A multi ethnic group of elementary age children at in the pool during swimming class. They are smiling at the camera while holding onto the side of the pool and kicking their legs to create splashes.

The Big Splash

Every child should feel confident and safe in and around water. But for too many children, that isn’t the case.

Across England, 72% of Year 6 pupils could swim 25 metres when they left primary school in 2024-25. In schools with a higher proportion of disadvantaged children, that falls to 55%. In some Cheltenham schools, it’s just 34%.

That’s over 65% of children leaving some Cheltenham primary schools without essential swimming and water safety skills. The Cheltenham Trust is taking urgent action to address this inequity, and keep more children safe in the water. 

The Big Splash will raise funds for disadvantaged local children to access free swimming and water safety lessons at Leisure at Cheltenham.

Working with local schools, the Trust will help children access lessons that build water confidence, independence and essential skills that could one day save their lives.

Every donation will make a difference.

£8.50 funds a swimming lesson.
£35 funds a place on an intensive swimming course.
£85 funds a 10-week adult-and-child course to build water confidence.

Swimming is a skill for life. Together, we can help make sure more local children get the chance to learn.

Donate to The Big Splash:
leisureatcheltenham.com/the-big-splash