Progression Journey in Physical Education: Swimming

National Curriculum Requirement: All schools must provide swimming instruction in either Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2.

PRIMARY SCHOOL SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY

By the time a child is ready to leave primary school at the end of Year 6 they should be able to swim, know how to get out of trouble if they fall into water, know the dangers of water and understand how to stay safe when playing in and around it. Swimming and water safety is part of the national curriculum PE programme of study for England, which means all local authority-maintained primary schools must provide lessons during Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2. As a national curriculum subject, school swimming lessons must be free to all pupils. Costs, including those associated with facilities, swimming teachers and transport, should come out of the core budget1. Primary schools are free to choose when they hold their swimming sessions and how often. This means some schools might take pupils swimming throughout their time at primary school, while others might only take pupils in one year group. The number of sessions may also differ with some schools delivering lessons once a week for a term, or a more intensive programme of each day for a week. These lessons must support every child regardless of their swimming ability. For some young people, primary school might be the only opportunity they have to learn these important life-enhancing and potentially life-saving skills. This means that schools must ensure all young people reach the required standards before they finish Year 6, including providing additional lessons to ensure they are able to be safe in the water. Independent state-funded schools such as academies and free schools do not have to follow the national curriculum. However, they are required to provide a ‘broad and balanced’ education which should include teaching pupils to learn how to swim and about water safety.

The swimming progression framework below outlines clear expectations for pupils’ development, from foundational water confidence to proficient stroke technique and water safety skills. This progression is aligned with the PE National Curriculum, focusing on skill development, confidence, and the ability to perform a range of strokes and survival techniques. Assessment is structured across three attainment levels: Below Expected, At Expected, and Greater Depth.