Louise Aikman Louise Aikman

The run up to the Easter Holidays!

Easter Term Recap at Harrogate School of Swimming

As the Easter holidays approach, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been an absolutely fantastic first term of 2025 at Harrogate School of Swimming! From the addition of more adult and child classes to an ever-growing number of swimmers across our three locations, we couldn’t be happier. Watching our swimmers grow in confidence and skill has been a joy—though we do apologize for all the extra splashes parents have endured on the sidelines!

In our end-of-year survey, many of you mentioned that you’d like more insight into your child’s progress. We heard you loud and clear! You can now track progress via the Swimphony app, where you can see exactly where your swimmer has been assessed in relation to their Swim England badges. No more waiting and wondering—just log in and take a peek at their achievements!

We’ve also made an exciting addition to our program this term with the introduction of adult group classes. These small group sessions cater to individual needs and are perfect for anyone looking to improve their technique and confidence in the water. We still have a few spots available on Monday and Wednesday evenings, so if you're ready to take the plunge, get in touch!

Looking ahead to the Easter holidays, we’re egg-cited (yes, we went there) to be running two intensive courses at Harrogate Ladies’ College and Willow Tree Primary School. These sessions are a great way to fast-track progress, so if you’d like to hop in and join us for some extra swimming fun, we still have spaces available for group classes and private 1-to-1 sessions. Don't wait too long—spaces fill up quickly!

Thank you for being part of our swimming family. We’re so grateful for your support and can’t wait to see even more progress in the next term. Wishing you all a wonderful Easter break!

Read More
Louise Aikman Louise Aikman

And Just Like That, Half Term Is Upon Us!

Hey everyone,

As we fast approach the half-term break, we want to take a moment to celebrate what a fantastic start to the year it has been! We have seen incredible progress from our swimmers, with a record number of badges achieved this half-term—well done to all of you!

At the end of last year, we conducted our annual Customer Feedback Survey, and we are thrilled to share that over 87% of you rated us as EXCELLENT when asked, “How positive has your overall experience been at Harrogate School of Swimming?” Thank you for your continued support and kind words—it means the world to us!

We have carefully listened to all of your feedback, and one key area raised was children's progression and how it is communicated to parents. In response to this, we have made some exciting updates to Swimphony! From February 23rd, you will now be able to track your child’s progress on Swimphony, including which criteria they have been assessed against in their current Swim England level. We hope this will provide greater transparency and keep you informed about your child’s swimming journey.

Additionally, last week, we sent out an important communication regarding our VAT status and what this means for our members. If you haven’t received this update, please reach out to us at your earliest convenience so we can ensure you have all the necessary information.

Reminder: April Easter Intensives!
From the week commencing April 7th, we will be running two intensive swimming courses: one at Harrogate Ladies’ College (7th-12th April) and another at Willow Tree Primary School (8th-12th April). We still have a few spots remaining, so if you’re interested, be sure to secure your place soon!

Thank you all for your continued support. We look forward to seeing even more progress in the coming weeks and celebrating more achievements together!

Best wishes,


The Harrogate School of Swimming Team

Read More
Louise Aikman Louise Aikman

"New Year, New Splash: Harrogate School of Swimming Faces a Snowy Pause!"

Happy New Year to all our swimmers, parents, and teachers! We hope everyone had a fantastic festive break filled with joy, relaxation, and plenty of holiday cheer. As we dive into 2025, we’re excited for the year ahead and all it has in store.

Unfortunately, the new year has started with a little hiccup. The unpredictable British weather has made its presence known, and like many local schools and clubs, we've had to adjust our plans to prioritize everyone’s safety. A sprinkling of snow (arctic downpour, more like it!) can cause quite the disruption, and we've had to make some cancellations in response to the icy conditions. We deeply appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these challenges, ensuring the well-being of our swimmers, teachers, and parents. Rest assured, we’re looking forward to resuming regular sessions as soon as it’s safe to do so!

