Opening Schools Facilities was a £57m Department for Education investment programme. It ran from 2022 - 2025 to meet the goals of the Government's School Sport and Activity Action Plan. The funding was distributed in small grants to a number of priority schools based on schools in areas of deprivation where activity levels were low and schools focused on children and young people with additional special educational needs and disabilities. SASP worked with 24 schools across Somerset to open their facilities, create new opportunities for physical activity, and strengthen community connections. Through the Opening School Facilities (OSF) programme, schools have introduced innovative projects that support children, young people, families and wider communities to become more active in ways that are inclusive, informal and accessible.
Across all schools, the OSF programme supported by SASP:
- Increased participation before, during and after school
- Improved attendance, behaviour and wellbeing
- Strengthened community connections
- Created inclusive, welcoming activity spaces
- Supported schools to develop sustainable activity programmes
OSF highlights how schools can play a key role as community hubs, offering safe, supportive spaces for people of all ages to be active. With continued collaboration and innovation, SASP and its partner schools have helped to make physical activity more accessible across Somerset.
Here is a summary of some of the powerful impact created across Somerset. Each project highlights how schools are transforming their spaces and making a real difference to the people who use them. Click on the heading to view the full case study.
Brymore Academy
Brymore Academy developed an outdoor gym that has widened access to physical activity after school and engaged students who wouldn’t normally take part in sport. Staff use has increased, and pupils report improved fitness and confidence.
Bridgwater College Academy
A new fitness suite now offers sessions before, during and after school, with accessible membership for the community. Staff have seen improved attendance, better behaviour, and a growing culture of students taking responsibility for their own health.
Knights Templar Community Church School
In a rural area with limited facilities, Knights Templar used OSF funding to increase swimming access for pupils, SEND groups and the community. The project has boosted confidence, improved attendance and helped secure the long-term future of the pool.
St Michael’s Academy
New indoor and outdoor Activity Walls attract over 100 uses a day and have enhanced lunchtime behaviour, built positive peer relationships and increased family involvement on the school site.
Westfield Academy
Westfield Academy expanded its offer through multi-sport opportunities and an Active Breakfast Club that has improved engagement at the start of the school day, strengthened staff pupil relationships and widened access to physical activity across the timetable.
Bishop Foxes
Bishop Foxes created a welcoming, informal activity space that encourages whole families to get active together. Strong links with local clubs have developed, helping more people access low level, inclusive activity close to home.