Pupils at St Philip’s School in Bath were treated to a memorable visit from Olympic athletes Sharron Davies and Jason Gardener, who came along to see a unique new addition to school life – a temporary swimming pool installed прямо in the playground.
Supplied by Primary Pools UK, the pop-up pool is the first of its kind in the Bath area. It was delivered and fully constructed over a single weekend to avoid disrupting school life, followed by a week of preparation to ensure it was ready for use.
The pool will remain at the school for three weeks, during which every pupil will have the opportunity to take part in swimming lessons and enjoy time in the warm water.
Each session lasts 30 minutes, with up to 10 sessions running every day and around 10 pupils in each group – meaning hundreds of children are benefiting from the experience.
Jo added that she carried out extensive research to find a way to bring swimming to the school, recognising just how vital the life skill is. “It’s a hugely important skill for children to have and can save their lives,” she said. “It’s been such a success that we’re already looking at repeating it every year – it’s so important that every child has the chance to learn to swim.
“Sometimes you have to think outside of the box to make things happen.”
For some pupils, the experience has been transformative. Several children had never been in a pool before, while one parent shared that their child had previously been unable to go near water but is now enjoying swimming and has even started lessons outside school.
Sharron, now Baroness Davies of Devonport, said, “I am really passionate about children learning to swim. Nearly half can’t swim 25 yards, despite it being on the national curriculum but not on the Ofsted checklist.”
She added, “The UK has lost around 1,000 pools in recent years, which makes initiatives like this even more important.”
Sharron also highlighted the wider benefits of swimming, explaining that it can help children build resilience and confidence. “Some children who perhaps don’t excel in the classroom excel in the pool instead,” she said. “The physical activity is so beneficial too, releasing endorphins and supporting wellbeing. You can learn so much in an intensive period.”
Jo pointed out the financial challenges schools face in accessing swimming facilities, noting that transport alone can cost around £250 for a coach to take pupils to a pool in Bath.
The £6,500 cost of bringing the pool to the school was funded through a combination of the school budget, parental contributions – including some families helping to cover costs for others – and support from the PTA, ensuring that every child could take part.
Safety has been a top priority throughout, with a qualified swim teacher in the water at all times alongside a lifeguard. Private changing pods have also been installed to give pupils a comfortable and secure space.
The visit from the two Olympians proved a particular highlight, with pupils thrilled to meet them and receive tips and encouragement first-hand.
With its combination of accessibility, enthusiasm and impact, the project is already being hailed as a model for how schools can overcome barriers to swimming provision – and ensure every child has the chance to learn a skill that could one day save their life.
