Term-Time swimming school in a hired pool

Parents of children from babies to teens, plus adults who are learning to swim or building confidence.

Term fees or monthly direct debits per swimmer, minus pool hire and teacher costs. Fuller classes at the same pool hire cost mean better margins.

• Teaching and explaining clearly
• Confident, safe in the water
• Organising timetables and bookings
• Patience with nervous beginners

• Teaching and lifeguard qualifications: check what the pool operator and your insurer require
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you take on staff
• Safeguarding: check DBS requirements, policies and teacher-to-swimmer ratios
• Pool hire is a fixed cost, so empty classes eat into your income
• Pool time is often limited at peak after-school hours, so slots may be hard to get
• Check your hire agreement carefully, as operators can change slots or prices

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on pool hire deposits, equipment, insurance, qualifications and marketing. These are estimates, so get quotes from local pools before you plan your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £5,000, depending on how many classes you run, how full they are and your term fees. Pool hire is a fixed cost, so empty classes eat into income. The estimates start from about eight hours a week.

Check which teaching and lifeguard qualifications the pool operator and your insurer require. Look at public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you take on staff, and safeguarding including DBS requirements and teacher-to-swimmer ratios. Read your hire agreement carefully, as slots and prices can change.