Students at Rudheath Senior Academy are packing a punch in more ways than one, thanks to a lunchtime boxing intervention initiative designed to promote positive behaviour, mental well-being, and academic focus.
The sessions, spearheaded by Pastoral Manager Nadine Wilkinson, offer an innovative way to support students in managing their behaviour both within school and in the wider community. Inspired by research conducted by England Boxing, the initiative leverages the discipline, mental strength, and focus developed through boxing to help students overcome challenges and build life-enhancing skills.
Ms. Wilkinson explained: “Boxing is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful tool to instil discipline, control, and personal responsibility. It also provides a supportive sense of community and a productive outlet for stress and aggression, which many of our students can greatly benefit from.”
The weekly sessions are funded through the NWAT Timpson Bursary and delivered by the expert trainers at Superbox Northwich, which recently set up a specialist boxing gym at the Rudheath Senior Academy Leisure Centre. Already, the programme has seen remarkable success in engaging students, improving their behaviour, and fostering a positive outlook.
Miss Wilkinson added: “Initially, the students were a bit unsure, but they’ve really taken to it. The trainers from Superbox take a firm but fair approach, which the students respect. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many other students eager to take part.”
One of the students, George, shared his feedback: “I really enjoy going to boxing because it’s something different from sitting in a classroom. It really helps my mental health too.”
The impact is already clear with significant improvements in behaviour. The success has sparked plans to expand the programme to include girls’ boxing sessions, ensuring more students can benefit from the experience.
Steve Docking OBE, CEO of North West Academies Trust (NWAT) who runs the school, praised the initiative after participating in one of the sessions: “This initiative perfectly highlights the power of sport to improve health, well-being, and mindset. We are grateful to Superbox for delivering these sessions and to our dedicated staff for bringing this vision to life.”
The boxing programme highlights Rudheath Senior Academy’s commitment to innovative approaches to education and student welfare, providing young people with the tools they need to succeed both in school and beyond.