Level 1 Swimming Assistant RPL Procedure to the STA Swimming Teacher Qualification
Posted on 23rd January 2026
To further improve accessibility and support more people in becoming qualified swimming teachers, STA is pleased to announce a new pathway for Level 1 Swimming Assistants to progress to the STA Swimming Teacher qualification.
Learners who hold a regulated Level 1 Swimming Assistant qualification are eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) against the STA Swimming Teacher qualification. To be considered for RPL, learners must provide a copy of their Level 1 Swimming Assistant qualification certificate prior to booking.
Once sufficient evidence has been provided and approved, learners may attend the STA Swimming Teacher qualification and will be exempt from the following blended learning programmes:
- Introduction to Essential Swimming Skills and Strokes
- Legal, Health and Safety.
If a learner books onto a course that is delivered fully face-to-face, the course tutor and Approved Training Centre (ATC) will review the course timetable and structure to apply RPL appropriately.
Learners will still be required to complete all remaining blended learning programmes, on-course activities, practical teaching sessions, and assessment components. RPL can only be applied to the specific programmes and content listed above.
On successful completion, learners will be awarded a regulated STA Swimming Teacher qualification certificate, receive 12 months of STA membership including Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance, and gain access to a range of post-course CPD opportunities to support their ongoing teaching development.
The STA Swimming Teacher Level 1 RPL Procedure document, available within STA Online, has been developed to support ATCs throughout this process.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.