An independent swim school is splashing out more than £1 million on its own purpose-built pool.
Swimwell currently operates from Walton High School, in Stafford, providing lessons for around 600 swimmers and is also an approved training centre for those looking to start or progress a career in swimming teaching.
Its new pool is currently under construction and is due to open at Kingsmead Retail Park in Stafford, in late Spring.
Once complete, the 20x8m above ground swimming pool will offer the business space to grow and cater for up to 2,000 swimmers.
Between 500 and 600 people are on the waiting list for lessons, with a swim programme being put together.
Lessons will still continue to be provided at Walton High School.
Swimwell owner Julie Hand told Daily Focus: “Our new purpose-built facility is designed specifically for swimming lessons, welcoming children of all ages to learn water safety and swimming skills.
“The town centre location makes it a great site for us, with plenty of footfall, free parking and a lot of houses being built within walking distance.
“The new pool will be accessible for all children and their needs with facilities including a disabled changing facility accessible from the poolside and a hoist chairlift.
“We can’t wait to welcome more families to our teaching programmes.”
Swimwell was founded 14 years ago and grew to become a training centre not long after the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2025, the business trained and qualified 82 swimming teachers across the West Midlands, working with organisations including Chase Leisure Centre in Cannock.
The company currently employs 28 members of staff with more jobs expected to be created as the swim school grows.
Julie added: “Our academy trains our own teachers as well as supporting others in the industry. We have a focus on nurturing people through to employment and some of the people we employ are former pupils who came to us at the age of five.
“Thirteen and 14-year-olds coming out of Rookie Lifeguard programmes are staying on with us as pool helpers until they can begin their swimming teacher qualifications.
“Last summer, we trained nine 16-year-olds and took them on as swimming teachers. We hope to be able to offer apprenticeships once the new pool is up and running.”
