What comes after Stage 7?

Stage 7 is the last of the core Learn to Swim awards, and completing the Learn to Swim Framework earns the Learn to Swim Medal. Swim England recommends that children complete up to Stage 7 through lessons.

After that, children can move on to the Aquatic Skills Framework (Stages 8-10):

• It builds sport-specific skills in one of four disciplines: swimming, diving, artistic swimming or water polo. Swimmers are encouraged to choose one to focus on.
• Each discipline has three core awards, at Stages 8, 9 and 10.
• For the swimming discipline, Swim England's delivery requirements recommend that learners are 8 or older and have completed Stage 7 to the expected standard.

After Stage 10, options include joining a club in swimming, water polo, diving or artistic swimming, or a Rookie Lifesaving course. Club members then work towards Swim England Club Awards, which follow on from the Learn to Swim awards.