Junior Development Programme

The Junior Development (JD) classes follow on from our Learn to Swim programme and these classes introduce swimmers to a mini squad environment.

Junior Development lessons are designed to teach swimmers all four swimming strokes and improve their technique to a level appropriate for squad training. Taught by experienced coaches, our programme is designed to take each swimmer to the next level. 

Junior Development classes are available between 3.30pm and 5.00pm on weekdays. There are also weekday morning classes on some days, as well as Saturday mornings classes all year round.

The Somerset Swimming Academy requires that all swimmers join the Academy before they can begin lessons. There is no cost to join the Academy. Forms can be obtained from Pool Reception or click here. A free assessment is also required for swimmers new to the Academy.

Junior Development Prep (JD Prep)

This level is an introduction to squad training within a mini squad environment. The emphasis is on technique development. Swimmers are taught all four strokes, freestyle, backstroke and breastroke.

  • Friday: 7.15am to 8.00am 
  • Monday to Friday: 3.30pm to 4.15pm and 4.15pm to 5.00pm 
  • Saturday: 8.00am and 10.15am 
Junior Development Squad 1 (JD1)

Swimmers in this level undertake stroke correction in all four strokes. The emphasis is on technique development. Swimmers begin to increase the distances they swim during each lesson. 


  • Friday: 7.15am to 8.00am 
  • Monday to Friday: 3.30pm to 4.15pm and 4.15pm to 5.00pm 
  • Saturday: 8.45am or 9.30am 
Junior Development Squad 2 (JD2)

Swimmers in this level undertake stroke correction in all four strokes. The emphasis is on technique development. Swimmers begin to increase the distances they swim during each lesson. 


  • Friday: 7.15am to 8.00am 
  • Monday to Friday: 3.30pm to 4.15pm and 4.15pm to 5.00pm 
  • Saturday: 8.45am and 10.15am 
Junior Development Squad 3 (JD3)

This level involves swimmers being taught more advanced technique drills in all four strokes. There is continuing stroke correction, an increase in distances the swimmers are required to complete, and challenge sets can be added to promote the development of endurance ability.


  • Friday: 7.15am to 8.00am 
  • Monday to Friday: 3.30pm to 4.15pm and 4.15pm to 5.00pm 
  • Saturday: 8.00am and 10.15am