Monday group lessons
£42.50/month
Excludes bank holiday Mondays
Swim England programmes
Our swimming lessons
Swims Away delivers Swim England swimming lessons for babies, children and adults across Bolton, Leigh, Wigan, Chorley and the wider Greater Manchester area. Choose group classes or private tuition. We'll help match you to the right programme and swimming lesson venues.
Fees
Lesson fees
Transparent monthly group fees and private lesson rates across our Greater Manchester venues. Enquire for current availability. Prices below are correct as of August 2026.
Wednesday – Saturday group lessons
£46/month
Fixed monthly fee
Advanced groups (Stages 8–10)
£54/lesson
Stages 8–10 advanced groups, 1 hour lesson
The same monthly fee applies whether there are four or five weeks in the month.
Private lessons from £47 per session
1-to-1
1 instructor, 1 swimmer
One-off £47
Block of 5 £145
1-to-2
1 instructor, 2 swimmers
One-off £55
Block of 5 £175
1-to-3
1 instructor, 3 swimmers
One-off £67
Block of 5 £285
Lesson types
Find the right class
Baby & infant lessons
Parent and baby sessions focused on water confidence, bonding and early safety skills.
View baby & infant lessons
Children's lessons
Progressive learn-to-swim classes following Swim England Stages 1–10.
View children's swimming lessons
Adult lessons
Supportive adult groups for complete beginners and improvers.
View adult swimming lessons
Private & 1-to-1 tuition
Individual or small-group coaching tailored to your goals and schedule.
View private swimming lessons
Advanced coaching
Technique and performance coaching, including club pathway preparation.
View advanced coachingProgramme
Our Swim England programme
We follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework (Stages 1–10), helping children and adults build confidence, technique and water safety in a structured, enjoyable way.
Children’s group lessons are suitable from 6 months to 12 years, with adult lessons available separately. Swimmers are grouped by ability, not age, so every child progresses when they are ready, not because of their birthday.
Children receive Swim England stage badges as they progress, alongside distance awards. Learn more about Swims Away swimming school and our experienced instructors.
Beginner
Getting confident in the water Stage 1
Fun and enjoyment are central as swimmers develop water confidence. Children are introduced to the water and work towards independence, with emphasis on feeling safe and comfortable before moving on.
Enquire nowBeginner
Moving freely through play Stage 2
Ideal for swimmers with little or no previous experience. Informal play helps children move freely in the water, submerge, open their eyes underwater, float and travel using simple arm and leg movements.
Enquire nowImprover
Encouraging independence in the water Stage 3
Swimmers become more at home on and under the water. The focus shifts towards watermanship: controlled breathing, experimenting with propulsion and developing ease in the pool.
Enquire nowImprover
Building propulsion and streamlining Stage 4
Swimmers build competence in basic propulsion using main strokes, with good streamlining, breathing control, sculling, treading water and swimming underwater.
Enquire nowIntermediate
Learning all four strokes Stage 5
Aquatic skills are consolidated so pupils swim competently on front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke over 25 metres, and butterfly over 10 metres. Turns and safe foundation practices for diving are introduced.
Enquire nowIntermediate
Developing efficiency and water safety Stage 6
More efficient swimming and wider aquatic awareness, including personal water safety and survival swimming. Swimmers may be introduced to disciplines such as synchronised swimming, water polo and diving as they develop.
Enquire nowAdvanced
Building endurance and early competitive skills Stage 7
Further development of main strokes with an introduction to early competitive swimming training, healthy lifestyle swimming, and basic aerobic endurance and speed work.
Enquire nowClub Preparation
Consolidating technique and racing skills Stage 8
Effective technique and racing skills are consolidated through drills and practices, preparing swimmers for club developmental coaching programmes.
Enquire nowClub Preparation
Refining racing skills and training habits Stage 9
Swimmers refine racing skills and training habits, building the foundation for competitive swimming if they choose that path.
Enquire nowClub Preparation
Preparing for club developmental coaching Stage 10
The final learn-to-swim stage introduces more demanding aspects of training development. Completing Stage 10 means swimmers are well prepared for competitive club swimming if they choose that path.
Enquire nowPathway
Club pathway & private lessons
After completing Stages 1–10, our Bolton Swimming Club link group helps swimmers develop dives, turns and pace-clock skills ready for club swimming. When the teacher feels they are ready, Bolton Swimming Club’s coach assesses swimmers for the next step. Learn about advanced coaching.
We also offer private swimming lessons for anyone aged 3 and above at any ability, whether you are a complete beginner or looking to improve stroke technique. View private lesson fees and options.
Help and Support
Frequently asked questions
What age can my child start swimming lessons?
Parent and baby classes start from 3 months. Independent children's stages typically begin from around 3 years when swimmers move into Stage 1 without a parent in the water.
Are lessons grouped by age or ability?
By ability. Children are placed in groups where they feel confident and can progress at the right pace, rather than being grouped purely by age.
What Swim England awards will my child receive?
Swimmers earn Learn to Swim Stage badges (1–10) as they progress, plus distance badges alongside their stage awards.
Should we choose group or private lessons?
Group lessons are great for social progression and value. See our group lesson fees. Private lessons suit swimmers who want focused, flexible coaching, from £47 per session or blocks of five.
How much do swimming lessons cost?
Group lessons are £42.50 per month on Mondays (excluding bank holiday Mondays) or £46 per month Wednesday to Saturday. Advanced groups (Stages 8–10) are £54 for a one-hour lesson. The monthly fee stays the same whether there are four or five weeks. Private lessons start from £47 for a one-off 1-to-1 session. See full lesson fees.
Where are lessons held?
We teach at pools across Bolton, Chorley and Greater Manchester. View our swimming lesson venues.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry or call 07901 990902. Tell us who the lessons are for and your preferred area and we'll advise on availability.
Not sure which lesson is right?
Compare formats in our guide to group vs private swimming lessons, or send us an enquiry and we will recommend the best programme, venue and class for you.