The Opening School Facilities (OSF) Fund has provided significant support to Bexhill Academy, resulting in a substantial improvement to their gym facilities. Through this funding, the school in Gunters Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, has created a modern and welcoming fitness environment that benefits students, staff, and potentially the wider community in the future.
The secondary school has 1,507 pupils on roll. It has the ninth-highest Free School Meal numbers in the county, with more than 30 per cent of pupils receiving them compared to the Sussex average of just under 20 per cent.
Thanks to OSF funding, Bexhill Academy secured £8,000 in financial support for one year, allowing the school to carry out much-needed refurbishments to its gym.
The money also funded a member of the PE team to complete their level 2 gym instruction course, enabling them to deliver sessions to students and community users.
Ben Petty, Director of Physical Education at Bexhill Academy, said: “The equipment here before was 12 years old and now they have access to high-quality equipment for free.”
The improvements included:
These upgrades have improved both the variety and quality of the equipment available, encouraging greater participation and enhancing students’ workout experiences.
The investment has particularly helped promote cardiovascular fitness. Students are encouraged to incorporate cardio into their routines, with younger students starting their fitness journey with cardio-based training.
Ben explained: “Every school year can use the gym, although younger students are restricted as to what equipment they can use.”
Year 7 students are introduced to cardio equipment, while Year 9 students receive guidance on safe weight training techniques with limited equipment. By Year 11, students are given access to the full range of equipment, ensuring they are well-prepared to continue safe and effective workouts after leaving school.
Ben explained: “We have a big push on technique on weights so that when they leave school they know how to use them safely and understand about not doing it for long periods of time.”
The improved gym has attracted a wider range of students, including those who may not otherwise have accessed a gym environment. This has been particularly valuable for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Ben noted: “New kids are getting involved. For many, it is the first time they can access a gym and the kit is at the level you would see at a commercial gym without having to have a membership, which is massive for them.”
In February, out of 24 regular attendees, 13 were Pupil Premium (PP) students, highlighting the positive impact on disadvantaged students.
Students have expressed their appreciation for the upgraded gym facilities. Alex, a 16-year-old student, said: “There is a wide range of equipment in the gym, which means a wide range of training we can do for each muscle. It is important you train every muscle in your body and do not just focus on certain ones.”
He added: “It is free in school so I do not have to pay for it, and I think a lot more people use it in school because you don’t have to go anywhere to use it.”
Looking ahead, Bexhill Academy plans to expand gym access to parents as part of a broader community outreach initiative.
Ben explained: “Most of the kids in Bexhill come here. There are 300 kids in a year group, and a lot of them are multigenerational.”
The investment from the Opening School Facilities Fund has not only enhanced the school’s fitness provision, but it is also helping to build stronger connections with the local community, ensuring positive, lasting change for students and families alike.
Ark Alexandra Academy – Netball posts. Football goals.
The Hastings Academy – gym sessions, staff, students and community. Pickleball equipment and delivery, students and community. Futsal goals and delivery.
The St Leonards Academy – Trampolining, upskilling staff. Rugby, kit and delivery. Gym fitness equipment. Dance leaders course, students and community.
Robertsbridge Community College – Pickleball equipment. Gymnastics equipment. Table tennis equipment.
Rye College – Swimming, lifesaving lessons. Athletics equipment. Basketball equipment.
Sarah Ruusuvuori from Active Hastings, who has been coordinating the OSF projects within this location, said: “OSF funding has created positive connections with other schools that have benefited from the funding.
“For example, The St Leonards Academy ran a rugby project with OSF funding, offering sessions and kit and they linked in with the local club. They raised the profile of rugby in the academy, enabling students to have the opportunity to develop confidence and skills.
“This strengthened participation in the rugby festival that Bexhill Academy hosted and in turn raised the awareness of the local community provision.”
