Club Structure & Pathways

Pathways at Tumbles Gymnastics

All our gymnasts begin their journey in our Recreational Programme, following the highly respected Perfect 10 Programme.

The Perfect 10 Levels 1–10 are divided into stages:

Preschool – Levels 1–4

Stage 1 – Levels 5–6 (Beginner)

Stage 2 – Levels 7–8 (Intermediate)

Stage 3 – Levels 9–10 (Advanced Recreational Gymnastics)

Children work hard to progress through the recreational programme, with each stage supported by a Skill Progress Card to track development. Gymnasts must achieve 57 stars to move to the next stage.

Progression varies for each individual; however, on average, children move through Levels 5–10 at a rate of approximately one level per year.

The focus is always on skill mastery rather than rapid progression. Gymnasts in Levels 5–10 also take part in three events per year, adding an extra layer of excitement and experience to their journey.

Upon completion of Stage 3, gymnasts can either:

• Remain in the Recreational Programme to continue developing skills, fitness, and confidence in a fun and social environment

• Be invited to progress into our Competitive Squad Pathway (see below), designed to maximise their development and competition potential

Competitive Gymnastics at Tumbles Gymnastics 

This programme is designed for gymnasts who have been talent identified through our recreational programme. Foundation gymnasts may move into the Regional or National Pathway when appropriate. 

• Foundation 1 (F1) – Early competitive foundations for gymnasts aged 4–6. Gymnasts in this group train for 2 hours per week, focusing on developing fundamental movement skills in a structured environment.

• Foundation 2 (F2) – Builds strength, flexibility, and coordination, preparing gymnasts for future competitive pathways. Children in this group are aged 5–7 and train for 4 hours per week.

• Foundation 3 (F3) – Designed for gymnasts working towards the British Gymnastics Preparation Grades. This group is for children aged 7–9, who train for 8 hours per week, with an increased focus on skill development and routine preparation.
   

 Set by the North West Regional Committee, this pathway has been designed as an alternative competitive route. It provides a high-level competition experience while offering more flexibility than the traditional NDP (Grades) pathway.

Regional 1 (R1) – Designed for gymnasts who have completed the recreational pathway and are preparing for their first external competitions. Gymnasts begin developing skills across Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor.
Training: 4 hours per week

Regional 2 (R2 – Juniors) – For competition-ready gymnasts aged 8–11, competing in North West Regional 2-piece competitions. Gymnasts compete in club and county events at Tin and Zinc levels, continuing to build confidence and consistency in performance.

Training: 8 hours per week

Regional 3 (R3 – Seniors) – For competition-ready gymnasts aged 12–16, competing in North West Regional 2-piece competitions. Gymnasts compete in club and county events at Zinc and Copper levels, with a focus on performance quality and competition readiness.

Training: 8 hours per week
 

 A competitive pathway set by British Gymnastics, offering gymnasts the opportunity to progress through Grades and qualify for National Finals. This pathway is designed for dedicated athletes training at a high level with a strong focus on performance and long-term development.

National 1 (N1) – An entry-level national squad for gymnasts working towards Preparation Grades and introductory competitions, including North West Tin level.

Minimum age: 8
Training: 12 hours per week

National 2 (N2) – For gymnasts progressing through Preparation and Development Grades, alongside competing in Zinc level Classic Challenge competitions.
Minimum age: 9
Training: 14 hours per week

National 3 (N3) – Designed for gymnasts competing in Development and Performance Grades, as well as Copper and Bronze Classic Challenge levels.
Minimum age: 10
Training: 16–18 hours per week

National 4 (N4) – A high-performance group for gymnasts competing in Performance Grades, Silver, Gold and above, including FIG-level competitions, Home Nations Championships, and British Championships.
Training: 18+ hours per week

Our competitive year is split into two seasons:

Season 1 (January–April) – Gymnasts compete in either:

• British Gymnastics Grades (Preparation, Development, or Performance Levels)
• North West Floor & Vault (Pre-Novice, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced Levels)

Season 2 (September–December) – All competitive gymnasts participate in the Classic Challenge programme, bringing both pathways together:

• North West Levels: Tin, Zinc, Copper
• Levels with National Finals: Bronze, Silver, Gold

Each gymnast’s training pathway and squad placement is carefully selected based on their readiness, development, and long-term progression.

Squad gymnasts are formally reviewed every 6 months. The coaching team reserves the right to move gymnasts between training groups or pathways at these review points where it supports their development and performance.

Gymnasts in squads are expected to maintain consistent attendance throughout the year, with full attendance required in the 4 weeks leading up to competitions to ensure optimal preparation and performance.

If your child shows interest or potential in competitive gymnastics, please email for more information about squad entry and pathway options.

Competitive Tumbling at Tumbles Gymnastics 

Our tumbling programme offers the opportunity to compete from an early stage. As tumblers complete each level, those who are competition-ready may be entered into the National Development Plan (NDP) Club Grades.

Tumblers follow the Perfect 10 Levels, divided into the following stages:

Preschool – Levels 1–4

Stage 1 – Levels 5–6 (Beginner)
Training: 1 hour per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Level 1 - optional

Stage 2 – Levels 7–8 (Intermediate)
Training: 1.5 hours per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Level 2 - optional

Stage 3 – Levels 9–10 (Advanced)
Training: 2 hours per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Level 3 - optional

Stage 4 – For tumblers progressing into higher-level competition. This group is ideal for gymnasts who also compete in artistic gymnastics and want to combine both disciplines.
Training: 2 hours per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Levels 4–6 - compulsory 

NDP Squad – A performance group for dedicated tumblers competing at higher levels within the NDP pathway.
Training: 6.5 hours per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Levels 4–6 - compulsory