Welcome to Stollies Swim Academy
At Stollies Swim Academy, we believe that learning to swim is more than just a skill—it’s a life-saving ability that builds confidence, independence, and joy in the water. Founded with a passion for child safety and high-quality swimming instruction, we create a fun and engaging environment where every child can thrive. Whether your child is taking their first splash or refining their skills, Stollies is here to guide them every step of the way.
Meet Our Founders
Stacey – Director & Swim Instructor
Hi, I’m Stacey, and I’ve always had a passion for working with children. Before founding Stollies, I worked in playgroups, schools, and special education before finding my true calling as a swimming instructor in 2017. I love making lessons fun and engaging, often using songs and creative themes to help children feel at ease in the water. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a child accomplish something they once thought was impossible
Ollie – Director & Swim Instructor
I’m Ollie, and swimming has been a huge part of my life since I was a child. I competed at county and national levels, later becoming a competitive triathlete and open water swimmer. Teaching swimming has been my passion since 2009, and I firmly believe that when children have fun, they learn faster. At Stollies, we make sure every child feels comfortable, supported, and excited to progress in their swimming journey.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Stollies Swim Academy, we focus on safety, confidence, and fun while helping every child learn at their own pace. Our goal is to create lifelong swimmers who feel comfortable and secure in the water.
Hands-On Teaching Approach
Our instructors are in the water with your child, providing real-time support, corrections, and encouragement to help them progress faster.
No Buoyancy Aids—Real Swimming from Day One
We teach without floatation devices to ensure proper technique from the start. Instead, our instructors provide hands-on support, helping children gain strength and confidence naturally.
Water Safety at the Core
Survival skills are built into every lesson, teaching children how to float, turn, and safely navigate the water—not just during occasional safety weeks.
Small Ratios for Faster Progress
With only 121 and 221 lessons, every child gets the focused attention they need to build confidence and improve their swimming skills more quickly.
A Family-Like Atmosphere
We celebrate every milestone, big or small, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where children feel encouraged and excited to learn.
Inclusive for Every Swimmer
Our SEND 121 lessons ensure children with additional needs get tailored instruction, using visual aids and sign language where needed to create a positive experience.
Where Are We Located?
Stollies Swim Academy has sites across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, where we provide expert-led swimming lessons in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our facilities are designed for hands-on teaching, ensuring every child gets the best learning experience.
Meet Our Team
Our 17 dedicated staff members bring passion, expertise, and energy to every lesson, creating a fun and supportive environment for all swimmers. From building confidence in beginners to refining advanced techniques, our hands-on approach ensures every child gets the guidance they need. Meet the friendly faces who make Stollies Swim Academy a place where learning to swim is safe, fun, and rewarding!
Stacey Taylor
Job Role:
Company Director
Describe yourself:
*Silly* Kind* Creative
Favourite stroke to teach:
Front crawl
Favourite thing about teaching:
Teaching a lifesaving skill, helping children overcome their fear, and adapting lessons to be inclusive
Describe Stollies in three words:
*Fun * Welcoming * Family.
Ollie Williams
Job Role:
Co-Company Director
Describe yourself:
* Crazy * Silly * Fun
Favourite stroke to swim:
Breaststroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Teaching a life skill and helping nervous swimmers build confidence in the water.
Describe Stollies in three words:
*Fun* Progressive *Family
Kat Hubbard
Job Role:
Head of Sales & Socials
Describe yourself:
* Loud *Excitable *Silly
Favourite stroke to teach:
Front Crawl
Favourite thing about teaching:
Seeing children go from being a fearful non-swimmer to swimming confidently and independently.
Describe Stollies in three words:
* Fun. * Personal* Rewarding. *
Hannah Dean
Job Role:
Customer Service Manager
Describe yourself:
* Loyal * Caring *Family Orientated.
Favourite stroke to teach:
Butterfly
Favourite thing about teaching:
seeing progression whether from nervous beginners or stroke technique in advanced swimmers.
Describe Stollies in three words:
* Fun * Engaging * a team like a family.
Michelle Brown
Job Role:
Head swimming teacher
Describe yourself:
* Friendly. *Patient. * Encouraging
Favourite stroke to teach:
Back stroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Helping children overcome their fear And seeing them grow in confidence, developing their skills in the water.
