The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Edinburgh
Swim School Instructors
Job Reference schooltalent/TP/105/2094
Package Description
Exciting Splash Ahead in Edinburgh!
The Galleon Swim School has just announced they are expanding their operating days in Edinburgh, so if you are looking to dive into something new, there’s currently a fantastic opportunity to join us.
If you're interested in joining the Swim School as a qualified swim teacher or want to take your first steps to becoming one, this could be your moment to make waves in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. Further information about the opportunities available are provided below.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Candidates should have proven experience delivering swimming lessons to a standard equivalent to:
- SSTQ (Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification)
- UKCC Level 2 (UK Coaching Certificate Level 2)
- Or other equivalent recognised qualification
While a valid SSTQ is desirable, we are very happy to consider applications from candidates who are willing to undertake training, as the Swim School will fully fund an onsite SSTQ course for successful applicants who meet the other criteria for the role:
- Passion for swimming and teaching techniques to a high standard
- Be able to demonstrate all four strokes
- In the water teaching experience without the use of floatation devices (desirable)
- High professional standards of conduct
- Good understanding of the health and safety requirements of a swimming environment
- Excellent and professional interpersonal and written/oral communication skills; communicates in a confident, clear, and concise manner always
- Excellent organisational and planning skills, combined with the ability to remain calm under pressure and deal flexibly with changing priorities
- Personal qualities include tact, diplomacy, and a friendly, helpful and professional manner
Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time, part time, maximum of 22 hours per week
Salary: £27,090 - £30,231 (Based on 36.25 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. In addition, a market pay supplement will apply which will bring the total hourly rate to £18.47 (to be confirmed depending upon experience and qualifications).
Benefits: Seven weeks annual leave (two weeks taken over Christmas and New Year), Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
The Role
We are looking to recruit enthusiastic, energetic and experienced Swimming Instructors to deliver lessons for our new swimming school programme at George Watson’s College. Instructors will be responsible for planning and delivering lessons over a 6-day period of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons, plus Saturday and Sunday mornings, delivering the Scottish Swimming learn to swim framework. There is also the opportunity to teach Adult 1-1 lessons in the evenings and work additional hours delivering swim camps during the school holidays; this will be paid at a higher rate to include holiday pay.
- Core hours will be 3.15pm - 6.30pm = 3.25 hrs per day during weekdays
- Core hours will be 8.45am – 1pm = 4.25 hrs per day on weekend days
Hours of work could be up to 22 hours per week, term time only (36 weeks working, plus professional learning days, plus seven weeks annual leave entitlement making a term-time total of 44 weeks per year).
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please click the Apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Ian McDonald, Centre for Sport Manager.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday, 21 September 2025
Interviews (including a swim test) will be scheduled for week commencing Monday, 29 September 2025.
Main Responsibilities
- To provide enjoyable, motivating and engaging swimming lessons for the new Galleon Swim School programme, following the Scottish Swimming learn to swim framework
- To be responsible for delivering the Swim Programme. You will deliver lessons and work with the Swim Coordinator to ensure you are happy with the Framework you are delivering and take part in future CPD sessions and development plans
- Demonstrate and deliver an attitude of positive customer relations and ensure that a high level of customer service is maintained at all times
- Demonstrate a good understanding of what it means to provide excellent customer service to a diverse range of learners and swimmers
- Ability to learn and follow all Swim School and pool safety standards and procedures
For full details of the main responsibilities, please refer to the job description.
About the school/organisation
George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.
We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.
Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.
Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.
We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.
Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.
Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.
When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.
Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.
All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk
