SHAPING THE FUTURE: STA LAUNCHES NEW LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATION
In the New Year, STA will officially launch its brand-new Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification. Driven by CIMSPA’s updated Professional Standard - and created in direct response to feedback from members, swim schools, learners and employers across the UK - this new regulated qualification will not only shape the future of the profession, it will also, significantly streamline the way courses are delivered and managed.
Enhanced curriculum and practical focus
Developed in line with CIMSPA’s updated Professional Standard across the full learn-to-swim pathway, the qualification brings together everything teachers need to deliver safe, high-quality, inclusive lessons. Its enhanced curriculum covers core strokes, aquatic skills, personal survival, rescue techniques, and essential water safety - ensuring teachers will feel confident in adapting lessons for learners of all ages and abilities.
A major focus of this qualification is preparing learners for real work on poolside. With a stronger emphasis on practical, work-ready skills, the qualification is designed to give learners more hands-on experience throughout their training, so they leave feeling ready to deliver lessons straight away. Feedback gathered during development shows that tutors and employers strongly welcomed this increased practical focus.
Modernised delivery for tutors
One of the biggest drivers for change came from ATCs and tutors, who highlighted the need for simpler delivery, greater flexibility, and reduced administration. STA has responded by modernising the entire delivery model, using updated resources and digital tools to ensure courses can run more smoothly when they go live - whether delivered face-to-face or supported by online theory components.
Key advances include a fully digital learner portfolio, blended learning options, and an investment in AI-assisted marking. This embedded technology will automatically check and process elements of learners’ portfolios, helping to reduce the time tutors spend marking during courses while maintaining accuracy and consistency. This means that when courses begin, tutors will have more time to focus on supporting learners, and learners will benefit from quicker feedback.
By embracing modern learning methodologies and prioritising tutor contact time, the new qualification provides a more flexible, streamlined and supportive learning experience. A standalone online safeguarding module is also available as an optional element, allowing learners to complete this requirement outside of course hours so it does not take time away from the core programme.
Support beyond certification
Recognising that learning does not end once a qualification has been achieved, STA has built ongoing support into the programme. Upon completion, every learner will receive a package of free CPDs and 12 months of STA membership. This provides structured opportunities for continued development and ensures new teachers remain supported as they begin their careers in aquatics. For employers, this also strengthens workforce quality and consistency, helping teachers stay up to date with best practice and industry expectations.
Industry voices welcome the launch
Kayle Brightwell, Director of Education at STA, said the launch of this new qualification marks a significant moment for the industry - not only in terms of what teachers will learn, but in how courses can now be delivered and managed.
“We’re excited to have radically changed the way courses can be delivered and managed - with modern resources, streamlined admin, and advances like AI-assisted marking to reduce workload. This will make courses simpler to run and give tutors more time to focus on teaching.”
“At the same time, its real strength lies in its comprehensive scope. By bringing together the skills needed to teach every ability in learn-to-swim programmes, along with the full range of aquatic skills, into one clear pathway, it creates consistency for teachers and employers alike. And because this is about training teachers - not delivering a specific awards programme - STA-qualified teachers will continue to be equipped to work confidently across different learn-to-swim frameworks.”
In preparation for this launch, STA has supported Approved Training Centres, tutors, IQAs, and swim schools throughout the transition with a programme of live webinars and tutor upskills designed to explain the changes, outline the benefits, and guide implementation ahead of delivery.
“Our new Level 2 qualification sets a new benchmark for swimming teacher training in the UK. By introducing AI-assisted marking - and embedding digital tools alongside a more practical, learner-focused curriculum - we’re not only addressing today’s challenges but also shaping how training will evolve in the future. It’s an exciting time, as this qualification reflects STA’s long-standing commitment to listening to the industry and leading the way with solutions that strengthen the profession, support tutors, and create new opportunities for continuous professional development across aquatics.”
For more information and to register/search for the first courses, visit www.sta.co.uk