Describe Stollies in three words:
Fun. * Engaging * Inclusive.
Coralie Miller
Job Role:
Head swimming teacher.
Describe yourself:
* Loyal * Driven * Caring.
Favourite stroke to teach:
Front Crawl
Favourite thing about teaching:
seeing a child proud of themselves when they achieve a skill they have been finding difficult.
Describe Stollies in three words:
* Fun * Focused * Team
Eszter Kovicz
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself:
* Fun. * Crazy (in a good way) *Kind Favourite stroke to swim: Breaststroke
Favourite stroke to teach:
Back stroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
To help children get over their fear of water And teach a life skill.
Describe Stollies in three words:
* Fun. * Unique * Great Team
Becks Stewart-Kirk
Job Role:
Swimming teacher.
Describe yourself:
* Adventurous * Fun * Funny
Favourite stroke to teach:
Breaststroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Seeing a swimmer go from nervous to absolutely loving the water.
Describe Stollies in three words:
* Welcoming. * Fun. *Rewarding.
Liv Marvell
Job Role:
swimming teacher
Describe yourself:
* Friendly. *Patient. * Encouraging
Favourite stroke to teach:
Back stroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Helping children overcome their fear And seeing them grow in confidence, developing their skills in the water.
Describe Stollies in three words:
Fun. * Engaging * Inclusive.
Diane Taylor
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself:
*Happy *Confident “Focused
Favourite stroke to teach:
Butterfly
Favourite thing about teaching:
Seeing happy smiles.
Describe Stollies in three words:
* Friendly * Fun * Rewarding
Ella Macdonald
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself:
*Fair * Fun Supportive
Favourite stroke to teach:
Dolphin
Favourite thing about teaching:
watching students progress and become more confident in new skills.
Describe Stollies in three words:
* Supportive * Generous * Funny
Rich Johnson
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself:
* Dedicated *Child Centred *Safety focused.
Favourite stroke to teach:
Back stroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Passing on knowledge and seeing progression.
Describe Stollies in three words:
Friendly Child-Centred * Fun
Kitty O'Reilly
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself in three words:
Friendly, Fun and Caring.
Favourite stroke to teach:
Backstroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Seeing the smile on children’s faces when they are in the water, achieve a skill or overcome a fear.
Describe Stollies in three words:
Fun, Inclusive & rewarding.
Channon Murphy
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself in three words:
Passionate, Dedicated & Fun
Favourite stroke to teach:
Front Crawl
Favourite thing about teaching:
Building a bond with the children and watching them enjoy themselves.
Describe Stollies in three words:
Fun, Family, Creative.
Olivia Jakins
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself in three words:
Fun, exciting & Energetic.
Favourite stroke to teach:
Backstroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Watching swimmers go from being terrified of the water to loving it!
Describe Stollies in three words:
Fun, Community & enthusiastic.
Carys Laugharne
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Pssionate, fun and energetic
Favourite stroke to swim:
Breaststroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Building a close bond with all the swimmers, helping them to develop an important life saving skill.
Describe Stollies in 3 words:
Creative, Encouraging and Vibrant.
Ffion Laugharne
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself in three words:
Favourite stroke to teach: Butterfly
Favourite thing about teaching:
I love everything about swim teaching but mainly seeing a non-swimmer gain confidence and independence in the water
Describe Stollies in three words:
Welcoming, Positive and Exciting.
Zoe Paget
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Caring, Loyal, organised
Favourite stroke to swim:
Back stroke
Favourite thing about teaching:
Knowing you are giving the children a life skill which they will benefit from throughout their whole life.
Describe Stollies in 3 words:
Creative, Bespoke, Inclusive, attentive teaching.
Janelle Wall
Job Role:
Swimming teacher
Describe yourself in three words:
Relaxed, Happy and Playful.
Favourite stroke to teach:
Front crawl
Favourite thing about teaching:
Building a bond with the swimmers and helping them overcome their fears.
Describe Stollies in three words:
Enjoyable, exciting, rewarding.
Tracey Minney
Job Role:
Swimming Teacher
Describe yourself in three words:
Fun, Crazy, Outgoing.
Favourite stroke to teach:
Butterfly
Favourite thing about teaching:
Children’s excitement when they achieve something new.
Describe Stollies in three words:
Fun, Inclusive, Friendly.
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