Ravensthorpe Primary Academy in Peterborough is celebrating a dramatic leap in swimming ability and water safety after transforming part of its playground into a temporary pop-up swimming pool.
As the first school in Peterborough to host a pop-up pool, the initiative has delivered "outstanding results".
It was delivered in partnership with Fiesta Sports Coaching through its SwimED programme.
The on-site lessons have resulted in 64 per cent of Year 6 pupils now able to swim 25 metres, compared with just 24 per cent based on last year’s Year 6 swim data.
Across Years 5 and 6, 76 per cent of pupils can now perform safe self-rescue skills, a vital life-saving competency.
Assessment data from the programme shows that the proportion of children able to swim 25 metres increased from 13 per cent at the initial assessment to 54 per cent at the final assessment.
Year 5 improved from 11 per cent to 35 per cent, Year 6 improved from 14 per cent to 64 per cent, and water safety awareness rose from 0 per cent to 71 per cent overall.
Mrs Emma Ward, Head Teacher at Ravensthorpe Primary Academy said: "The progress our pupils have made has been exceptional.
"Last year, only a quarter of our Year 6 children could swim 25 metres; this year that figure has risen to 64 per cent.
"Having the pool on site removed barriers such as travel costs, staffing pressures and lost learning time.
"Swimming is not just about sport – it’s about confidence, safety and equity, and this programme has delivered real impact for our children."
Fiesta Sports Coaching also praised the commitment shown by pupils and staff throughout the programme.
Georgia Coulson from Fiesta Sports Coaching said: "We felt incredibly welcome at Ravensthorpe and are proud to have worked in partnership with the Academy.
"Supporting such a significant increase in swimming attainment and self-rescue skills is a real testament to the hard work of the pupils, staff and our team.
"We’re delighted to be returning in the 2026–27 academic year."
Although the pool has now left the playground, it has already been booked again ensuring the programme’s continuation.
Before its departure, pupils enjoyed a celebratory splash session with Mrs Ward, marking the success of the project in a memorable and fun way.
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