Children attending English primary schools with a higher proportion of pupils on free school meals are less likely to meet national curriculum swimming targets, according to BBC research. In the 2024-25 academic year, 72% of Year 6 children nationally could swim 25m, but this figure fell to 55% in schools with more disadvantaged pupils.
The research, based on a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Education (DfE), also found that only half of children from schools with the highest free meal eligibility could perform a safe self-rescue, compared to 70% nationally.
Ashley Jones, head of water safety and education at the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), emphasised the importance of equipping children with basic swimming and self-rescue skills. A DfE spokesperson acknowledged the disparity, stating it "needs to change".
The DfE spokesperson added that a new PE Partnership Network will aim to address this gap by providing targeted support to areas and pupils most in need. Swim England is collaborating with the government to support the delivery of school swimming lessons.