Willingdon Community School in Eastbourne has successfully used the Open School Facilities (OSF) fund to create sustainable, engaging after-school programmes. The money has bought equipment so the school can establish two distinct clubs: a girls’ fitness class and a boys’ alternative sports club. These initiatives have allowed pupils to stay active, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for physical activity.
Girls’ Fitness Class: Encouraging Strength and Confidence
The girls’ fitness class, attended by 21 students each week, is led by a PE teacher trained in CrossFit. This programme attracts a mix of sporty and non-sporty girls, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment where all pupils can improve their fitness levels. The activities focus on strength training and endurance. It uses equipment such as dumbbells, steps, and skipping ropes, all purchased through the OSF funding.
One of the key benefits of the programme is its sustainability. Thanks to the initial investment in equipment, the club can continue indefinitely, providing ongoing opportunities for girls to stay active. Future plans include expanding the programme to involve parents, encouraging mother-daughter sessions to promote family-based fitness.
Grace, 12, shared her enthusiasm: “I really enjoy doing sports and doing sport outside of school, and this was the only day I didn’t have a club after school, so it’s nice to know I can do some exercise. Sport is something I love doing—it’s not a chore because I enjoy it.”
Lola, 11, who also participates in horse riding, said: “I wanted to try something different and do something to strengthen for riding. I feel quite tired, but really good afterwards.”
Boys’ Alternative Sports Club: A New Approach to Engagement
The alternative sports club has provided a much-needed outlet for boys who may not be drawn to traditional sports like football. This club is tailored for Year 7 and 8 students who may lack confidence in sports or have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is led by learning mentors and teaching assistants. 14 boys attend each week, and the programme focuses on non-traditional activities, including pickleball, POP Lacrosse, capture the flag, new-age curling, goalball, and volleyball.
By introducing these alternative sports, the school has created an environment where all boys can participate and enjoy physical activity. The presence of learning mentors has been particularly effective, as students feel more comfortable and supported by familiar faces.
Rufus, 12, said: “I like this club because otherwise, I would just be at home gaming for hours. I come here, and it’s fun and a good laugh.”
Max, 11, who enjoys martial arts outside of school, explained why he joined the club: “I wanted something to do. If I was at home, I would just be gaming. I feel quite good about myself after I have been here, like I have done a lot of exercise. I think POP Lacrosse or handball is my favourite.”
Sustainability and Future Plans
A significant advantage of the OSF-funded programme is its long-term sustainability. The purchased equipment ensures the clubs can continue running without additional funding, making them a lasting asset to the school’s extracurricular offering. Teachers have also made sure the equipment remains exclusive to the after-school clubs, maintaining its appeal and keeping students engaged.
The school’s commitment to engaging students in the decision-making process has also been key to the programme’s success. Through youth voice consultations – including Google form surveys sent to parents and students, as well as discussions in assemblies and PE classes – Willingdon Community School tailored its offering to suit the needs and interests of its pupils.
Looking ahead, the school plans to expand these initiatives further by involving families, encouraging parents to join their children in fitness and sports activities. This approach promotes physical activity, strengthens family bonds, and instils positive health habits from a young age.
PE teacher Amie Legate highlighted the importance of these clubs: “For some of the parents the main reason they wanted their children to take part in these activity clubs was because their child was not doing anything other than gaming. For others it was to help them make new friends.
“We wanted to offer something engaging that would encourage kids to be active and social, rather than spending hours in front of a screen, giving them the opportunity to meet other students that they might not have come into contact with in lessons/tutor time.”
Through strategic use of the Open School Facilities fund, Willingdon Community School has successfully created sustainable, engaging, and inclusive after-school programmes that make a lasting difference to students’ health, confidence, and overall well-being.
Other OSF Projects in the area are:
Ratton School – Pupil voice-led questionnaires. Striking and fielding (including cricket, rounders and stoolball) to increase after-school opportunities for all. Trampolining for the least active girls. SEND-focused Table Tennis
Hailsham Community College – Girls Fitness, Muay Thai targeting free school meal pupils, girls and pupil premium, Trampolining.
The Eastbourne Academy – Gym, Trampolining and Football targeting girls and free school meal pupils.