Choose Your Lesson Format
The right lesson type depends on your learning style, budget, goals, and comfort level. Here's a complete breakdown to help you choose.
Private Lessons
One-to-one instruction with 100% personalized attention. Perfect for nervous swimmers, specific goals, or fastest progress.
Cost: £35-60 per session
Best for: Nervous swimmers, fast learners, busy schedules
Group Classes
Learn alongside 4-8 other adults at similar skill levels. Affordable, social, and structured with regular weekly sessions.
Cost: £20-30 per session
Best for: Budget-conscious, social learners, regular routine
Beginner Classes
Specially designed for adults who never learned to swim. Start from absolute scratch with patient, understanding instructors.
Cost: £20-35 per session
Best for: Never learned, afraid of water, building confidence
Women-Only Classes
Private, female-only sessions with female instructors. Perfect for Muslim women, body confidence concerns, or cultural preferences.
Cost: £20-35 per session
Best for: Muslim women, cultural/religious needs, privacy preference
Specialized Lesson Types
Intensive Courses
Daily lessons over 1-2 weeks for rapid progress. Perfect for holidays or urgent deadlines.
Format: 5-10 consecutive days
Duration: 30-60 min daily
Cost: £150-400 per course
Technique Improvement
For swimmers wanting to improve stroke technique, efficiency, or speed.
Format: Usually private or small group
Focus: Video analysis, drills
Cost: £40-60 per session
Competitive Training
For triathletes, competitive swimmers, or open water swimming preparation.
Format: Squad or private coaching
Focus: Performance, race prep
Cost: £30-70 per session
Semi-Private Lessons
Share a lesson with 1-2 friends or family members at similar skill levels.
Format: 2-3 people with one instructor
Benefits: More attention than group
Cost: £25-40 per person
Fear of Water Programs
Specialized programs for aquaphobia using gradual exposure and trauma-informed techniques.
Format: Usually private lessons
Approach: Very gradual, patient
Cost: £40-65 per session
Refresher Courses
For adults who learned as children but haven't swum in years. Quick confidence rebuild.
Format: 3-6 sessions typical
Focus: Confidence, technique refresh
Cost: £25-45 per session
Which Lesson Type is Right for You?
Choose Private Lessons if you...
- Are very nervous or have fear of water
- Want to learn as quickly as possible
- Have a busy schedule needing flexible times
- Have specific goals (triathlon, technique, etc.)
- Prefer one-to-one attention without an audience
Choose Group Classes if you...
- Want the most affordable option
- Enjoy learning with other people
- Benefit from a regular weekly routine
- Are comfortable in a small group setting
- Want to learn alongside others at your level
Hybrid Approach (Recommended!)
Many successful swimmers start with 3-5 private lessons to build confidence and learn core skills, then switch to group classes for ongoing practice at lower cost. This combines the benefits of both formats while managing costs.
Typical investment: £150-250 private + £20-30/week group = Best value and fastest progress
Quick Cost Comparison
| Lesson Type | Cost per Session | Sessions to Learn* | Total Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Lessons | £35-60 | 8-12 lessons | £280-720 |
| Group Classes | £20-30 | 15-25 lessons | £300-750 |
| Semi-Private | £25-40 | 10-15 lessons | £250-600 |
| Intensive Course | £150-400 | 1 course (5-10 days) | £150-400 |
*For complete beginners to reach basic swimming competency (25m independently). Individual results vary based on comfort level, natural ability, and practice frequency.
Ready to Find the Perfect Lessons?
Search our directory to find swimming schools offering all types of lessons in your area.