A new qualification for swim teachers is making a real splash after being added to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
Designed by the Swim Teachers’ Association (STA), the SCQF level 7 Swimming Teacher Qualification comes with eight credit points, which equates to 80 hours of learning.
The benefits of the qualification being on the SCQF
The qualification was put on the SCQF after completing the rigorous credit rating process by Qualifications Scotland Accreditation. This assures learners that the qualification is an official, properly recognised way into the profession.
At SCQF level 7, it is the same level of learning as Advanced Higher or an HNC, which tells helps you understand the knowledge and practical skill the course asks for.
The new qualification has been delivered to learners from April 2026.
Designed for how people learn now
This qualification was built with today’s learners in mind. Its aim is to help people build the skills, confidence and competence to teach safe, inclusive, effective lessons across the learn-to-swim pathway.
STA designed the course to reflect how people learn in today’s world. It begins with theory and then moves into practical, blended learning, so it fits the way learners process information.
The training is hands-on and face-to-face. Every learner gets assessed while teaching lessons, with real participants in the pool, in a safe and supportive environment. It’s competency-based, meaning it’s built around what the sector genuinely needs.
Learners are judged on their lesson planning and time management , alongside their teaching practice. The programme also uses AI-assisted marking to give an initial grade, but a human always reviews it before anything is final.
STA estimates 3,500 learners will become certified through the programme every year.
Why it matters
Jodie Davis, aquatics qualification development officer at STA, believes the SCQF recognition reflects the strength of the qualification and all the work that has gone into building it.
She explained: “Achieving SCQF Level 7 … provides clear assurance to employers, operators and learners in Scotland that this is a robust and professionally aligned route into the profession of swimming teaching. It also supports greater clarity and consistency across the sector, helping to strengthen workforce development and raise standards across aquatic education.”
What’s next
STA is rolling the qualification out across its network, working with training centres and tutors to make sure delivery stays consistent and of a high-quality.
Useful links
Find out more about the qualification at www.sta.co.uk.