Tees Active is celebrating national success after coming out on top against tough competition to win the School Swimming Award at the Swim England National Awards, held on 28th November 2025 at the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham. The Swim England Awards are one of the most respected events in the aquatics calendar, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation, and dedication across the sector. Being honoured by Swim England – the national governing body for swimming in England – represents a significant achievement and highlights the exceptional quality of Tees Active’s school swimming programme.
The awards ceremony was attended by leading industry professionals, national partners, coaches, volunteers, and aquatic organisations from across the country. Winning this award recognises Tees Active as the leading provider of school swimming nationwide.
Leon Jones, Managing Director of Tees Active, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication of our aquatics team. Delivering a successful school swimming programme takes commitment from many people, both in and out of the pool, and this achievement is the result of that team effort. It is great to know that the schools we work with every day are receiving the very best service. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to inspire confidence and enjoyment in the water for every child we teach.”
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “This is a tremendous achievement for Tees Active and a proud moment for our Borough. School swimming plays a vital role in keeping young people safe, active, and confident in the water, and national recognition from Swim England highlights the exceptional standards being delivered locally. We are delighted to see Tees Active’s dedication celebrated on a national stage.”
Helen Eyeington, Aquatics Manager at Tees Active, added: “We see every day the positive impact our programme has on children across the Borough. This award reinforces how important that work is for local young people and their families.”
Bethany Thomas, a teacher from St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Norton, said: “To be working alongside the best school swimming provider in the country is a real privilege. To know our children are receiving the best service to support their swimming development is invaluable and we’re looking forward to strengthening our partnership with Tees Active in the years ahead.”
The Swim England National Awards celebrate the very best of aquatics in England, recognising clubs, programmes, volunteers, and organisations that make outstanding contributions to swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo. The School Swimming Award is presented to the organisation that demonstrates excellence in delivering high quality, inclusive, and effective swimming lessons for schools, helping young people develop essential water safety and swimming skills.
Tees Active’s achievement reflects its ongoing commitment to providing high quality, safe, and engaging aquatic opportunities for children across the Borough, and reinforces its standing as a leader in public leisure provision nationally.
Find out more about how Tees Active are working with partners to drive positive change in the community.
