The pioneering initiative delivered by Fiesta Sports Coaching aims to address the growing national crisis in swimming proficiency among primary-aged children. It is estimated that over one million pupils will leave primary school unable to swim 25 metres, despite swimming being a compulsory part of the national curriculum.

 

The move comes as Peterborough faces an ongoing shortage of public swimming facilities. The city’s Regional Pool on Bishop’s Road was demolished following the discovery of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), asbestos, and structural issues.

 

The only public pool currently operating in the city centre is the outdoor Lido, which opens seasonally from late May.

 

While pools such as Jack Hunt and Stanground Sports Centre offer sessions, limited availability, high travel costs, and staffing demands have made regular swimming lessons difficult and expensive.

 

Mrs Emma Ward, Headteacher explained: “Due to travel costs to and from public pools, unfavourable time slots, staffing demands, and the impact on teaching hours, it made far more sense to explore an on-site option. We now have a pool on our playground, on-site swimming teachers, and even a school swimming club. It’s a real game-changer for our pupils.”

 

Plans for a £36 million replacement leisure centre and pool are underway, but the new facility is not expected to open until around 2028.

 

At Ravensthorpe Primary, just 24% of Year 6 pupils were able to swim 25 metres last year, a figure the school is determined to improve.

 

“Swimming isn’t just a sport, it’s a life skill,” added Mrs Ward. “By bringing the pool to the playground, we’re ensuring every child, regardless of background or access to facilities, can learn vital water safety and swimming skills.”

The pop-up pool provides pupils with the opportunity to learn essential life skills, including:

• Water safety awareness
• Respect for water
• Basic swimming proficiency as part of the national curriculum

 

According to Swim England and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Swimming, the situation is worsening nationally. Projections suggest that by 2025–26, up to 60% of children could leave primary school unable to swim 25 metres, a sharp rise from pre-pandemic levels of around 25%. The organisations are calling for urgent government action to ensure access to swimming and water safety lessons for all children.

 

Dr Ian Young, CEO of our Trust, said: “We’re proud that Ravensthorpe is leading the way locally in finding creative solutions to national challenges. Every child deserves the chance to learn to swim, and this project facilitates that in an innovative way.”

 

Vicky Gallagher, Founder & Director of Fiesta Sports Coaching said: "There's huge enthusiasm across the city to give children the chance to learn such a vital life skill and we're excited to bring Swim:ED to as many playgrounds as possible."

 

The pop-up pool will remain on site for six weeks, providing curriculum swimming lessons for pupils in Years 5 and 6, and setting a precedent for how schools can bring essential life skills back within reach.