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West Grinstead Swim Academy’s National Success!
1st December 2025
West Grinstead Swimming Academy (located just South of Horsham, Sussex) has been awarded the prestigious Swim School of the Year Award 2025 by Swim England, the country's national governing body for swimming. This is the highest accolade a swim school can receive.
This marks the third year they have been finalists since opening in 2023, winning bronze last year and Silver in 2023. This in itself is an outstanding achievement as it makes them the only swim school to make the finals three consecutive years.
From the thousands of swim schools across the country that follow the Swim England pathway WGSA were chosen as winners for their innovative approach to lessons and their high quality teaching.
“Swimming skills at West Grinstead Swimming Academy have improved dramatically for certain young learners, with transformations from nervous beginners to confident, capable swimmers. This progress reflects the dedication, expertise and encouragement of the teachers, whose support fosters both confidence and a love for swimming. Their patience and guidance turn fear into enjoyment, making every lesson a positive experience. Today, children swim with ease and assurance, showcasing the teachers’ exceptional ability to nurture skill and self-belief in every swimmer.”
Nick Isaacson and Vikki Heal, who run the academy, traveled to the award ceremony in Birmingham on the 29th November along with one of their amazing teachers, Carley Thomas to receive their award. The awards were a fantastic celebration of the best in Aquatics across the country and they celebrated alongside Olympians and hall of fame inductees.
“After winning Bronze and Silver in previous years we are over the moon to finally get Gold” Nick Isaacson said “We work so hard to make our swim school the very best, not just locally, but on a national stage so to get this recognised by top industry experts means everything to us.”
Vikki Heal Said “We are thrilled and honoured to be recognized as the best swim school in England by our industry. This highlights our commitment to water safety, quality instruction, and community involvement. Over the past 3 years we have taught more than 1,000 babies, children & adults to swim confidently and safely. Our instructors are passionate about helping families feel comfortable around water - something that is so important to so many in our community. We all absolutely love what we do and that shows in the lessons our team delivers to our members.”
As well as their high quality teaching WGSA are also known for their modern, immaculately clean facilities. The pool was opened 2020 by Husband and Wife Vikki and Victor Heal and has been designed to be an optimal environment for children to learn to swim.
The 10 metre pool has a constant depth of 1.2 metres with a fully automated dosing system controlling chlorine and PH levels, ensuring a complete water turnover every 60 minutes. The pool is heated to a toasty 32 degrees perfect for training and for keeping little ones warm during their lessons.
WGSA now has over 600 swimmers throughout the week, from newborns, advanced swimmers, and even adult classes with experienced teachers who love what they do. Lessons are comprehensive and tailored to individuals needs and abilities.
Baby and Pre-school lessons are held throughout the week and at weekends, These are carried out with a child-led approach and follow the Swim England Ducklings Programme. After school lessons are also held throughout the week and at weekends and follow the Swim England Learn to swim programme 1-7. In addition to this WGSA also offer their own badges and awards to recognise progression.
WGSA also carries out lots of charity work including partnering with Level Water to offer children with physical disabilities discounted lessons. Vikki & Nick are very passionate about the fundraising they are doing for a charity called Watoto to renovate two pools out in Uganda which support orphaned children who have come from unimaginable circumstances.
Group lessons are £15 per lesson and Baby and Preschool Lessons are £16 per lesson during the week & £17 at the weekend. WGSA offers free trials to all new swimmers which are available to book online.