Meet our Teachers

Hello I'm Elliott, an award-winning swimming teacher and owner of Swim Stars South East / Founder of Heathfield Swim School.  

I qualified as a swimming teacher at the age of 16 and have been teaching ever since. I gained extensive experience over the years working across swim schools in Kent and Sussex, as well as coaching at international summer camps in the USA and Canada. I am particularly passionate about working with swimmers with SEND and additional educational needs, teaching children and adults of all ages and abilities in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. 

I competed in both swimming and lifesaving at local levels and national / world-level events with Beacon Swimming and Lifesaving Club. The schools that I work closely with and provisions I have put in place have been recognised by national governing bodies including RLSS and Swim England, reflecting my commitment to high-quality, inclusive swimming education. 

I am really passionate about swimming and making sure every child has the opportunity to learn this life skill in a safe fun and friendly way.

Hi I'm Ben, I have been swimming for many years and it has always been a big part of my life. Alongside continuing to train as a swimmer myself at Beacon Swimming Club and Lifesaving Club, I have spent many years assisting with and teaching swimming, working with children of all ages and abilities to help them build confidence and develop their skills in the water. I am also passionate about lifesaving and had the opportunity to compete at the 2025 Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships, which was an incredible experience.

Hi, my name is Jacob - I’m a sporty and enthusiastic person who loves working with people and helping others build confidence in the water. I studied Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth after completing a BTEC in Sport and Exercise at Uckfield College. Over the years I’ve worked in a range of roles involving sport, coaching and safety, outdoor instructing at Blackland Farm, and helping coach basketball and tennis. These experiences have given me lots of confidence working with children, teenagers and adults, and I really enjoy helping people learn new skills and have fun while staying safe.  Sport has always been a big part of my life and I’ve competed in basketball, football and swimming, so I know how important encouragement, teamwork and enjoyment are when learning. 

Hi I’m Alexa, mum of 2 young children. I’ve recently joined Swim Stars South East as a Baby and Pre-school teacher and can’t wait to work with the amazing team.

I believe that swimming is a fundamental life skill. Introducing babies and toddlers to swimming brings so much joy, confidence and respect for the water at a young age. Watching a child’s face light up with pride as they master a new skill makes these lessons so rewarding.

Our lessons are fun, relaxed and based around play, we recognise that all children are different and learn at their own pace. We encourage children to explore the water through games and songs progressing through the Swim England baby and pre-school programme as we go.

Hi I’m Mel, busy mum of 2. I’ve been working at Heathfield Swim School and Swim Stars South East for a couple of years and absolutely love teaching and helping children to learn and grow in the pool. It gives me great pleasure to watch the children achieve new goals.

I’m very passionate about the swim school and love to help out where I can. I am excited to be part of the bigger picture and get more stuck into the swim school. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and my very energetic pup.