Tower Hamlets School Swim Gala returns!
The Tower Hamlets School Swimming Gala returned to Mile End Park Leisure Centre on 10 June, bringing together young swimmers from across the borough for a day of swimming, competition and achievement.
The annual event, which has been running for more than 60 years, saw 220 pupils from 13 local primary schools compete across 16 races, including backstroke, front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly and relay events.
A huge congratulations to Olga Primary School, who were crowned overall winners of this year’s gala.
Participating schools included: Bonner Primary School, Faraday Prep School, St Mary & St Michael Catholic Primary School, Olga Primary School, Culloden Primary Academy, Manorfield Primary School, Canary Wharf East Ferry, Canary Wharf Glenworth, Globe Primary School, St Saviour’s Primary School, St Pauls with St Luke Church of England Primary School, Chisenhale Primary School and The Aldgate School.
Organised by the council and supported by Bethnal Green Sharks Swimming Club and Swim England, the gala celebrates swimming as both a competitive sport and an essential life skill.
It also plays a key role in identifying and supporting emerging local talent, with standout swimmers offered opportunities to train with Bethnal Green Sharks Swimming Club.
The event comes at a time of increased national focus on water safety following a number of national, open water incidents, reinforcing the importance of ensuring young people are confident and capable swimmers.
The council is committed to removing barriers to physical activity, supporting swimming pathways and tackling health inequalities. As part of this, it offers a free swimming programme for women and girls and for older adults. This has recently been expanded to include men aged 35 and over, alongside a new family swim offer that allows parents to bring up to two children swimming for free.
Councillor Minara Khatun, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, who presented trophies to the winners at the event, said:
“It’s fantastic to see so many young people coming together to take part in this year’s swim gala.
“Events like this celebrate not just competition, but also the effort, teamwork and confidence that swimming helps to build.
“Swimming is both an important sport and a vital life skill.
“The Swim Gala has been a key part of Tower Hamlets’ programme for decades and is a great example of how we can encourage children to stay active, build confidence in the water and develop skills that support their safety – especially at a time when 17 people have sadly lost their lives in water-related incidents this year.”
Statement on leisure centre operations
Some of our leisure centre staff will be going on strike Friday 12 June, Sunday 13 June and Monday 14 June.
The strike by Unite union members is in relation to the terms of new council contracts being offered to leisure centre workers who are transferring over from our previous operator after the council brought the leisure service in house in 2024.
The council has a duty to ensure that new contracts fit in with the future running model of our leisure centres to ensure the best value for our residents. We have inherited a varied number of contracts from our previous operator including different shifts, duties and seasonal work and therefore take time to agree with existing staff members.
So far, around 60% of contracts on LBTH terms have been issued and we are working to issue LBTH contracts to the remaining staff on historic GLL terms as quickly as we can.
In the meantime, there may be some disruption to services, including changes to opening and closing times across centres. We will work to minimise disruption where possible and updates will be shared on the Be Well website.
We are committed to maintaining dialogue with Unite to resolve the dispute.
Background information
- Some delays in issuing contracts have been linked to formal ‘Failure to Agree’ processes raised by Unite in relation to the service restructure.
- The issue of new contracts of LBTH terms and conditions commenced on 1 January 2026 and is expected to conclude no later than 31 August 2026.
- Since bringing services in-house, over £8 million has been invested in leisure centres, including refurbished spas, football pitches and multi-courts, alongside initiatives such as free swimming and free lifeguard training, helping membership grow to over 30,000.
- The council remains open to further dialogue with Unite to resolve outstanding issues and avoid strike action.
Be Well Summer Holiday Club 2026
27 July – 20 August 2026
Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium
Looking for a fun and active way to keep the kids busy this summer? Our Summer Holiday Club at Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium is the perfect choice for children aged 5–15.
With the long break just around the corner, it’s a great time to help your child stay active, try something new, and enjoy time with friends in a safe and supportive environment.
Running from 27 July to 20 August, our full-day Holiday Club takes place Monday to Thursday, 9am–5pm, giving you flexible, reliable childcare throughout the summer.
