London primary school swimming rates lag behind England average
Only 63% of Year 6 pupils in London state primary schools were able to swim 25 metres confidently in 2024-25, putting the capital at the bottom of the English regional table, according to swimming rates figures obtained by the BBC through a Freedom of Information request.
The figures raise concerns about whether enough children are leaving primary school with the swimming and water-safety skills expected under the national curriculum.
Across England, 72% of Year 6 pupils were recorded as being able to swim the required 25 metres. The South West had the strongest result, at 77%, followed by the North West at 75%.
London also recorded the lowest regional performance for pupils able to use a range of swimming strokes and carry out safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.
The gap was particularly pronounced in parts of east London. Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Redbridge recorded the lowest proportions in the capital for pupils able to swim 25 metres confidently, at 48%, 48%, and 43% respectively.
The figures also point to a wider inequality in swimming ability. At schools with the highest proportions of pupils receiving free school meals, an average of 55% of Year 6 children could swim 25 metres. That compared with 87% at schools with the lowest proportions of pupils receiving free school meals.
State schools are required to provide swimming instruction during Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2. The curriculum expects pupils to become confident over at least 25 metres, use different strokes effectively and learn how to carry out a safe self-rescue.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London described the figures as concerning, particularly in light of recent drownings in London’s waterways. The spokesperson said swimming education also needs to include practical water-safety knowledge.
Mayor Sadiq Khan is funding free swim-safety sessions for young Londoners this summer through the Clean Rivers and Healthy Waterways Plan.
The Department for Education said swimming proficiency among primary pupils needs to improve. It is also establishing a new PE Partnerships Network intended to provide targeted support to pupils and areas where swimming outcomes are weakest.
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