Before the winter break, we launched our Customer Satisfaction Survey, and we are thrilled with the response! Over 86% of parents rated us as excellent, and your feedback has been invaluable. This survey is a fantastic opportunity for our members to share their thoughts and help us continue to grow and improve. We’re already working on some exciting updates based on your feedback, including enhancements to our progress tracking system and facilities. We’ll keep you posted as these improvements take shape!

The winter break also gave us time to reflect on the amazing achievements of the past year. From seeing so many swimmers reach personal milestones to hosting memorable events, 2024 was truly a year to celebrate. As we look ahead, we’re filled with excitement and ambition. We’ve set some big goals for 2025, and we’ll be sharing more about them in the coming months.

Thank you for being part of the Harrogate School of Swimming community. Here’s to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and success—both in and out of the pool. Stay warm, stay safe, and we’ll see you soon!

Warm wishes,

The Harrogate School of Swimming Team

Read More
Louise Aikman Louise Aikman

December Reflections: A Year of Growth and Gratitude at Harrogate School of Swimming

As the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished at Harrogate School of Swimming in 2024. Taking a moment to pause and celebrate achievements doesn’t always come naturally to me, but this year has been exceptional—and it’s worth revisiting some of the milestones we’ve reached together.

Last week’s gala was a visceral demonstration of what hard work and dedication can achieve. It wasn’t just an event; it was a culmination of collective effort, featuring our first-ever in-house gala and the debut of our newly established Performance Team. Watching the swimmers showcase their progress and passion was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: moments like these are the heartbeat of Harrogate School of Swimming.

2024 Highlights

This year has been marked by incredible growth and new opportunities. Here are some of the standout achievements that have made 2024 so special:

  • 🏊‍♂️ Record-breaking swimmer numbers: With nearly 700 swimmers on board, we’ve achieved our highest enrollment yet—a clear reflection of the trust and enthusiasm of our community.

  • 🏆 Performance Squad launch: This new initiative ensures swimmers can continue their journey within the HSOS family, training to compete and pushing their limits in a supportive environment.

  • 👶 A thriving Adult and Child program: Supported by an outstanding team of passionate and talented teachers, this program continues to grow and provide meaningful experiences for families.

  • 📈 Continued business growth: This year’s success has allowed us to invest further in our programs, infrastructure, and the future of swimming in Harrogate.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up 2024, I’m filled with pride for all that we’ve accomplished together as a team, and I’m energized by the possibilities for 2025. With such strong foundations in place, I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow, inspire, and make waves in the new year.

Here’s to another year of passion, progress, and community. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—we couldn’t have done it without you!


Read More
Louise Aikman Louise Aikman

November News at Harrogate School of Swimming: Finish the Term Strong!

After a successful October half-term intensive and clinic, we’re excited to jump into the winter season with six more weeks until the Christmas break. This is a fantastic opportunity for our swimmers to make even more progress, and we’re here to help every step of the way!

November Highlights: Gala, Referrals, and More!

This month is full of exciting activities, starting with our first-ever in-house gala for the Performance Squad on November 28th. We’re thrilled to see our swimmers showcase their skills and cheer each other on in this fun, supportive environment.

Additionally, our Refer a Friend program is back and better than ever! Now, for every new swimmer you refer who signs up, you’ll receive two lesson credits. It’s a great way to share the joy of swimming while earning rewards.

Looking Ahead: Special Offers for the Holidays

Stay tuned for our upcoming Christmas specials, designed to make swimming even more accessible during the holiday season. We’ll be revealing more details soon, so keep an eye out!

Aiming High Before Year-End

We’re committed to helping every swimmer finish the term on a high note. Let’s make the most of these remaining weeks and keep pushing for progress. See you at the pool!

Read More
Louise Aikman Louise Aikman

October News at Harrogate School of Swimming: Join Our Exciting Programs!

As we dive into October, there’s a lot happening at Harrogate School of Swimming, and we’re excited to share the latest updates with you!

October Half-Term Intensive: A Chance to Make Big Progress!

