Pools 4 Schools™

We're giving thousands of children the chance to learn a vital life skill whilst also staying physically active.

Latest Video

Watch the latest video about Pools 4 Schools including how the pools are built.

Swimming with confidence

British Gas Pools 4 Schools™ provides temporary pools and swimming facilities in areas of 'aquatic deprivation' across the UK. Nationally, one-in-five children are unable to swim 25 metres by the time they leave Primary School. This figure is as high as four out of five in some communities with limited pool access.

Pools 4 Schools™ was the brainchild of Steve Parry (former British Swimming captain and Athens Olympic Bronze medalist) and has received support from the Department of Children Schools and Families (DCSF).

Pools 4 Schools™ installs a temporary, mobile pool into a school hall or gym and opens it out to schools and community groups.

In this safe environment experienced teachers provide a range of activities, from mini-polo to aqua-aerobics, and help children learn a vital life skill, improve their fitness and overcome their fear of water.

The Story So Far

  • May 2009 British Gas Launches Pools 4 Schools and the challenge to teach 10,000 non-swimmers to learn to swim 10 metres unaided in one year.
  • 160 schools participate in the first year.
  • 100,000 swimming lessons in the first year.
  • 1st July 2010 British Gas announces they have succeeded in meeting their challenge to teach 10,000 non-swimmers to learn to swim 10 metres unaided in one year.

To view the press releases about Pools 4 Schools click here