During 2025/26, Active Schools and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust worked together to support young people facing barriers to education and participation through a targeted physical activity programme. The initiative focused on vulnerable and care-experienced pupils, using structured physical activity to improve confidence, wellbeing and engagement with school.

The programme was delivered as an eight-week Junior Gym Programme across multiple Fife Sports and Leisure Trust venues. It brought together staff from Active Schools and leisure services to provide a consistent and supportive environment, with pupils attending sessions alongside an Assistant Active Schools Coordinator. This partnership approach helped build trust and ensured that young people felt supported throughout their participation.

In total, 25 pupils from Levenmouth Academy, Viewforth High School, Woodmill High School and Lochgelly High School took part. The majority were care-experienced, from SIMD 1–2 areas, young carers or on reduced or behaviour timetables, with 11 participants previously identified as completely inactive. Individual outcomes were set in partnership with schools, focusing on improving attendance, behaviour and key life skills such as confidence, communication and teamwork.

Sessions began with a full gym induction and progressed to supported independent use of equipment, helping young people build confidence and develop new skills over time. At the end of the programme, all participants received a free three-month gym membership, supporting continued engagement in physical activity and encouraging longer-term behaviour change.

The impact of the programme has been strong and measurable. Participants reported high satisfaction across key areas, including overall experience, instructor support and improvements in mood and confidence. Feedback also highlighted wider benefits, including increased motivation to attend school, improved wellbeing and greater self-belief.

The programme has also supported meaningful longer-term outcomes. One participant progressed to a positive destination by enrolling in a sport and fitness college course, while another developed the confidence and fitness needed to pursue a career path in the armed forces. These examples demonstrate the wider life impact of the approach, beyond physical activity alone.

The project directly supports the Plan for Fife priority of tackling poverty and preventing crisis and contributes to ambitions around improving health outcomes, increasing educational attainment and ensuring access to high-quality leisure opportunities. By addressing barriers to participation and supporting young people to build confidence and skills, the programme helps create more positive pathways into education, training and employment.

Looking ahead, partners will continue to build on this approach by expanding opportunities for targeted physical activity programmes and strengthening collaboration between schools and leisure services. This ongoing work will help ensure that more young people across Fife can benefit from accessible, supportive opportunities that improve wellbeing and support positive futures.