24/05/2026
I’m am so saddened this has happened to a fellow local swim school and how it has been portrayed in the press, we should be supporting each other not this it’s absolutely terrible .. I’m so saddened for Gemma and will do everything to support her and her team
It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we are finally having to publicly address the situation regarding Thorpe St Andrew Pool. 💔
Following the school’s recent public statement, we can now confirm that from September, Little Fish Swim School will become the sole Learn to Swim provider operating at Thorpe St Andrew Pool and existing swim schools, including Gems AquaStars and the other current swim providers, will not be permitted to return once the pool reopens following the upcoming maintenance works.
The pool itself is due to close from Tuesday 30th June whilst a new air handling unit and further improvement works are carried out. However, despite weeks of meetings, requests for information and attempts to work alongside the school and the Trust to find a workable solution that would allow current providers to remain involved, we have now been told there is absolutely no flexibility within this decision. Neither the school nor Little Fish Swim School wish to work alongside the current swim schools already operating at the pool under the same setup.
We are devastated.
For the last eight years at Thorpe, we have built far more than just swimming lessons. We have built a community. We have supported thousands of children through life-saving skills, confidence building and personal growth. We have employed and trained local staff, many of which have been children that we have taught to swim when younger, supported families and created a welcoming environment for swimmers of all abilities.
We genuinely do not feel this decision has been made with the best interests of the local community, families, staff or existing local businesses at heart. The impact of this decision is enormous and affects far more people than many realise. Some staff will lose their jobs, families are being left uncertain and a huge part of our swim school community is being taken away overnight.
We want to reassure all of our families that we are continuing to fight this decision and challenge the way this situation has been handled. At the same time, we are actively working behind the scenes to secure alternative pool space and new opportunities so that we can continue supporting as many swimmers and staff members as possible moving forwards.
Right now, we need your support more than ever. ❤️
To every family who has supported us over the years, thank you. Your loyalty, kindness and messages over the last few days have meant more than we can ever explain.
If you would like to support us further, we have prepared template letters/emails that can be sent to the school and the Trust expressing concerns regarding the impact this decision will have on swimmers, families, staff and the local community. Please message us if you would like a copy.
We are heartbroken, but we are not giving up on our swimmers, our staff or the community we have built together.
Gem & The Gems AquaStars Team