You can book as many or as few days as you need, making it easy to fit around your summer plans, whether that’s a single day, a few days, or multiple weeks.
Every day is packed with a variety of exciting activities designed to keep children engaged, energised and smiling. Activities include:
- Swimming
- Athletics
- Gymnastics
- Trampolining
- Football
- Tennis
- Arts and crafts
- Bouncy castles
- And plenty more to discover
Our programme blends physical activity with creative play, helping children stay healthy, build confidence and make new friends along the way.
All sessions are led by our friendly, qualified team, who are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe and enjoyable experience for every child.
Bookings are now open.
Simply click ‘Book now’, select Mile End as your location, then choose Holiday Club to secure your place.
Your child may be entitled to a free space!
There are funded spaces for children who attend a Tower Hamlets School, are aged between 5-15 years and are in receipt of benefit related free school meals. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis for applications satisfying the eligibility criteria.
For more information and bookings please visit the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme portal.
Summer Holiday Club terms and conditions and rules/regulations apply. Please check with Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium.
Top tips for getting started
Wendy, Be Well Health and Fitness Manager
Whether you’re completely new to exercise, returning after some time away, or simply looking to try something different, taking that first step can feel both exciting and a little daunting.
At Be Well, we want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. There’s no pressure to be at a certain level, and no expectation to “get it right” straight away. This is your space to explore what works for you. Everyone’s fitness and wellbeing journey looks a bit different.
Here are some top tips from our Health and Fitness Manager Wendy, who leads many of our classes!
1. Go at your own pace
Starting slowly is not only okay – it’s often the best way to build your confidence and create a routine that lasts.
You might begin with:
- A short 10–15 minute visit to get familiar with your local centre
- A gentle session on the treadmill at a walking pace
- Light stretching or mobility exercises
For example, incline walking on the treadmill can be a great starting point. By slightly increasing the incline, you can add intensity without needing to run.
If you’re unsure how to adjust the settings, speak to a member of staff and ask for a demonstration. They’re there to help!
Small, manageable sessions can help you feel more confident each time you visit.
2. Choose what feels right
There’s no single “right” way to be active. What matters most is finding something that suits your preferences, your lifestyle, and how your body feels.
Our facilities offer a wide range of options, including:
- Gym workouts using easy-to-follow equipment
- Group exercise classes such as yoga, pilates, aqua, or low-impact fitness
- Cardio-focused activities like cycling or cross training
- Swimming sessions which offer a great low impact workout (swimming lessons are available for all ages if you’re new to swimming!)
If you’re new, you might want to try a few different things before deciding what works for you. Some people enjoy the structure and community of a class, while others prefer the flexibility of the gym. It’s whatever works for you!
The best activity is the one you enjoy, and feel comfortable in.
3. Support is always available
You don’t have to figure things out on your own. Our Be Well team is here to support you every step of the way and help you feel confident in our centres.
We can help with:
- Showing you how to use equipment safely and correctly
- Offering simple ideas for a starting routine
- Suggesting alternatives if an exercise doesn’t feel suitable
- Adapting movements to support different needs, abilities, or health conditions
If you’re unsure where to begin, even a quick conversation with a member of staff can help point you in the right direction.
We’re here to help, so please don’t be afraid to ask us questions. We’re more than happy to support you.
4. Use gym equipment safely
We know using new gym equipment can be a bit daunting, but here’s some tips to get you started.
- Ask before you try. If you’re unsure how to use a bit of equipment, don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff for a demonstration. We’re here to help 😊
- Start light and build gradually. Begin with a lower resistance or weight and increase slowly over time.
- Check your set up. Make sure the equipment is comfortable for your height and range of motion. Look out for handles that can help you adjust things like the seat height.
- Focus on control over speed. Move steadily with control rather than rushing through exercises
- Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Stop if something feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar and ask for guidance if needed.
Having gym equipment set up correctly will help you feel comfortable and get the most out of your sessions.
5. Listen to your body
Everyone’s starting point is different, and your body will guide you in what feels right. Some days you may feel full of energy, while on others you may need a slower pace – both are completely normal.
