Active Schools

Active Schools is a national programme supported by every council in Scotland. It is part of the Scottish Government's Healthier Scotland Campaign, funded and supported by sportscotland.

More children, more active, more often

The main aim of Active Schools in Edinburgh is to give children and young people the chance to get involved in sport and physical activity while they are at school. This can take the form of sport and exercise, and making activity a daily part of their lives through play, dance and active travel. If supported to be active and healthy now, there is more chance that they will remain active and healthy as adults building a healthier Edinburgh, and a healthier Scotland. The goal is to get more children, more active, more often.

Target groups

Some children and young people love sport and activity and already take part. For these, Active Schools Edinburgh help to ensure chances exist for pupils to continue taking part as they develop their skills and interest in a chosen activity. This can be as simple as linking an after school club to a local community club.

However, some children and young people would love to take part but for some reason do not have the opportunity to do so. There are also some children and young people who simply see sport and physical activity as something they do not want to do.

Active Schools Edinburgh places a lot of importance in targeting groups where participation may need a little help or support, for example, girls and young women and also children and young people with a disability.

Community Sports Hubs

Community Sports Hubs (CSH) aim to increase the number of people of all ages participating in sport and physical activity in local communities. In Edinburgh, school based models have been developed at Broughton High School and also at Forrester/St Augustine High School campuses. Active Schools has a lead role in both hubs to develop the link between school based sport programmes and community programmes.

The main focus is on growing participation, increasing physical activity opportunities, and developing flourishing, self sustaining clubs leading to hubs that are a home for local communities.

To find out more, e-mail activeschools@edinburgh.gov.uk.