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Become a Swimming Teacher

To become a swimming teacher you do not necessarily need a huge knowledge and background in swimming, it is more about making lessons fun and connecting with children and adults. Courses are now more practical with elements of training on poolside to develop skills as well as the theory elements.

For information or to book our next course:-

Upcoming Course Booking

Teacher Qualifications

The Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) is the industry standard for those who wish to teach unsupervised to groups of swimmers with a range of abilities and is essential for seeking employment as a swimming teacher. This qualification is achieved from a practically-based course and will allow you to gain the necessary skills and experience prior to progressing to an aquatics working environment. It will support your ongoing learning and development ensuring that you are fully prepared to deliver high quality lessons. 

Course Duration

The duration of the course is 8 days which is divided between 32 hours of practical teaching and 32 hours of theory. There is a mandatory pre-course element, 'SwimRight' which must be completed prior to attending the first day of the course. Details of this are provided once candidates have booked on, following the course booking deadline. Course resources are administrated via our online e-portfolio system, HIVE Learning.

Pre-requisites, Costs & Subsidy

To do this course you need to be a Scottish Swimming member and 16 years of age on the first day of the course. The cost of this course is £550. Details on available sportscotland subsidy can be found as a link on this page. This qualification sits on the Scottish Qualifications and Credit Framework (SQCF Level 7).

You may qualify for up to £100 to cover some of your course fee Subsidy information

The Conversion Course

For those with an existing Level 1 teaching or higher qualification, Scottish Swimming deliver the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) Conversion course. 

The cost of the SSTQ Conversion course is £275 and the duration of the course is 3 days divided as 12 hours of practical teaching and 12 hours of theory with planned learning gaps between delivery dates. Candidates will be issued with a Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) upon completion of this course. It is expected that individuals applying to do the Conversion Course will be practising teachers with reasonable experience since becoming qualified.

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