Andy and Julie at the 2025 Kray Races Newbury

About Us

Madden Swim School is an award winning swimming school, recipients of a Newbury Best in Business Award 2024.

Family run by Julie and Andy who are qualified swimming instructors, they are supported by a fantastic team of qualified teachers and poolside helpers. Some of these teachers even learned to swim with Madden Swim School when they were young children. The school has over 30 years' experience teaching children how to swim. Madden Swim School offer excellent Friday and Sunday swimming lessons at The Oratory School, Woodcote near Reading and Monday, Thursday and Saturdays at Downe House School, near Thatcham.

Our Swimming Lessons

At Madden Swim School, we provide high-quality children's swimming lessons across Reading, Thatcham, Newbury, and the surrounding villages and towns. Our lessons cater for all abilities — from beginners and non-swimmers to advanced Academy-level swimmers — helping every child gain confidence, develop strong technique, and enjoy their time in the water.

All classes are kept small and personal, with a maximum of 6 children per teacher, ensuring every swimmer receives the individual attention and support they need to thrive.

Our structured, carefully monitored swimming programme focuses on developing:

  • Strong stroke technique across all four strokes
  • Essential water safety skills for life
  • Confidence and enjoyment in and around the water

With over 30 years of experience, our qualified, friendly instructors are passionate about helping children learn to swim safely and confidently, giving them the skills and confidence to enjoy swimming and other water-based activities throughout their lives.

Join families from Reading, Thatcham, Newbury, and the surrounding communities who trust Madden Swim School for professional, caring, and confidence-building swimming tuition. Contact usOratory courses Downe House School courses

fun kids swimming lessons in Reading Berkshire Learn to Swim with Madden Swim School Reading, Berkshire

Customer Testimonials

testimonial

"Such a fantastic swim school! My girls joined in September and after weekly sessions plus a crash course they are swimming with technique and more importantly, confidence! For the 1st time on holiday, the girls swam independently, jumped in, dived for sinkies and went down a flume! I think particular strengths are small group numbers and excellent teachers who really understand their needs. Thank you so much for building water confidence as well as swimming ability. Also for bringing the fun!"

testimonial

"Absolutely fantastic swim school! All three of my children have learned to swim here, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and really know how to bring out the best in every child — from nervous beginners to confident swimmers. The lessons are always well-organised, fun, and focused on safety and technique. It’s been amazing to watch each of my children grow in confidence and skill. The team genuinely cares about the kids and celebrates their progress every step of the way. I can’t recommend this swim school highly enough — truly the best decision we made for our children’s swimming journey! Thank you Madden swim School!"

testimonial

"Having been a swim instructor for 20+ years, you could say I am very particular about where my children have lessons. Madden swim school ticks all the boxes and more! I can't recommend them enough. My boys absolutely love their swim lessons and thoroughly enjoy them. Definitely a highlight of their week.

testimonial

"We could not be happier with our experience at this Madden swim school ! From day one, all the incredible staff has been friendly, organized, and patient with our little one. The teachers are knowledgeable and know exactly how to make kids feel comfortable in the water while still pushing them to learn important water skills. What impressed me most is the balance between safety and fun. The teachers pay close attention to technique, but they also keep lessons playful and encouraging—perfect for building confidence. Within just a few weeks, we saw remarkable progress. All classes have the perfect ratio with 6 children to 2 instructors, with added support pool side. Highly recommend this swim school to any family looking for quality instruction, caring teachers, and a welcoming environment!"