We’re running a special October Intensive swimming course over three days: 30th October- 1st November. Here are three great reasons to join:

  1. Rapid Progress: Achieve noticeable improvement in a short period.

  2. Target Weaknesses: Address specific areas holding your swimmer back.

  3. Stay Active & Social: Keep fit during the break and make new friends.

This is an excellent opportunity for swimmers to sharpen their skills and keep momentum during the half-term break. Get in touch to reserve your place!

Exciting Term Progress and New Beginner Classes

We’re well into the term, and our swimmers are already showing fantastic progress! Some have even achieved Swim England stage badges—a testament to their hard work. We’ve also introduced new beginner classes, including Saturday afternoons at Willow Tree and Monday mornings. It’s a great time to jump in if you or your child are just starting out!

Improved “Refer a Friend” Program

Our Refer a Friend program is back and better than ever! For every swimmer you refer who joins our school, you’ll receive two swim credits as a thank-you. It’s a fantastic way to share the benefits of swimming while earning rewards for yourself.

Looking Ahead: Achieve More with Harrogate School of Swimming

As the term continues, we’re excited to see our swimmers thrive. With new classes, exciting promotions, and another Holiday Intensive coming up at Harrogate Ladies’ College, we’re committed to helping every swimmer reach their full potential.

Whether you’re looking for regular lessons or an intensive course to speed up progress, we look forward to seeing you at the pool this October!

Read More
Louise Aikman Louise Aikman

Swimming Lessons Are Back: Join the New Term at Harrogate School of Swimming

Check out what we've been up to!

Harrogate School of Swimming: A Fantastic Start to the New Term!

September has been a busy and exciting month at Harrogate School of Swimming as we’ve returned to all three of our Harrogate venues. It’s been wonderful to see our swimmers back in action and progressing quickly in their lessons.

The term is now well underway, and we’ve been thrilled to see such enthusiasm, energy, and focus from everyone involved.

One of the most exciting developments this term is the launch of our new Performance Pathway. Designed for our most promising swimmers, this pathway provides them with a structured route toward competitive swimming. It’s been a fantastic addition to our program, and it’s inspiring to see our swimmers push themselves to maximize their potential. We’re confident that this initiative will help nurture some outstanding talent in the months to come.

Our Programs: Something for Everyone

At Harrogate School of Swimming, we offer a wide range of classes that cater to all ages and skill levels. Here’s a look at our key programs:

Learn-to-Swim Program

Our flagship Learn-to-Swim Program is ideal for children aged 3 and up. Following the accredited Swim England stages, this program provides a strong foundation in swimming while focusing on safety, fun, and skill development. Whether your child is just beginning their swimming journey or progressing through the stages, our experienced instructors ensure each child feels supported and encouraged.

Tailored Adult Lessons

We also offer Tailored Adult Lessons for those looking to learn to swim for the first time or refine their technique. Our instructors understand that learning to swim as an adult can feel daunting, but they work closely with each swimmer to create a comfortable, supportive environment. Whether you’re building basic skills or improving your strokes, our lessons are designed to help you progress with confidence.

Adult and Child Classes

For parents with babies, our Adult and Child Classes are the perfect way to introduce little ones to the water. These classes, starting from 6 months old, provide a fun and supportive space for both parents and children to enjoy swimming together. It’s a great bonding experience and helps instill a love for swimming early on.

October Promotion and New Classes at Willow Tree

We’re thrilled to announce a special promotion at our Willow Tree location this October. We’re expanding our class offerings with new sessions on Monday mornings, including Duckling and Adult and Child classes. To celebrate the launch of these new classes, we’re offering 50% off all new registrations throughout the month of October. This is a fantastic opportunity to try something new or introduce your little one to swimming at a reduced cost.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the rest of the term, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for our swimmers. In addition to our growing Performance Pathway and the new Willow Tree classes, we are also offering another Holiday Intensive during the October half-term at Harrogate Ladies’ College. These intensive sessions are a great way for swimmers to make rapid progress, and they always fill up quickly, so be sure to get in touch for more details and secure your spot.

Whether you’re joining us for regular lessons or taking part in one of our special holiday programs, we can’t wait to see how much our swimmers achieve this term. See you at the pool!

Read More