It’s important to:
- Take breaks when you need them
- Stop if something feels uncomfortable
- Adjust the intensity or duration of your session
- Build gradually over time
Progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful. Taking your time and being consistent is what helps build long-term confidence and wellbeing.
6. Every step counts
Getting active isn’t about doing everything perfectly – it’s about making small, positive changes that work for you.
Whether it’s:
- Visiting the gym for the first time
- Trying a new class
- Spending a few minutes moving more than you did before
Each step is an achievement. Over time, these small steps can add up to improved fitness, better wellbeing, and a stronger sense of confidence.
Being active should feel like something that supports your life rather than something that adds pressure to it.
7. Feeling part of your community
Be Well centres are more than just a place to exercise – it’s a community. Many people find that over time, they feel more familiar, more confident, and more connected simply by coming regularly.
Whether you prefer to keep to yourself or enjoy the social side of classes, there’s space for everyone here.
If there’s anything we can do to help you on your fitness and wellness journey, please do come speak to us!
Lifeguard training – May 2026
Lifeguard training is back with new dates now available.
These courses offer another opportunity to gain vital life saving skills, build confidence, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in leisure.
Don’t miss this chance to develop essential life skills and gain a new qualification!
Course details
Mixed (men and women) lifeguard training
- Course dates: Sunday 24th May – Friday 29th May 2026
- Location: Poplar Baths Leisure Centre
- Training is daily from 9am to 5.30pm at Poplar Baths Leisure Centre.
- Assessment is on Friday 29th May 2026.
- Cost: £250 per person.
Prerequisites:
- 16+ years of age on the date of assessment
- Be able to jump/dive into deep water
- Be able to swim 50 metres in no more than 60 seconds
- Be able to swim 100 metres continuously on front and 100m continuously on back
- Be able to tread water for 30 seconds in deep water
- Be able to surface dive to the floor of the pool
- Be able to climb out of the pool unaided without using a ladder/steps where the pool design permits
Please email Jessica Johnson to register: jessica.johnson@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
More fitness classes added across Be Well centres
We’re excited to share that even more classes are being added across Be Well, giving you more opportunities to stay active across our centres.
Whether you’re looking to boost your cardio, build strength, improve flexibility, or try something new, these additional sessions are now running across Mile End, John Orwell, York Hall, and Whitechapel.
Mile End Park Leisure Centre
🏊♀️ Aqua Aerobics: Saturdays | 1-2pm | Starting 11 April
John Orwell
👣Step Aerobics: Thursdays | 6-7pm | Starting 16 April
💪 Core Conditioning: Thursdays | 7-7:45pm | Starting 16 April
🧘🏽♀️Pilates: Sundays | 9:45-10:45am | Starting 19 April
York Hall
💃 Dance Fitness: Thursdays | 5:30-6:30pm | Starting 16 April
🥊Boxfit: Thursdays | 6:30-7:30pm | Starting 16 April
Whitechapel
🧘 Pilates: Sundays | 11:15am-12:15pm | Starting 19 April
Join a class!
Check the full timetable, book your place, and get involved at your local centre. We look forward to seeing you in class!
Sports courses and lessons are back!
Gymnastics, tennis, football, trampolining and more sports courses!
After a short break our sports lessons at Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium are back.
With courses available for 2-16 year olds we’ve got something for all ages and abilities!
Our new sports courses timetable will be as follows:
Football
Baby Ballers: 2-5 years, Wednesdays: 4-4.45pm
Little Ballers: 6-8 years, Wednesdays 5-6pm
Junior Ballers: 9-12 years, Wednesdays, 6-7pm
Gymnastics
Club – Advanced (invite only), Sundays 8.30-10am
Pre School (under 5 years), Sundays 10-11am
Fundamentals 5-16 years, Sundays 11-12pm
Fundamentals 5-16 years, Sundays 12-1pm
Fundamentals 5-16 years, Sundays 1-2pm
Tennis
Juniors 5-7 years, Sundays 9-10am
Juniors 8-11 years, Sundays 10-11am
Trampolining
Beginners 5-16 years, Fridays 4-5pm
Beginners 5-16 years, Fridays 5-6pm
Beginners 5-16 years, Fridays 6-7pm
Free swimming just got bigger!
