Swim & Compete
Our Squads
Structured Pathways for Every Swimmer
At Bristol North Swimming Club, we offer a clear and supportive pathway for swimmers to grow and thrive throughout their journey. With seven progressive squads, plus our Diamond Youth (ages 16–18) and Diamond Masters (18+), we ensure that every swimmer—regardless of age or experience—has a place to develop, compete, and enjoy the sport.
Our annual training programme, designed by our Head Coach and wider coaching team, focuses on technical development, fitness, endurance, and competition readiness across all strokes. As swimmers move through the squads, training intensity, frequency, and duration increase to match their evolving goals and capabilities.
Most swimmers join us from Swim Development or externally, entering our Steel squad between the ages of 7 and 10. From there, they progress through to our top group—Platinum. Progress is tracked through individual reports aligned to squad goals, and when those goals are met, swimmers are ready to move up.
As a competitive club, we encourage all squad swimmers to take part in competitions. We understand this can feel daunting, especially for younger members, so we host a range of friendly events throughout the year to ease the transition and build confidence.
Training takes place across several pools in North Bristol, from Sunday to Friday depending on squad. To learn more about our current timetable and pricing, please get in touch—we’d love to welcome you to the club.
Swimmers join our swim development classes from the term they turn 4. They will progress though two stages – Learn to Swim Beginner and Learn to Swim Improver. In Learn to swim we focus on water confidence as well as basic skills of swimming on your front and your back.
They are taught by our team of level 2 qualified teachers as well supported by our pool helpers in the water.
In swim development, swimmers will work towards stages 1 and 2 of the Swim England Pathway as well as achieve their 5m and10m Distance Awards.
We hold our lessons at Winterbourne Academy on Sunday afternoons. See below for our full timetable and get in touch for our prices.
If you wish to join our swim school, please email learn@bristolnorthsc.org.uk with your name, your swimmers name and date of birth.
Our Time Table
Tailored Training Across North Bristol
At Bristol North, we’re proud to operate across three training sites in the North of Bristol—giving us the flexibility to deliver high-quality, age-appropriate coaching to every swimmer in the club.
Each squad follows a carefully structured timetable designed to support their development. From our entry-level Steel squad, with two pool sessions per week, to our elite Platinum squad, which trains up to ten times weekly across pool, land, and classroom-based sessions, every swimmer receives the right balance of challenge and support.
This progressive structure ensures that swimmers build technique, endurance, and confidence at every stage of their journey—while also learning about nutrition, mindset, and injury prevention through our wider athlete support programme.
Our Locations
We use a number of locations within North Bristol to ensure that all our swimmers gain the best our of their training time.
Please click on each of our locations to get directions.
Our Coaching Team
Exceptional Coaching, Rooted in Community
Bristol North is proud to be the only club in Bristol with four Swim England Level 3 coaches on our team. This elite group brings a wealth of experience, technical knowledge, and passion to every squad—ensuring our swimmers receive the highest standard of coaching at every stage of their journey.
Our Level 3 coaches lead a dedicated team of volunteer teachers and coaches drawn from our Masters squad, parents, and the wider swimming community. Many of these volunteers have earned their Level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications through the club, and we continue to invest in their development—offering training opportunities both within and beyond Bristol North.
This blend of professional leadership and grassroots commitment creates a coaching environment that’s both expert-led and deeply personal—helping our swimmers grow in confidence, skill, and performance.
To get in touch with a coach, please email Headcoach@bristolnorthsc.org.uk or complete the form on the Join Us page.
Malcolm is one of the county’s most experienced and respected swimming coaches, and we’re proud to have him as a longstanding member of the Bristol North coaching team. Over the years, he has guided swimmers to the podium at National level on 22 occasions—a testament to his technical expertise, dedication, and ability to inspire peak performance.
From early on, Malcolm recognised that great coaching thrives in a well-run, well-organised club. His commitment to structure and standards has helped shape Bristol North into the supportive, high-performing environment it is today—where coaches can focus on what matters most: helping swimmers succeed.
We’re proud to be led by a highly qualified and deeply experienced Head Coach whose passion for swimming and athlete development shines through every session.
Her coaching journey began at Filton Sports Centre and Splash Happy Swim School, where she built strong foundations in teaching and technique. She went on to serve as Lead Coach at Severnside Tritons Swimming Club for many years, before progressing to Deputy Head Coach at Southwold Swimming Club.
Now, we’re fortunate to have her at the helm of Bristol North—bringing her wealth of experience, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to every swimmer and squad. Under her leadership, our coaching team continues to grow, innovate, and inspire.
Steph is one of our Swim England Level 2 coaches and has been a valued member of Bristol North for over a decade. Her coaching journey began as a volunteer assistant, and through commitment and continuous development, she has become a key figure within our senior squads.
As one of our lead coaches at the higher end of the club, Steph also delivers land training sessions—helping swimmers build strength, resilience, and performance both in and out of the pool.
Beyond coaching, Steph is a passionate Masters swimmer who competes regularly throughout the year. Her love for the sport is matched by her adventurous spirit, having completed a Channel relay swim, conquered the full length of Lake Windermere, and finished an Ironman.
Steph brings energy, experience, and inspiration to every session—embodying the values of Bristol North and showing our swimmers what’s possible with dedication and heart.
Chloe has been a valued member of Bristol North for over 15 years, bringing warmth, experience, and consistency to every corner of the club. Her coaching journey began as a volunteer poolside helper, and through hard work and commitment, she earned her Level 1 coaching qualification and Level 2 teaching certification.
Today, Chloe coaches across multiple squads, including our Swim Development and Learn to Swim programmes—helping swimmers of all ages build confidence, technique, and a love for the sport. Her calm presence and deep understanding of swimmer progression make her a trusted figure for both new and experienced members.
Outside of coaching, Chloe is a dedicated Masters swimmer who competes regularly throughout the year. Her continued involvement as both coach and athlete reflects her passion for swimming and her belief in lifelong participation.
Reuben is a Level One Coach and Assistant Coach at Bristol North. He was involved in competitive swimming for over ten years, starting his journey in Bristol before moving on to swim for Plymouth Leander, where he competed internationally with the Swim England team.
His swimming career then took him to Loughborough University, where he trained alongside some of the fastest swimmers in the country, including world-class athletes such as Adam Peaty, Daniel Wiffen, and other international competitors.
Reuben is now excited to share his knowledge and experience to support both the junior and masters squads at Bristol North, helping swimmers develop their skills and bring a competitive edge to the pool.
Michelle began her involvement with Bristol North Swimming Club as a parent volunteer on poolside, supporting her daughter who swims with the club. In September 2024, she gained her Level 1 Coaching qualification and now supports the coaching team, predominantly on Wednesdays.
With a strong swimming background, Michelle competed regularly at county level during her teens before taking a long break from the sport. She returned to swimming in 2020 and has since completed several triathlons and a marathon in 2021 — a reflection of her passion for keeping active.
Michelle enjoys coaching as it allows her to support swimmers in their journey and help them reach their full potential.
