Newsletters
Hello everyone,
As we conclude another successful term, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible progress our swimmers have made. It has been a joy to watch their confidence grow in the water.
We have also had the pleasure of welcoming many new families to our weekly sessions. To our new members: welcome to the Hydroschool family! We are thrilled to have you with us.
The upcoming term will run for seven weeks, leading us right up to the summer holidays. Please note that rebooking rates for the next term have been adjusted for those affected by our recent temporary closures.
Key Dates & Schedule
- Current Term Ends: Sunday, 24th May 2026
- Next Term Dates: 1st June – 19th July 2026 (7-week term)
Our Lesson Managers are present poolside during every session and are easily identifiable by their bright orange t-shirts.
To ensure you receive the most efficient support, please make the Lesson Manager your first point of contact for any immediate questions or concerns. While we are happy to assist via email, our managers can resolve 99% of queries on-site in real-time. They are approachable, knowledgeable, and here to ensure your experience is seamless.
Changing Room & Safeguarding Policy
We would like to remind all parents and guardians of our changing room protocols. While we understand these requirements can occasionally be inconvenient, they are strictly in place to ensure the Safeguarding of all children, parents, and staff. Following these policies protects our entire swimming community.
- Children Aged 8+: Should change unaided in the changing room of their own gender.
- Children Under 8: May be accompanied by a parent. Please use the changing room corresponding to the adult’s gender (e.g., a female adult accompanying a child should use the female changing rooms).
- Additional Support: If your swimmer requires specific assistance outside of these guidelines, please speak directly with a Lesson Manager for guidance.
Best regards,
Adrian Hydroschool Management
Important Term Dates
Teacher of the Term Awards: April – May 2026
At hydroschool, we take immense pride in the caliber of our coaching staff. These awards are presented to educators who consistently go the extra mile, receive exceptional feedback from our parent community, and demonstrate excellence in every lesson they lead.
Please join us in celebrating our outstanding winners for the Spring term.
Bexhill Winner: Richard
Primary Location: Battle Abbey Pool
While many of our evening families may not see him frequently, Richard is a cornerstone of the hydroschool teaching family. Working predominantly during the school day, he is instrumental in delivering the National Curriculum for swimming to numerous partner schools across Eastbourne and Bexhill.
Beyond his daily commitment at Battle Abbey, Richard is always the first to step in and cover evening and weekend sessions, ensuring our high standards of instruction remain uninterrupted. His versatility and dedication make him a vital asset to our team and a well-deserved recipient of the Bexhill Teacher of the Term award.
Eastbourne Winner: Helen
Primary Locations: Eastbourne College & Ocklynge
A familiar and friendly face to many, Helen has been a dedicated member of the hydroschool team for many years. Specializing in Stage 2 through Stage 5 development, she has maintained a stellar attendance record, providing the vital teacher-pupil consistency that allows our swimmers to thrive.
Helen is renowned for her upbeat energy and "smiling delivery," creating a positive environment where students feel encouraged and confident. Her reliability and passion for teaching make her the perfect choice for the Eastbourne Teacher of the Term.
Booking & Rebooking
As we approach the end of the current term on Sunday, 24th May 2026, it is time to look forward to our next session. Our upcoming term will run for seven weeks, taking us right up to the summer break.
Summer Term Schedule
Term Dates: 1st June – 19th July 2026 (7 weeks) *
Full Academic Calendar: View all future term dates
Please Note: Pricing for the upcoming term has been adjusted to reflect the 7-week duration and includes credits for any scheduled sessions missed during the current term.
Rebooking for next term
Rebooking is now officially open for all existing swimmers. To secure your preferred time slot, please complete your booking via our online portal:
Click Here to Rebook Your Lessons
Changes to Schedule: If you need to request a change to your current day or time, please contact us as soon as possible so we can check availability.
Deadline: Rebooking closes at 12:00 noon on Friday, 29th May.
After this deadline, any remaining spaces will be released to our waiting list and offered to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment!
Understanding the Swim England Stages
Ever wonder what your child's instructor is looking for during their lessons? You can learn all about it by checking out the Swim England Stages! This is a great way to understand the skills and goals for each level of swimming.
Stage 5
- Perform a flat stationary scull on the back.
- Perform a feet first sculling action for 5 metres in a flat position on the back.
- Perform a sculling sequence with a partner for 30-45 seconds to include a rotation.
- Tread water for 30 seconds.
- Perform three different shaped jumps into deep water.
- Push and glide and swim 10 metres backstroke (performed to Swim England expected standards).
- Push and glide and swim 10 metres front crawl (performed to Swim England expected standards).
- Push and glide and swim 10 metres breaststroke (performed to Swim England expected standards).
- Push and glide and swim 10 metres butterfly (performed to Swim England expected standards).
- Perform a handstand and hold for a minimum of three seconds.
- Perform a forward somersault.
- Demonstrate an action for getting help.
Find out more here: www.swimming.org/learn
Next term we will cover Stage 6
Meet the Team
Meet Stefan
Lead Teacher & Lesson Manager
Hi everyone!
My name is Stefan. For those I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting poolside yet, I’d like to introduce myself and share a bit about my background and my passion for the sport of swimming.
My Role at Hydroschool
I have been a part of the Hydroschool team for over five years, serving as both a Senior Instructor and relief Lesson Manager. While I teach across all levels—from Stage 1 through Stage 8 my primary focus is on our Stage 5+ groups. If your swimmer is moving into our lane classes, you will likely see me coaching them through those more advanced technical transitions.
Beyond the Hydroschool Lanes
In addition to my work here, I stay very active in the wider swimming community:
- Competitive Coaching: I coach at the Eastbourne Swimming Club, working with athletes competing at County, Regional, and National levels.
- School Partnerships: During the day, I work with hydroschool to deliver National Curriculum swimming lessons to local schools across Eastbourne and Bexhill through our various partnership arrangements.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time with Hydroschool has been witnessing the journey of our students. Seeing a swimmer progress from their very first splashes in Stage 1 to becoming a confident lane swimmer and even transitioning into competitive club swimming is incredibly fulfilling.
It is a privilege to be part of such a productive and rewarding programme that fosters both talent and confidence.
"Enjoy your time in the water, and always remember: swimming is more than just a sport it is a vital life skill that ensures your safety for years to come."
See you at the pool!
Stefan