About Sheppard Swim School

Alison Sheppard

Alison Sheppard MBE and Gary Vandermeulen are co-owners of the Sheppard Swim School. Their combined knowledge in swimming is formidable. Alison is first woman in the world to swim at 5 Olympic Games and is now a qualified personal trainer. Alison was awarded an MBE for services to swimming in 2003.

Gary Vandermeulen is also an Olympian, competing for Canada in 1988. In 2000 Gary was a member of the GB Olympic team as a coach. Gary has been named as Scotland’s Coach of the Year most recently in 2004.

The Sheppard Swim School is a registered VAT company and currently teaches at three venues; Glenalmond College (PH1 3RY), Kilgraston School (PH2 9BQ) and Tulliallan Police College (FK10 4BE).

Our teaching philosophy is focussed on correct technique and safety. We currently have over 12 instructors working with us to teach our programmes.

Our programme includes:

  • Adult and child lessons
  • Pre-school lessons
  • Levels 1 to 8 in swimming lessons (non swimmer up to swimming 25m)
  • Pre-competitive lessons and pre-competitive racing experience
  • Competitive training for Triathletes and competitive swimmers
  • Private lessons for learn-to-swim and competitive swimmers, including non-swimming adults
  • Swim camps for competitive swimmers
  • Intensive lessons for specific weeks in the summer
  • Club visitations for coach mentoring, stroke development and dryland consultation
  • Pool management and pool usage consulting. We have experience providing lesson programming for learn-to-swim programmes
  • We have instructors who can provide; aqua aerobics, personalised additional private lessons, lessons for individuals who have disabilities.
  • We also provide coaching and lifeguarding for pools and private homes
Gary Vandermeulen

Sheppard Swim School continues to grow and we plan on providing water-polo and synchronised swimming for children soon.

Sheppard Swim School News

Catch up with the latest news from the Sheppard Swim School and download our latest PDF newsletter. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

November 2009 newsletter

June 2009 newsletter

March 2009 newsletter