Bradford launches swimming provision review as costs double
A council scrutiny review will examine swimming provision for schools after costs doubled for some due to transport.
Bradford Council's Children's Scrutiny Committee has ordered a full review of swimming provision for schools. The review will examine whether schools meet Key Stage 2 curriculum requirements, including teaching safe self-rescue. It will also assess the suitability and cost of facilities, the wider community impact, and provision for children with additional needs and those in care. Councillors are preparing to examine provision across the entire district.
Bingley Pool campaign gains momentum
Campaigner Jeremy Thackray is pushing to reopen Bingley Pool, arguing its town-centre site is ideal for public transport. He points to a real shortage of pool space. Thackray urges the council to divert some of the £20 million in government funding initially meant for the scrapped Squire Lane facility. This money could revive Bingley Pool and other swimming infrastructure. Plans to reopen Bingley Pool were previously scrapped under the council's former Labour leadership. A 2020 council report indicated that even if Bingley and Squire Lane reopened, the district would still face a significant pool deficit.
Financial and logistical barriers
Some schools report their swimming lesson costs have effectively doubled. This is due to the expense of transporting pupils to other pools or bringing in temporary pop-up facilities. Available grants sometimes cannot be used for transport, making it harder to fund lessons elsewhere. The committee heard many schools struggle with these transport costs. Thackray noted that what looks like a saving on the council's balance sheet becomes a big cost for schools.
Swimming ability well below national average
Swimming proficiency in Bradford is far below the national average. All children in England should be able to swim 25 metres by the time they leave primary school. National data shows 72% of Year 6 children in England met this standard in 2024-25. In Bradford, the proportion was just 58%. Two schools in the district reported that none of their Year 6 leavers could swim 25 metres. The review follows parent concerns about low swimming ability among children.
Future of pool provision under scrutiny
The cross-party scrutiny review is now underway. Councillors will hear from council officers, school heads, and pool owners. They must act fast to plug the gap before pools deteriorate further. The review will produce a report with findings and recommendations for authority leaders on swimming provision across the district. Bradford Council has been approached for comment.
