A private swimming school in Kendal, built on experience and respect for the water
Swim School UK is a private swimming school based in Kendal, Cumbria, led by founder and instructor Lee Read. With over 30 years of teaching experience, we support swimmers of all ages and abilities — from non-swimmers taking their first steps in the water to confident swimmers looking for better technique, comfort and control.
Everything we do is rooted in one simple belief: when people feel safe, supported and understood in the water, they progress faster and enjoy swimming for life.
From first lessons in Windermere to teaching thousands
Hi, I’m Lee Read, Founder and Lead Instructor at Swim School UK. Swimming has been a central part of my life for over 30 years. From my first lesson as a student in Windermere, through swimming competitions, to teaching my first lesson as an instructor, I’ve always felt a deep respect for the water and a real passion for helping people learn.
After graduating from university, I started my own swim school. Over the next 25 years, I helped thousands of people build confidence, develop skill and reach goals they never thought were possible — whether that meant learning to float without fear, improving strokes, or simply feeling comfortable in the pool.
“Great swim school and teacher. He has been teaching our children from a very young age.”
When a global challenge became the opportunity to make our business even better
After more than 25 years of teaching, the global pandemic changed the landscape for Swim School UK — but it also created the opportunity to do something that had been years in the making.
The challenge
Swimming lessons, like many services, were disrupted overnight. Routines changed, facilities closed, and uncertainty became the norm.
The ambition
For years, there had been a desire to create a dedicated swimming environment — a space designed specifically for teaching, not adapted from busy public leisure centres.
The outcome
That ambition became reality with the creation of a private, purpose-built swimming pool in Kendal, designed to support calm, focused learning.
Why a purpose-built pool changes the learning experience
The Swim School UK pool was created to provide a calm, controlled environment where swimmers can focus, feel comfortable and build confidence at their own pace.
Designed specifically for teaching, the space removes many of the distractions found in public facilities and allows lessons to be delivered with consistency, structure and care.
The pool itself plays a central role in the learning experience and reflects the values behind Swim School UK — thoughtful design, attention to detail and respect for the water.
A teaching approach built around people, not templates
Every swimmer is different. Our approach reflects that — combining structure with flexibility to support long-term confidence and skill.
Confidence first
Building comfort in the water is the foundation of all progress.
Technique that fits
Stroke development tailored to the individual body, not a one-size-fits-all model.
Progress over pressure
Learning takes time. Lessons are structured to allow swimmers to develop naturally.
Skills for life
The goal isn’t just improvement now, but confidence and ability for years to come.
“Lee is great with our Dominic 7yrs, we would definitely recommend him to anyone! Lee has and is helping him achieve a great standard in his swimming he is positive with the kids and everyone is happy at the pool. Dominic has so much more confidence in his swimming & is more than ready to start at his school what a result!”
Sharing a different way of doing things, recognised nationally
In Summer 2022, Swim School UK was featured on ITV News as part of a national story on the decline of leisure facilities and swimming pools across the UK. The feature included a poolside interview with founder Lee Read and a look inside the unique Kendal facility.
Explore swimming lessons at Swim School UK
Swimming is a personal journey, and everyone arrives with different goals, confidence levels and experience. Whether you’re exploring lessons for your child or for yourself, Swim School UK offers a calm, supportive environment built around experience, care and thoughtful teaching. If you’d like to find out more, view lesson options or simply ask a question, we’d be happy to help.
