Access for non-ASL community
Welcome to the Aquatic & Fitness Center at the American School in London. The information below is specific to non-ASL community members
Please use the tabs below to learn more about what we have on offer.
- Swimming lessons for children
- Swimming lessons FAQs
- Birthday parties
- Facilities access for adults
- Adult Swim Coaching
Swimming lessons for children
Swimming lessons
Our swimming pool is open to non-ASL children, ages 4-16, to join our in-house swimming lesson program.
In 1:1 swimming lessons, students receive personal attention to help them build their water confidence or improve stroke technique. 1:1 lessons are tailored to the student's needs, and involve 30 minutes of dedicated teaching from a qualified instructor. The close attention and focus in these sessions creates the ideal environment to turn enthusiastic young swimmers into skilled competitors. We do not offer group lessons, however, Camden Swiss Cottage SC hire our pool and offer group lessons on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Check out their webpage for more information on group swimming lessons.
The booking portal was opened for new swimmers on Wednesday, 28 August at 3.30 pm (GMT) for the Fall season swim program.
Fall season '24
Saturdays: 1:45-3:45 pm, 14 September-16 November, 9 lessons, £364.50
No lessons: 12 October
Sundays: 1:45-3:45 pm, 15 September-17 November, 9 lessons, £364.50
No lessons: 13 October
The following teachers will be working on each of the days:
Saturdays: Sam, Isobel, Annah, Vincenta and Anne
Sundays: Elif, Sam, Estelle, Derya and Sebastian
We are in the process of recruiting more swimming teachers for weekday and weekend classes. We will release more spaces when recruitment is complete. If you are unable to secure your choice of lesson on booking day, please reach out to a member of the aquatics team, who will notify you about additional booking options when they become available.
Booking guide
To make a booking, you will need to create an account using the orange button below. If you already have an account (if you have registered for our system before, e.g. for summer camp), please use the blue button. We advice you to be on the booking portal at least 5 minutes prior to the opening time to make sure you have no logging in issues.
Once logged on, select the child you wish to book, and then select the slot. Once you're happy with your selection, please follow the booking system through to payment. Full payment is require to secure the slot. All spaces are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Prior to booking, please make sure you read through the information on this tab and also the FAQs.
Any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Sign up now * Existing families include those with children who have registered for the ASL booking system previously (e.g. for the Summer Program) |
** New families refers to non-ASL families who are new to our booking system |
Swimming lessons FAQs
Why are the term dates different to English schools?
Our school runs on a different calendar to English schools, and our term dates are based on our school dates. Our swim seasons are based on our school sports season. We run three seasons per year:
Fall: September to mid November
Winter: Mid-November to mid-March
Spring: Mid-March to June
What do I need to bring to lessons?
We provide all equipment needed for the lesson. Please provide your child with swimwear, a towel and a swim hat/goggles if they wish to wear them.
Does an adult need to stay on site during the lesson?
Yes, we require there to be an adult on site with all children whilst they attend lessons.
Where can parents/guardians watch the lessons?
We have a spectators balcony located on the pool deck next to the changing rooms. If a child is nervous, an adult can sit on the steps on poolside to stay close, but we do advise you to move to the balcony once they have settled as this helps the child focus and build a relationship with the teacher.
Will my child work towards a learn to swim award scheme?
We do not run our lessons towards a learn to swim scheme, but rather tailor the lessons to the individual child. If their is something specific that you wish for your child to work toward, please speak to their teacher who will be able to work with you on this.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
A full refund is available up to the day before your first class taking place. After this, a 50% refund will be applicable up to two weeks into the term. If applicable, refunds will be issued within 21 working days of notification.
What happens if my child cannot attend a lesson?
We offer one makeup lesson per season. This can be booked to take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings with our weekend supervisor, term time. We are unable to make up more than one missed lesson per season.
How do we re-enroll each term?
We open bookings each fall season on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you are signed up to the lessons you will be automatically re-enrolled into the same slot for the next season. If you wish to continue, you will need to make payment by the deadline, which will be in the email sent out four weeks before the season ends.
How do I book?
Please take a look at the 'Swimming lessons for children' tab for details on the booking process.
Do you run lessons in the school holidays?
