British Swim School Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
British Swim School, founded in 1981, offers specialized swimming lessons for babies, children, and adults, focusing on water survival skills and swimming proficiency. The company began franchising in 2011 and is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
As a leader in the “learn to swim” industry, British Swim School operates under a mission to prevent drowning by teaching the skills necessary for water safety.
British Swim School differentiates itself with a business model that requires no real estate investment from franchisees, as it operates by renting pools in fitness clubs, schools, and hotel facilities.
This approach significantly reduces startup and operational costs and allows for flexibility and ease in scaling the business. Each location offers a structured program that emphasizes personal safety, swimming skills, and character development through guided practice in a safe and fun environment.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a British Swim School franchise? It costs on average between $109,000 – $145,000 to start a British Swim School franchised center.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $55,000 |
| Mailer Program Setup Fee | $1,000 |
| Mailing List Fee | $250 |
| Postcard Fees | $10,750 |
| SEO Fees | $3,600 |
| Digital Marketing Fees | $12,000 |
| Pool Security Deposit | $0 to $1,000 |
| Pool Usage Fee – 3 months | $1,500 to $9,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $3,050 to $6,100 |
| Signage | $250 to $750 |
| Training: Travel and Living Expenses | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Accountant and Legal Fees | $300 to $1,000 |
| Insurance Premium | $2,400 to $5,000 |
| Computer System | $0 to $3,500 |
| Office Security Deposit | $0 to $1,500 |
| Office Rent, Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment – 3 months | $0 to $4,500 |
| Technology Fee – 3 months | $750 |
| First 3 Months of Aquatics Manager | $7,500 to $10,500 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $9,000 to $15,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT | $108,850 to $145,200 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a British Swim School franchise? A British Swim School franchised center makes on average $404,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $228,000 yearly revenue for similar arts/sports franchises. Below are 10 British Swim School competitors as a comparison:
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British Swim School Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many British Swim School locations are there?
As of the most recent data, British Swim School operates 215 locations. The majority of these are franchise-owned, with very few, if any, company-owned locations. The focus of British Swim School’s expansion has been through franchising, and most operations are run by independent franchisees.
What is the total investment required to open a British Swim School franchise?
The total investment required to open a British Swim School franchise ranges from $109,000 to $145,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a British Swim School franchise?
For a British Swim School franchise, the ongoing royalty fee is 10% of gross revenue, while the marketing fee is 2% of gross revenue. These fees are essential for maintaining brand standards and supporting national marketing initiatives across all franchise locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a British Swim School franchisee?
To become a British Swim School franchisee, you are required to have a minimum net worth of $150,000 and liquid capital of at least $100,000. These financial requirements ensure that prospective franchisees have the necessary resources to cover startup costs, operational expenses, and any unforeseen challenges during the early stages of business.
How much can a British Swim School franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a British Swim School franchise are approximately $0.40 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.40 million yearly revenue can result in $60,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns British Swim School?
British Swim School is owned by Buzz Franchise Brands, a parent company that specializes in franchise systems across multiple industries.
Buzz Franchise Brands acquired British Swim School in 2017, integrating it into their portfolio of service-based franchise businesses. The acquisition helped expand the reach of British Swim School and provided additional resources for growth and support to its franchisees.
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