Thetford Academy Launches Innovative Health and Wellbeing Project 

Thetford Academy, a secondary school part of the Inspiration Trust, has successfully launched a health and wellbeing project aimed at enhancing the physical and social health of its students.

This initiative, developed in collaboration with 3 Bros Cross Fit Gym, targets a small cohort of students identified by pastoral staff based on specific criteria such as social confidence, health issues post-transition, and low physical health.

The funding that enabled this initiative comes from the Opening Schools Facilities Fund. Last year, Thetford Academy was one of four schools in Breckland to receive a combined total of £33,000.

What was the project?

“Approximately 1 in 4 children in Breckland are classified as inactive.” Advises Gabriel Mansbridge, Locality Officer at Active Norfolk. “The Opening Schools Facilities project has supported local strategic objectives to inspire children and young people to be more active.”

Thetford’s project was designed to support students through weekly fitness sessions co-created by a local cross-fit instructor and the school’s PE staff. These sessions include technical lifting, core strength activities, fitness challenges, and access to specialist equipment at the community provision. The project aims to increase students’ resilience, physical health, and social skills.

Working in partnership with local providers

The project is delivered in partnership with 3 Bros Cross Fit Gym, a new community provision led by a former student of Thetford Academy. The lead instructor plans and delivers specialist fitness sessions and provides supervised use of the gym for the cohort each week. The lead teacher from Thetford Academy is responsible for identifying students, obtaining parental consent, and monitoring and evaluating the project.

A resounding success: Increased community engagement, awareness and support for students

Since its inception, the project has significantly benefited the school, students, and the local community. Key impacts include: 

• Increased Community Engagement: The project has facilitated collaboration with an experienced local provider, adding value and variety to the school’s PE and sports provisions. 

• Awareness of Local Provision: Students and staff are now more aware of the cross-fit gym and can direct students to the club. 

• Targeted Support for Students: The innovative design of the project allows for effective targeting of students who need it most, rather than those who are already active. 

• Family Engagement: Efforts to engage families include letters outlining the project’s intent, activity packs for students, and initiatives to encourage physical activity outside school hours. 

Graeme Richardson, Head of PE, said: “This funding allows us to be able to offer more opportunities to be physically active outside of PE lessons. It also gives our amazing prefects an opportunity to add to their leadership skills, acting as good role models and interacting with other young students in the school.” 

Find out more about the work we’ve done with local providers

Thetford Academy were able to apply for funding through the Opening Schools Facilities fund. Our Localities Team are always looking for opportunities to improve the physical activity offering in their district.

To find out about opportunities near you, or hear more about the work we do with local providers, click the link below.