About STA Your Leisure Swim Academy

Dive into Swimming Lessons at Your Leisure Pools in Thanet!

Welcome to the STA Your Leisure Swim Academy, delivering the exciting new STA Learn to Swim Programme designed to build strong, confident swimmers. Our structured lessons cover STA Grades 1–7, supporting swimmers of all ages as they progress from their first splash to becoming safe, skilled swimmers — all while learning essential water safety techniques, especially vital for coastal communities. Developed by industry experts, the STA programme offers an inclusive, multi-skilled pathway that focuses on technique, confidence, and lifelong swimming ability. Plus, Swim Academy students receive free public swim access (worth £17.00 a month)** to practise outside their lessons, helping to accelerate progress and build water confidence. Whether your child is new to swimming or looking to refine their skills, our Swim Academy offers the perfect environment to learn, grow, and enjoy the water safely.

T&Cs apply to free swim access.

STA Grades

GRADE 1 Information

LSP Grade 1

This grade is for non-swimmer beginners which focuses on water safety and water confidence practices to help participants feel comfortable and confident in the water.

GRADE 2 Information

LSP Grade 2

Grade 2 explores basic concepts of swimming and improves water confidence practices. This grade helps participants become more familiar with the water and develops being horizontal in the water.

GRADE 3 Information

LSP Grade 3

This grade introduces formal swimming strokes and improves the contrasting activities that accompany swimming, such as push and glides and rotation.

GRADE 4 Information

LSP Grade 4

Grade 4 works on developing recognised swimming strokes.
Skills such as submersion and advanced floating are improved.

GRADE 5 Information

LSP Grade 5

This grade develops the swimming strokes in compliance with World Aquatics rules including learning the correct finishes. Lifesaving skills are being developed along with the progression for diving.

GRADE 6 Information

LSP Grade 6

Grade 6 improves the swimming strokes further and stamina is being developed with increased distances. Advanced skills for other aquatic disciplines are introduced.

GRADE 7 Information

LSP Grade 7

This grade aims for the participants to enhance their stamina and maintain a recognised stroke technique. Grade 7 further explores new skills such as artistic swimming, water polo and lifesaving skills to offer participants a variety of advanced pathways they may like to explore.

View our Available Lessons & Join Online

Our Pools

STAnley the Seal says

"Hello! I am thrilled to be part of STA Your Leisure Swim Academy and help the wonderful teachers get everyone swimming and water safe! The best part of the Academy are the awards! Join today and make a splash!"

Course Home Portal for current students

Already a course member? Track your child’s progress online. You can see the outcomes for each grade and get notifications when your child achieves an award.

About STA Learn to Swim Programme

Your Leisure Swim Academy offers a swimming lesson journey from STA Grades 1-7. STA Learn to Swim programme (LSP) is a progressive pathway for participants of all ages helping them develop from their first aquatic experience through to becoming safe proficient swimmers. The scheme has been developed in collaboration with STA members and industry experts to ensure the multi-skilled programme is accessible for all.

Each grade builds on knowledge and skill development at each level and rewards achievement through a range of exciting awards and certificates. Grades focus on stroke development, water safety, rescue skills, diving, and other swimming skills to ensure participants are competent within all aquatic skills to create well rounded swimmers.

Celebrate the success of each Grade with Swim Academy awards

Your Leisure Swim Academy knows everyone loves a badge and certificate, they help our swimmers feel proud of their achievements. Has your child gone up a grade? If so, Swim Academy badges and certificates will be available to purchase from the STA Digital Awards platform. Ask at reception for full details.

Plus, celebrate fun achievements with PAW Patrol™ and Spongebob Squarepants swim awards™. Check in centre for special events to achieve these awards.

How swimming lessons have helped our students

I joined adult swim lessons a month ago when they launched. I was terrified of the water at first, but the teacher was so calm I can now go under the water which is a massive achievement for me.

Swim School Participant

I feel safer going on holiday now as Teddy can swim 5 metres by himself and keep himself floating in the water. He has also enjoyed swimming outside of lessons thanks to the free sessions.

Swim School Parent

The teachers were fantastic and patient even though it took a while to get used to being in the pool. Living by the sea makes learning to swim so important as a parent to know they are confident with water when enjoying the beach.

Swim School Parent

Need help? Fill out the Swim Academy form below and we'll contact you back.

Register for the Your Leisure Swim Academy today! - Click Here

*Joining fees apply. New joiners online only. Contact us if you are a returning member. Price based on 12 months of £37.00 a month payable by Direct Debit. **Free swimming T&Cs apply, open sessions, subject to availability.

Your Leisure Swim Academy perks

Free swimming for students to practice outside of lessons

Free Course Home Portal to track progress

STA-accredited teachers

Discounts at Quex Adventure Farm Park

Swimming Lesson FAQs

Do lessons stop during the school holidays?

Your Leisure Swim Academy lessons continue as normal throughout school holidays and run on bank holidays except for a 2-week break in December. The December break dates will be available from your centre.

This means it's a 50-week course programme per calendar year.

If you sign up for lessons, please do get the Live Better app and opt-in to our newsletter to stay up-to-date.

Cancelling / Leaving / Completing swimming lessons

Whether you are cancelling, leaving or have completed your lessons, you MUST contact our Customer Support Team via CST@yourleisure.uk.com or calling 03333 660 661 to ensure your account is closed and Direct Debit stopped. Completing Grade 7, or non-attendance does not automatically end your subscription.

How do I book for the FREE swimming?

To book the FREE swimming that's included as part of a Your Leisure course subscription you will need to set your password for our online booking system. You will already have an account due to your subscription to access the Course Home Portal so you will need to use the same email address. First, CLICK HERE to reset your password now and you'll receive a new email with a reset link, then you can click that (or copy and paste it into your web browser if it is not clickable - link is valid for 10 minutes) then once your password is set you will be able to LOGIN HERE to start booking.

Once you have set up your online account, you will be able to book using your email and password to log into our web browser booking system or our app.

Do I need to pay for certificates?

Certificates are available online via the digital wards portal. Members will receive a link to their awards when they are available to purchase.

Do all swimmers need to wear swim caps?

Yes. All students MUST wear the applicable swim cap when attending lessons.

Swim caps help identify swimmers and ensure they are in the correct section of the pool for safety.

Only exemption to this is for a medical/sensory reason or latex allergy. All of which must be logged on a student's medical section.

Do I need to pay for replacement swimming caps?

Your Leisure's Pool Admission If your swim cap is lost, replacements can be purchased from centre for £8.00 (card payment only).

Adult Beginner & Improver Swimming Lessons

It’s never too late to learn to swim or improve your skills in the water. At Your Swim School, our Adult Beginner and Adult Improver swimming lessons are designed to be welcoming, supportive, and tailored to your pace. Whether you're building confidence from scratch or refining technique, our qualified instructors will help you feel safe and empowered every step of the way. Swimming is a vital life skill with many health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, joint mobility, and stress relief. Lessons are now available to book at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Ramsgate Leisure Centre, and Blue Wave Pool in Margate. With small group sizes and a friendly, no-pressure environment, our adult swimming programme is the perfect way to stay active, learn something new, and enjoy the water at your own pace. Book today and take the first step towards becoming a confident swimmer for life.

Price: £55.00 a month DD

Join ADULT LESSONS Online Here