Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the National Parent Survey published in 2026 by Parentkind, what steps her Department is taking to support state schools in delivering swimming lessons.

The PE curriculum makes specific reference to swimming and water safety, stating that all primary pupils must learn to swim competently and confidently over a distance of at least 25 metres.

The department’s reforms to the PE curriculum will ensure there is a clear emphasis on swimming and water safety. In addition, from September the government has made changes to statutory requirements for relationships, sex and health education in both primary and secondary schools to ensure all pupils are taught about the water safety code, supporting them to be safe in different types of water.

The new PE and School Sport Partnerships Partnerships Network will improve pupil swimming attainment and improve water safety knowledge for all pupils. It will support schools to identify and overcome barriers, including building links with local providers, supporting access to swimming provision and ensuring support reaches communities with the greatest need.