The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and schools minister Jim Knight have launched a £5.5m scheme to help children who cannot swim by the age of 11.

Primary school children already receive compulsory swimming lessons, which has led to 83 per cent of pupils being able to swim competently by 11, but the new ‘top up’ programme aims to help those who can’t swim the 25m required by the end of Key Stage 2.

Participating pupils will attend local pools every day for an intensive series of swimming lessons for two weeks during the school term.

“Every child should learn to swim. It is an essential skill and is a fun way to exercise,” said Knight.

The idea was first implemented on a trial basis at schools in Bristol and County Durham last year, with more than 800 pupils taking part.

The trials found that 57 per cent of children involved were able to reach the 25m standard by the end of the two weeks.

The scheme will run over the next two years and is part of the government’s school sport strategy to raise participation in PE and sport. Details: www.britishswimming.org