Forest is only primary with a pool open year-round

Forest School is the only primary school with a pool used throughout the year, with other primary school pools, often outdoors or in greenhouse type structures, only open for the window of Easter to summer.

But the Education Committee has said nearly nine out of 10 pupils reach benchmark swimming standards by the time they move on to secondary school.

Guidelines require that by the end of Key Stage 2, children must be able to swim 25 metres confidently, tread water for one minute, recognise dangers and enter and exit water safely.

A spokeswoman for Education said that survey data from 2024 showed that 85.5% of pupils met the benchmark of being able to swim 25m by the end of Year 6.

‘This placing us ahead of the UK average,’ she said. ‘Nevertheless, we recognise there is always more to do, and several schools are currently running additional swimming lessons for children who need extra support to achieve these standards.

‘As an island community, we also recognise the importance of sea water confidence and have integrated bespoke sessions into Year 4 offer within the cultural enrichment programme. This includes practical experience of swimming and water safety at the beach, covering skills such as hazard recognition, safe swimming practices, emergency procedures and responsible behaviour in coastal environments.’

Statistics from Swim England showed that the number of Year 6 pupils on the mainland able to swim 25m had fallen to one in seven.

Fifteen States schools currently have swimming pools, a mix of indoor and outdoor facilities.

In addition, Baubigny Schools, made up of St Sampson’s High School and Le Murier School, and Le Rondin School each have hydrotherapy pools, with Le Rondin’s facility dedicated exclusively to hydrotherapy.

Of these facilities, Forest, Les Voies, Le Rondin, Les Beaucamps High School and Baubigny Schools pools are open year-round.

The spokeswoman for education added that while Forest School was the only primary school with a pool open year-round, its facility was extensively used by both pupils and the wider community.

‘Hautes Capelles’ pool, although usually seasonal, has temporarily extended its operating period to accommodate a significant short-term community booking,’ she added. ‘We prioritise community use at a small number of sites – primarily Les Beaucamps, Baubigny, Forest and Le Rondin – as these are best equipped for external users. Other pools may also be available depending on factors such as suitability, access and safeguarding arrangements.’