We run 8/9 weeks of swimming crash courses from mid-June to the end of August. Bookings open for these around March/April each year. Check out our summer program page for more information.
Does my child need to wear a swim hat/goggles during the lesson?
This is down to personal preference, although we do advise that your child has them.
Are there any other times my child can swim?
At this moment in time we are only able to offer access to the lessons on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
My child has a medical condition/disability, can they swim with you?
Please get in touch to discuss your child's needs.
My child isn't 4 years old yet, when can they start?
Your child needs to turn 4 within the first four weeks of the season in order to sign up for the lessons. Please make sure they are ready to start the lessons and are fully toilet trained.
What is the water temperature?
The swimming pool is maintained at 28.5 degrees.
Birthday parties
Birthday Parties by Rising Stars
Give your child an exciting birthday party! Rising Stars offers a full service party, which means that parents and guests can sit back and enjoy event. With a variety of different themes, the company can tailor parties to the interest of any child.
Themes
- Multi sports
- Football
- Basketball
- Pool (additional fee may apply)
- Nerf gun
- Musical games
- Gaming (7 years +)
- Secret cinema
- Bespoke
Age 4-12 years
Party packages include
- Venue hire
- Team of staff members
- Medals for all the children
- Birthday present for the birthday child
Additional services
- Catering
- Birthday cake
- Going home presents
- Balloon service
- Each service is customized and will be charged appropriately once details are agreed
Costs
- Sports/musical party: from £485
- Nerf gun party: from £500
- Swimming pool party: £525
- Gaming party: £500 3 screens for up to 18 children, £570 4 screens for up to 25 children
Contact
To enquire about booking a birthday party, please contact Rising Stars, info@risingstarsactivities.com or 020 8150 6655.
Facilities access for adults
Adult Swim Coaching
Our adult swim coaching sessions are available to book for any adult that has a child currently swimming in our non-ASL one to one swim program. We are unable to offer these sessions if you do not currently have a child swimming with us.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your stroke technique for a competition, our tailored coaching sessions will help you reach your goal.
Costs
Adult Swim Coaching |
|
---|---|
1 session | £65 |
5 sessions* | £265 |
10 sessions* | £490 |
*All bulk-buy sessions must be used within 90 days.
Group sessions
Two people may choose to share a session and split the cost. Groups of two can either swim together for one hour, or swim for 30 minutes each in a one hour time slot.
Availability
We are able to offer these sessions during the following times in the pool.
Mondays 6:45-8:45 pm
Wednesdays 6:15-8:30 pm
Thursday 6:15-8:30 pm
Friday 6:15-8:30 pm
You will need to liaise with your chosen coach to arrange a time that works for you both.
Coaches
We have qualified swim coaches working for ASL Fitness. Please read through the below profiles and let us know your preferred coach when getting in contact. We ask that you take into consideration your availability aligning with theirs.
Samantha
South Africa-born Samantha has been teaching swimming for nearly 30 years and is passionate about aquatics. She has competed at the nation level in swimming, artistic swimming, beach life-saving and open-water competition. With extensive experience in teaching younger swimmers, Samantha has been taught by some of the best swim coaches. She loves to train triathletes, and is also a qualified yoga and pilates instructor. Samantha is happy to coach all levels of ability and confidence, from water-phobic beginners to elite swimmers.
Availability: Monday and Wednesday evenings
Vicenta
Vicenta is a motivated professional with a strong work ethic, who is committed to providing the highest level of customer service. She has seven years of experience teaching both children and adults, with a focus on working with elderly swimmers, beginners to the sport, and those who are differently abled.
Availability: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday evenings from 6:45 pm
Christina
Christina first learnt to swim aged 6 and was a member of Swiss Cottage Swimming Club, she trained up to club level and competitive swimming until her teenage years. CShe is fully qualified with STA Teacher Training Certificate and STA Level 2 Award in teaching Swimming. Her teaching method is very much focused on attention to detail, clear demonstration, instruction and lastly ‘Progressive’ teaching. Her passion for swimming is seen in her teaching - encouraging, passionate and committed to her students progress.
Availability: Thursday & Friday evenings 6:15-8:30 pm
How to sign up
Register your interest here, and we will contact you to arrange convenient times and dates to train. Your full balance is payable upfront on your first session.