New offer for men aged 35 and over and adults with children
Free swimming in Be Well pools across Tower Hamlets is expanding!
For the first time, men aged 35 and over can join our free swim sessions, designed to boost physical and mental wellbeing.
We’re also launching our new parent and child free swim offer, where any adult resident can bring up to two children for free during designated family swim times, giving families the chance to enjoy time together, build confidence in the water, and introduce little ones to swimming – all at no cost.
Who can take part?
Residents of Tower Hamlets can now access:
- Free swim sessions for men aged 35 and over
- Free parent and child swim sessions, any adult resident can bring up to two children for free
- Ongoing free swimming for women and girls aged 16
Why it matters?
Swimming is one of the most accessible forms of physical activity: gentle on joints, good for mental health, and great for building confidence at any age.
Easter 2026 swimming crash courses
🏊♀️Easter holiday 2026 swimming crash courses – build skills and confidence in just 3/4 days!
Looking for a fun and effective way to boost your child’s swimming skills this Easter break?
Our Easter Swimming Crash Courses are the perfect way to help children aged 4 and above gain confidence in the water, improve technique, and stay active during the Easter break.
Crash courses create a unique learning environment that helps children make faster, more confident progress. Here are some of the key benefits:
Faster skill development
Daily practice allows children to build new skills more quickly. Because they revisit the techniques every day, they retain information better and correct errors before they become habits.
Increased water confidence
Being in the water every day reduces nerves and builds comfort. Even pupils who are initially hesitant usually become more confident within just a few sessions.
Build strength and stamina quickly
Short, frequent practice sessions help develop swimming-specific fitness, improving coordination, strength, stamina, and breath control, which are essential for all strokes.
Consistency leads to progress
Regular repetition helps reinforce key skills such as floating, kicking, breathing, and stroke technique. Without long gaps between sessions, children stay familiar with the skills and progress more steadily.
More focused instruction
Because intensive lessons typically involve small groups, instructors can give more individual feedback. This personalized approach helps children overcome specific challenges more efficiently.
Progress you can see
Many children complete an intensive week having achieved:
- a new distance award
- improved technique
- greater confidence
- a clearer understanding of water safety
Parents often comment on how noticeable the improvement is after just a few consecutive days.
💧 What’s Included:
- A 3/4-day course with a 30-minute lesson each day
- Small group sessions led by qualified, friendly instructors
- A focus on water confidence, safety, and skill development
- Suitable for beginners and improvers alike
With prices starting from just £6.32 per lesson, it’s a cost-effective way to give your child a head start in the pool.
*New* SEND Course info
Our new SEND courses follow the Swim England alpha step awards that are tailored to children who made initial support. Alpha step awards are great for encouraging shy/timid children, nervous individual and individuals with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Our SEND groups are kept small and teachers teach based around needs and offer guidance to both children and accompanying adults on all aspects of swimming and safety.
Please note our SEND courses require an accompanying adult to be in the water.
📍Available at Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium
📅 Course Dates & Locations:
📍Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium
📆 30/03/26 – 02/04/26 (4 days)
🕤9.00am – 12pm
Stages 1,2,3
Plus *new* SEND crash course
Suitable for children aged 4 and over. Suitable for beginners and improvers. Stages 1 – 3 available.
🖱️ How to Book:
Click the button below to view available sessions and secure your child’s place.
📍Tiller Leisure Centre
📆7/04/26 – 09/04/26 (3 days)
🕤9.00am – 11.30am
Stages 1,2,3,4
📍York Hall Leisure Centre
📆 20/03/26 – 02/04/26 (4 days)
🕤9.00am – 12pm
Stages 1,2,3,4
📆 7/04/26 – 09/04/26 (3 days)
🕤9.00am-11.30am
Stages 1,2,3,4
🧒 Who Can Join?
These courses are open to children aged 4 years and above. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their technique, our crash courses are tailored to support their progress in a fun, safe environment.
Spots are limited and fill up fast—so don’t miss out on this splash-tastic opportunity to make waves this Easter holiday.