This will depend on where you would like to work, some swim schools work with the Swim England pathway and others work from the STA pathway. Either way, if the swim school recognises your qualification you can deliver either. If you have a centre that you know you would like to work for, check what they accept first.

If you would like to work abroad the STA qualifications are more likely to be accepted abroad. However, the Swim England qualification is more recognized across swim schools in England.

If you would like to get teaching straight away, the STA Award means you can teach non-swimmers, beginners and improvers once qualified. The Swim England course means you assist first to gain experience from Level 2 teachers.

Swim England courses are ran over 4 days for a level 1 and 8 days for a level two.

STA courses are ran over 5 days for an Award course and 4 days for the Certificate course.

On Swim England courses you are assessed by the course tutor throughout, using written questions, ongoing assessment in class and observing on poolside.

On STA courses you are assessed throughout the course with a written portfolio and on the final day of the course, there will be a multiple choice exam and an observation of your teaching skills by an external assessor 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment that considers whether a learner can demonstrate
that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they
already have and do not need to develop through a course of learning.

For example:

If you hold another similar qualification you may be eligible for RPL as you can demonstrate you have already learnt the content of part of the course you are enrolling on. 

Some benefits of RPL.
·It reduces the duplication of learning
·Learners can complete this without having to take time from work or attend a learning programme
·Learners can complete this as a method of upskilling if they need to re-enter a workplace.
·It allows for gaps and shortages in skill to be filled

Before registering Learners, Triton Training’s quality manager will discuss with them the option of using RPL for
their past learning or experience and the likelihood that RPL will be accepted.

A Learner’s ability to apply for RPL will be dependent upon their existing levels of skill or knowledge and the evidence they can provide. Where past
certification only provides evidence that could be considered for part exemption of a qualification, Learners must
be able to offer additional evidence of previous learning or achievement.

To apply for RPL please follow the procedure in the link below:

Triton Training ATC Recognition of Prior learning Policy 2023

Triton Training ATC Recognition of Prior learning Guidance 2023

On Swim England courses you are ‘referred’ so we will help you to complete what it was that you struggled with, whether that means more practical or to complete lesson plans or questions. If additional money to support this process is needed we will discuss this with you- this wouldn’t be the full course cost though.

On STA courses, if you do not pass you will need to pay £14 to the STA to retake again after 12 weeks. You will need to find another assessment, or arrange another with us. If additional money to support this process is needed we will discuss this with you- this wouldn’t be the full course cost though.

Swim England courses start with the Level one in Assisting Swimming Teaching, then onto the Level 2 in Swimming Teaching.

STA courses start with the Level 2 Award in teaching swimming, then onto the STA Level 2 Certificate in teaching swimming.

It actually doesn’t, as long as you know how the stroke should look and how to convey that to the participants you can become a swimming teacher through these qualifications.  We have experience of tutoring courses with learners who could not swim, and they improved their own swimming skills on the course as well as passing with flying colours!

Many people feel apprehensive about teaching, even if it is a big passion for them. Throughout the course your confidence will grow though support and guidance and learning how you should teach. However, if you would like more support and guidance we can create a bespoke package for you to meet your needs.

Swim England and the STA do not run ‘their own’ courses but train up individuals to tutor the courses which are administered by them. Companies wishing to deliver the courses must be registered as an Approved Training Centre with each governing body. Triton Training Ltd is an approved training centre for Swim England, STA and RLSS.

You will just need to remember a swimming kit and shorts and T-shirt. Some days will need to go into the pool twice but this will be communicated to you before the course starts. You can also bring a notepad and pen, but it is not essential. You will be given your portfolio and manual at the course.

Yes you certainly can, it will cost and additional £30 and will need to be requested before the start of the course.

The NRASTC full course allows you to rescue within a pool which doesn’t have any lifeguard  or first aid cover.

The light version is for teachers who will have lifeguards on poolside with them, so they can react first and gain support from the lifeguard after.