Milton Keynes Students Get Fit and Active

2.42.55pm GMT Tue 28th Nov 2006

MK pupils are well on track in getting fit and active following the use of physical education and school sport to promote healthy and active lifestyles in schools.

Figures published in October showed that Milton Keynes schools have recorded a significant increase in the number of pupils participating in at least two hours physical education and school sport per week.

This exceeds government targets to revitalise physical education and sport in schools, and tackle the well-documented obesity agenda. 82% of 5-16 year-old pupils are achieving the two-hours per week threshold compared to the national average of 80%. This result has been achieved due to a concerted effort by a number of partners within the area.

The school sport partnerships based at Leon School and Sports College and The Radcliffe School have proved key to boosting PE and sport, supported by the Milton Keynes Council Sports Development Team and other agencies.

Euan Henderson, Liberal Democrat cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: "This is a huge improvement and a massive achievement. A great deal of credit has to go to the school sports partnerships and the schools themselves."

The figure represents a one-third improvement from a similar survey conducted in 2004. Other key results include:

• 37% pupils have taken part in inter-school competitions

• 26% pupils have participated in one or more community sports, dance or multi-skills clubs through formal links set up with schools.

Sandra Clark, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for Children, said: "This is a great result for Milton Keynes. I'm delighted that more and more opportunities are becoming available for children to become active and involved in sport, thanks to the dedication of a number of organisations within Milton Keynes."

A recently published Ofsted report also shows how school sports partnerships are motivating disaffected pupils, enhancing attendance and behaviour, and improving the quality of provision in physical education and school sport.