recreational swims.

  • When you get in touch, we'll ask about your child's current swimming ability. If they can already swim 10m independently on their front and back, we'll invite them for a free assessment so we can place them in the most suitable group. If they're a non-swimmer, we'll find the right slot straightaway.

  • We currently have availability in several sessions. Non-swimmer and some beginner groups may have a short waiting list, but places come up regularly as children progress. If we can't offer an immediate start, we'll add your child to the waiting list and contact you as soon as a space becomes available.

  • Simply complete our online enrolment form — there's a separate form for children and adults. You'll find both on the How to Join page. If you'd prefer to get in touch first, you can call or email Rebecca directly.

  • We're based at Patcham High School Swimming Pool, Ladies Mile Road, Patcham, Brighton BN1 8PB.

  • Yes — there is a car park at the school. Please park only in the marked bays beyond the blue gates and observe the 5mph speed limit. Please avoid the community centre and library spaces, as these require a permit.

  • The pool is 20m long and 7m wide. One half has a uniform depth of 0.9m (3ft) and the other slopes to a maximum of 1.7m (5ft 6in). The water temperature is maintained between 29°C and 31°C. Disabled access is available, and there are separate male and female changing rooms, each with showers, a toilet and a hand basin.

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Spaces are limited. Enrol online in a few minutes, or get in touch first if you have any questions.

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