Schools with more disadvantaged children missing swimming target

A spokesperson for the DfE said a new PE Partnership Network would help close the gap seen by disadvantaged children.

It will bring together schools, local clubs and national bodies like Swim England.

“This means targeted support for the areas and pupils who need it most, so that every child, wherever they live, gets the same chance to learn to swim,” the spokesperson said.

Swim England is working closely with the government to support the delivery of school swimming lessons.

“Swimming is a life skill, not just a sport, and every child should have the opportunity to leave primary school able to swim and be safe in, on and around water,” a spokesperson said.

“However, schools have faced significant pressures in recent years, particularly those serving disadvantaged communities, including competing curriculum demands, increasing transport costs and access to suitable swimming pools.

“These challenges are real, so it is more important than ever that there is a collective approach to helping children gain a skill that could one day save their life.”

Additional reporting by Jonathan Fagg and Emily Unia