Installed over the summer, the new facility will sit at the heart of an enhanced Athletic Development programme at St Gabriel’s, designed to help pupils move well, build strength and develop the knowledge and confidence to exercise effectively. With an emphasis on age-appropriate training, expert supervision and good movement technique, the programme will support pupils’ physical development alongside lifelong fitness, health and wellbeing.

A structured five-level training journey has been developed, encompassing movement and strength standards alongside preparation and recovery strategies, with progressive development across strength, power, movement and conditioning. Pupils will move through the levels as they demonstrate competence across each area, ensuring that training develops appropriately alongside their skills and experience.

From the beginning of the new academic year, pupils from Year 5 upwards will have a dedicated co-curricular Athletic Development session, providing regular opportunities to access the facility and benefit from the new programme. The provision will continue to evolve and expand over the coming months as it becomes increasingly integrated into sport across the school.

Beyond supporting sporting performance, the programme aims to give pupils a greater understanding of how physical activity can contribute to their overall health and wellbeing, while developing good training habits and helping to reduce the risk of injury.

The new facility forms part of a wider development and reorganisation of spaces across St Gabriel’s, making thoughtful use of the facilities available across our campus to enhance and broaden opportunities for pupils. Our commitment to providing an exceptional breadth of sporting, Dance, Performing Arts and wider co-curricular opportunities remains as strong as ever.

We are delighted to add this exciting new resource to St Gabriel’s and look forward to seeing pupils of different ages and sporting backgrounds develop their skills, confidence and physical capabilities through the programme.