Steps to Ownership

Buying a franchise is a major decision, but the exploratory process to find the best franchise opportunity for you doesn’t have to be painful, and you don’t have to do it alone. Our mutual evaluation process is organized into six steps and is incredibly high-touch, ensuring you receive all of the information you need to make an informed decision. Most of our steps can be executed online or via phone, giving you the most flexibility to accommodate your schedule and timeline. Here’s what you can expect:

Get in Touch
Complete your initial interest form

Overview Call – Have an initial call with our franchise development team to learn more about the British Swim School franchise opportunity. This conversation will generally focus on your personal and professional background, as well as the market you’re interested in purchasing.

Explore the Business – During this step you will be exposed to all parts of the business via webinars and by way of other digestible materials. From aquatics to marketing to operations, you will receive a strong foundation for the British Swim School business model.

Review FDD – Sit down with a member of our franchise development team to review the franchise disclosure document (FDD), focusing on any questions you may have.

Meet the Team – Attend Meet the Team Day at our office in Virginia Beach, VA! This special day is an invitation to tour the space and meet with key members of the British Swim School support team, helping you to better craft your view of the business and the franchise opportunity.

Franchise Awarded – You did it! Upon mutual approval, territory selections, and fees submitted, you will become an official member of the British Swim School family.

What is British Swim School?

For over 40 years, British Swim School has dedicated itself to teaching water survival skills to people of all ages, offering swim lessons for babies, children, and adults. We first established the brand in 1981, quickly gaining national recognition for our unique and highly effective teaching methods. Acknowledged as the fastest-growing swim school franchise in North America, we hold nearly 36,000 swimming lessons per week and conducted over 1.8 million swimming lessons in 2023.

Do I need any prior experience?

No prior experience is necessary to become an owner with us. All we require is your commitment to providing professional and effective service, following the standards set by our existing British Swim School franchise owners. We look for individuals who have great people skills and enjoy building and leading teams.

Do I have to build a pool facility?

No! We partner with facilities that have under used pools, such as hotels, fitness centers, and retirement communities. This allows you to avoid the expensive and time-consuming build-out of a pool and the ongoing costs of maintenance. Plus, we have established partnerships with several facilities though North America, giving you access to a network of potential pool partners. This makes it easier to expand your business without the hassle of negotiating a contract each time.

How does the business model work?

You’ll unlock access to a proven business model that reduces your risks. British Swim School has been operating since 1981, and our sustained success is a testament to the reliability of our franchise opportunity. Our curriculum-based program focuses on teaching water acclimation, water survival, and stroke development. As swimmers progress through our program, they follow the class structure they’ve become accustomed to, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition to more advanced classes. Plus, swim lessons aren’t a onetime service, providing you with a scalable business that can generate recurring revenue and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

How much does it cost?

Our affordable start-up costs empower you to open a swim school without the burden of a large loan. The estimated initial investment for purchasing a British Swim School franchise ranges from $122,700 to $176,050 and includes everything you need to get started, ensuring there aren’t unexpected surprises during the opening process. Comparatively, the initial investment required to start a swim school can range from $100,000 to $1,000,000 or more.

What training and support will I receive?

Our in-depth training program and ongoing support provide you with a competitive edge. You’ll have the support and ongoing guidance of the entire British Swim School team, including operations, marketing, and aquatics. And throughout the year, you’ll stay connected with the rest of the franchise family through regular system-wide calls, an intranet for engaging together online, and an annual convention. This way, you can continue to learn and grow with the support of your fellow franchisees.

How do I start the discovery process?

We use a multi-step evaluation process to help you dive deeper into the British Swim School franchise opportunity. Our process is high-touch and flexible, with most steps able to be completed online or over the phone, making it easy to fit into your schedule. To request more information and connect with a friendly franchise professional, simply submit your information using the form at the bottom of the page and we’ll contact you shortly to answer questions and share more information about our company.