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HIGHDOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL

READING

In Emmer Green (RG4) at Highdown School — minutes from Caversham and Reading town centre.

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Heated PoolFree Parking NearbyLane ExclusivityFree Locker Space

Opening Hours & First Lesson Tips

Opening Hours

  • Sunday’s:14:00 PM – 18:00 PM

* Hours may vary during special events and holidays. Please check all changes via your personalised dashboard.

First Lesson Tips

  • Arrive 30 minutes early to familiarise yourself with the centre
  • Bring a water bottle, towel, swimming trunks/suit and goggles
  • Read your introductory information pack for more details – this is sent to your email and can viewed on the dashboard
  • If you need help please contact Competent Swimming via email/phone or through your dashboard prior to your lesson
Mentorship icon

One-to-One

MENTORSHIP

Get A Focus On You

Swim icon

SWIM

THIS SUMMER

Don’t be afraid to get into the water

Safety icon

BE

SAFE

Know what to do in the unexpected

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FIND US

OUR LOCATION

In the friendly neighbourhood of Emmer Green (RG4), minutes from Caversham and Reading town centre — our Highdown School pool is easy to reach and ready to welcome you.

Address

Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre

69 Surley Row, RG4 8LX

Emmer Green

Reading

Contact Us

Phone

0121 663 6192

Email

support@competentswimming.co.uk

Opening Days

Sunday’s 14:00 – 18:00

Venue Features

Free Parking
Bus Transport
Heated Pool
Private 1-1 Lessons
Free Locker Space
Viewing Area

About Our Location

Our Reading pool is part of Highdown Secondary School in Emmer Green (RG4), just minutes from Reading town centre and an easy reach for families across Caversham and north Reading. The pool is 20 metres long and 1 metre deep at the shallow end — ideal for nervous beginners and children.

Free parking is available on site, with easy access to the changing rooms. Hot showers, toilets and changing cubicles are provided, and there’s a viewing area where parents and carers can watch their child’s private 1-1 lesson in comfort.

Ready to visit us?

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

ACCESSIBILITY & TRANSPORT

Everything you need to know about getting to our venue and making the most of each visit.

Competent Swimming Venue - Highdown Reading School Pool
Competent Swimming Venue - Highdown Reading School Car Park

Parking Options and Public Transport

On-site parking

On-site parking available. Multiple spaces and completely free. No hassle. Click here for directions.

  • 2 minute walk from the pool
  • Always be able to find a car park space
  • Well-lit and secure

Bus – 24 Berry

Get off at the St Barnabas Church stop. Click here for directions.

  • 15 Minute bus ride from town centre
  • Cost effective
  • Sustainable

Bus – 25 Pink

Get off at Buckingham Drive Stop. Click here for directions.

  • Longest route from town centre
  • Cost effective
  • Sustainable

Ready to visit us?

Book your visit today and experience our venue in person.

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STILL DECIDING?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Private 1-1 lessons work out from £39.99 per lesson on our 12-Lesson Plan (£44.99 on the 8-Lesson Plan, £49.99 on the 4-Lesson Plan). New customers can start with a Taster Lesson for just £24.99 — 50% off — which includes an assessment. No direct debit. See our Pricing page for full details.
Always private 1-1. Your child or you are in the water with the instructor the whole lesson — not waiting in a queue behind eight others. That's why learners progress faster.
Absolutely. About 1 in 3 adults in England can't swim, so you're far from alone. Lessons are fully private — no class watching, no judgement — and your instructor gets in the water with you, starting at your pace.
From age 4. We teach beginners through to club-ready swimmers, working on all four strokes, water confidence and coordination.
It depends on practice, but many learners reach foundational technique in around five weekly lessons. Your Taster Lesson includes an assessment, so we can give you a tailored plan and milestones from the start.
Yes — if you can't yet swim on your front with foundational technique, your instructor is in the pool with you, to keep you safe and build confidence.
Start low-risk: new customers can try a £24.99 Taster Lesson — 50% off — that includes an assessment, with no direct debit. Prefer to talk first? Request a callback and we'll give you a ring.
A swimming costume, goggles, a towel and a water bottle. Everything else — parking, what to expect — is in the welcome pack we send before your first lesson.
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Limited 1-1 slots — try a £24.99 Taster Lesson today.