Transforming schools through sport
Our Schools Programme works in partnership with 48 schools across the district giving children has equal access to high-quality sport and physical activity. Since 2013, we have supported over 20,000 children, embedding positive experiences of movement into the school day and strengthening local PE and sport provision.
Delivered by our experienced staff, the programme supports children of all abilities and uses sport as a tool to improve physical health, wellbeing and confidence.
Community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we take our work beyond our venues and directly into local neighbourhoods, meeting people where they are to build stronger, more active communities across the district.
Why it's needed
Children and young people face growing inequalities in access to sport and physical activity, contributing to poor physical and mental health outcomes.
- Year 6 pupils in Folkestone have higher average obesity levels than the national average
- Only 64.4% of parents report being satisfied with their child’s activity levels, showing clear room for improvement
Without early, positive experiences, children are less likely to develop active habits that continue into adulthood.
Ways we make a difference
We work with schools to remove barriers and raise the quality and reach of physical activity through five key areas:
- Regular physical activity: Supporting at least 30 minutes of activity per day within the school day
- Raising the profile of PE and sport: Using sport as a driver for whole-school improvement
- High-quality physical education: Building staff confidence, skills and knowledge to deliver engaging PE
- Broader sporting experiences: Introducing pupils to a wide range of sports, including activities not usually accessible
- Competition op
2000+
Children engaged since 2013
Improved confidence, enjoyment and participation in physical activity
Positive contributions to tackling childhood obesity and supporting mental wellbeing
“The Sports Trust has given Folkestone Academy pupils the opportunity not only to take part in everyday sports such as basketball and netball using expert coaches, but also to participate in sports that are not accessible, such as skateboarding, paddleboarding and kayaking. This works perfectly with our motto ‘find your talent’.”
Make a difference, fuel the future
Join us in giving every child the chance to move, play, and thrive. Together, we can reach more schools, engage more children, and make a lasting impact on our community’s health and confidence.
