Sport helps young people’s self-esteem

Young people at specialist sports colleges feel better about
their bodies, according to research.

A study found that after just one academic year at a specialist
sports college the pupils felt more confident about the way they
looked, their physical strength and condition, and their sporting
ability.

The Northumbria University study looked at nearly 300 year-nine
pupils from Ashington Community High School Sports College and a
non-specialist comprehensive school, both in Northumberland.

At the specialist sports college they take part in three hours
of physical education per week compared to two hours in
non-specialist schools.

Sports colleges are part of the Department for Education and
Skills’ specialist schools programme, intended to make
school more attractive and raise standards.