NEW compulsory weekly sports sessions have been introduced at Ark Acton Academy - and students are already reaping the benefits.

Along with a range of optional clubs at lunchtime and before and after school, all of Year 8 and Year 10 students now have a compulsory sports session, alongside regular PE lessons.

Sports offered include yoga, girls’ lacrosse, trampolining, volleyball, fitness training and table tennis.    

Nickael Briggs, assistant principal, said: “We know students have missed out on a range of experiences, including opportunities to try new sports that previous year groups have benefited from.”

Principal Oli Knight added: “We’ve found that making just one of the sports sessions compulsory has tipped the balance. Where our optional clubs previously had quite low uptake, they’re now fully-subscribed.” 

Ark Acton Academy was formed in September 2018 following the closure of Acton High School.