When a temporary pool arrived on the playground at Ravensthorpe Primary Academy, it didn’t just give pupils a place to learn to swim, it sparked regional attention, BBC coverage, and a wave of positive recognition for the transformative work Fiesta Sports Coaching is delivering through the Swim:ED programme.
This year has marked a major milestone for Fiesta, as the team’s commitment to water safety and children’s wellbeing has been highlighted not only locally but across the UK. With the Swim:ED Peterborough project now firmly in the spotlight, it’s clear just how powerful an on-site pool can be for pupils, families, and entire school communities.
Bringing Life-Changing Swimming Opportunities to Peterborough
For many children in Peterborough, traditional swimming lessons require long travel times, high costs, and limited access, barriers that often result in pupils leaving primary school unable to swim. Especially with the closure of Peterborough’s Regional Swimming Pool back in March 2024. Fiesta’s delivery of a pool-in-the-playground model changes that completely.
By bringing the water directly to the school, children receive high-quality lessons during the school day, delivered by qualified Swim:ED teachers and lifeguards. Each pupil gets more time in the water, more focused instruction, and a safer, more familiar learning environment.
This practical, accessible approach is one reason Fiesta’s work has become a focal point in the region’s conversation around water safety.
Local Impact in the Spotlight As Seen on BBC Look East
This year, BBC Look East visited the pop-up pool at Ravensthorpe Primary Academy to see the programme in action. Their coverage captured:
– pupils gaining confidence with every session
– teachers witnessing improvements in behaviour, resilience, and wellbeing
the powerful emotional impact on families who never expected their child to have swimming lessons at school
Head Teacher Emma Ward praised the programme for giving children access to lessons that many would have otherwise missed entirely. It was a moment of national recognition that reinforced Fiesta’s commitment to delivering meaningful change.
For more future coverage, readers can explore additional information in our news section, including our recent article on how Swim:ED is elevating school water-safety education .
Leading the Mission: Vicky & Georgia
Vicky Gallagher, Director, Founder & Swim:ED Lead
Vicky’s energy, expertise, and absolute passion for water safety are the backbone of the project. As a qualified swim teacher and holds a National Pool Plant Operator certificate, she combines technical knowledge with a genuine belief that every child deserves the chance to learn life-saving skills.
Her dedication has ensured that the programme is not just operationally strong, but deeply impactful.
Georgia, Operational Manager
Behind every successful delivery is the system that supports it. Georgia ensures that the operations, logistics, planning, and coordination run seamlessly. Her leadership has been essential to bringing the Peterborough project to life and ensuring Fiesta’s wider mission continues to grow sustainably.
Together, they form a powerhouse team that has helped Swim:ED reach new heights of visibility and success.
Part of a Growing National Movement
The latest Making Waves, Changing Futures: 2025 Impact Report highlights why Swim:ED is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most important water-safety interventions.
Across 15,382 pupils in 2024/25:
- 157% increase in pupils swimming 25 metres
- 119% improvement in multiple strokes
- 337% progress in safe self-rescue
- 503% boost in water-safety understanding
These life-changing outcomes were recently featured in Business Matters coverage of Fiesta’s work, marking a major moment of recognition for the team and reaffirming the importance of accessible swimming provision.
A Partnership Making Real Change Possible
Fiesta Sports Coaching extends special thanks to Aspire Active Education Group, whose national leadership of Swim:ED has empowered local providers to deliver high-quality water-safety programmes in communities that need them most.
Through shared vision, innovation, and unwavering commitment, the partnership continues to open doors for thousands of children every year.
Shaping Safer Futures, One Pop-Up Pool at a Time
From BBC coverage to regional press, the success of the Peterborough pop-up pool is a testament to what’s possible when schools, communities, and passionate educators come together.
Fiesta Sports Coaching remains committed to expanding swimming access, challenging inequalities, and giving every child the confidence to feel safe in water, no matter their background or starting point.
