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 

 Our Foundation Pathway is designed for gymnasts who have been talent identified through our recreational programme. These groups focus on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and physical preparation in a structured training environment. Gymnasts may progress into the Regional or National Pathway when appropriate. 

Foundation 1 (F1)

An introduction to structured squad training for young gymnasts showing early potential. Sessions focus on developing fundamental movement skills, coordination, confidence, and basic gymnastics technique in a fun and supportive environment.

Age: 4–6 years

Training: 2 hours per week

Foundation 2 (F2)

A progression group focused on improving strength, flexibility, coordination, and core gymnastics skills. Gymnasts begin developing the physical foundations and discipline required for future competitive pathways.

Age: 5–7 years
Training: 4 hours per week

Foundation 3 (F3)

Designed for gymnasts preparing for British Gymnastics Preparation Grades. Training includes increased focus on skill development, routines, performance quality, and competition preparation while continuing to build strength and flexibility.

Age: 7–9 years
Training: 8 hours per week
 

 The Regional Pathway is set by the North West Regional Committee and provides an alternative competitive route with greater flexibility than the traditional National Grades pathway. Gymnasts compete in regional and county events while developing strong all-around gymnastics skills across Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor.

Regional 1 (R1)

An introductory competitive squad for gymnasts moving from recreational gymnastics into external competitions. Gymnasts begin developing competitive routines and skills across all apparatus while building confidence in a competition setting.

Age Groups: Juniors (8–11 years) & Seniors (12+ years)
Training: 4 hours per week

Regional 2 (R2)

A development squad for gymnasts competing in North West Regional 2-piece competitions, as well as club and county events at Tin and Zinc levels. Training focuses on improving consistency, performance quality, and technical development.

Age Groups: Juniors (8–11 years) & Seniors (12+ years)
Training: 8 hours per week

Regional 3 (R3)

A performance-focused squad for competition-ready gymnasts. Athletes compete at county and regional level at Zinc and Copper standards while working towards Bronze-level skills. The Regional pathway allows flexible routine construction tailored to individual strengths and performance ability.

Age Group: Seniors (12+ years)
Training: 12 hours per week

 The National Pathway follows the British Gymnastics competitive structure, providing gymnasts with 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 long-term athlete development and competitive performance.

National 1 (N1)

An entry-level national squad for gymnasts beginning their competitive journey within the British Gymnastics Grades structure. Gymnasts work towards Preparation Grades alongside introductory competitions, including North West Tin level events.

Minimum Age: 8 years
Training: 12 hours per week

National 2 (N2)

A development squad for gymnasts progressing through Preparation and Development Grades while also competing in Zinc level Classic Challenge competitions. Training increases in intensity with greater focus on strength, technique, routines, and competition performance.

Minimum Age: 9 years
Training: 14 hours per week

National 3 (N3)

A competitive squad for gymnasts competing in Development and Performance Grades alongside Copper and Bronze Classic Challenge levels. Training focuses on advanced skill development, artistry, consistency, and competition readiness.

Minimum Age: 10 years
Training: 16 hours per week

National 4 (N4)

A high-performance squad for advanced gymnasts competing in Performance Grades, Silver and Gold Classic Challenge levels, and higher-level competitions including FIG events, Home Nations Championships, and British Championships. Training is tailored towards elite performance and long-term athlete progression.

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