Healthier, Happier, and Thriving: How Athletic Development is Transforming Education at Strathallan School
Written by Scott Webb - Head of Athletic Development at Strathallan School
In a time when youth mental health and physical activity statistics tell a worrying story, Strathallan School is turning the tide through a game-changing approach to athletic development.
The results speak volumes:
- A threefold increase in student gym use
- 400% more sessions completed
- 500% more girls participating
These aren’t just numbers - they’re indicators of a culture shift. While the World Health Organization reports that only 21% of 15-year-old boys and just 12% of girls in Scotland meet the recommended levels of physical activity, Strathallan students are moving more, thriving academically, and growing stronger both mentally and physically.
The Strathallan Approach
At Strathallan, athletic development isn’t just for elite athletes - it’s for everyone. Every week, pupils complete over 450 gym sessions, alongside their extracurricular commitments and three compulsory games sessions. The gym is an inclusive and welcoming space, where students are greeted with a fist bump and guided by expert coaches.
As youth development legend Kelvin Giles puts it:
“Not everyone is an athlete, but everyone can be more athletic.”
Whether a student’s goal is to run their first 5K, learn how to squat, or pull on a British & Irish Lions jersey, they’re supported with tailored programmes designed to help them succeed.
Built Into the School Day
Sessions are embedded into the academic schedule. Pupils use study periods for strength and conditioning, helping reduce stress and boosting academic performance. Additional evening sessions offer even greater flexibility. With both mixed and single-sex sessions available, barriers to participation are minimised.
Each programme is carefully tailored to a student's age, stage, and goals, progressing through our five-stage curriculum:
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Play & Explore – Fun, game-based activities to build foundational movement skills. Think “hungry hippos” for acceleration or “cone fishing” for lower-body strength.
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Foundation – Introducing structured training using body weight, medicine balls, and bands.
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Development & Enhance – Advancing skills with more complex movements such as Olympic lifts and progressive resistance training.
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Perform – Individualised programmes based on sport-specific needs. For example, netballers focus on jumping, landing, and ankle strength, while rugby players develop upper-body hypertrophy, neck strength, and acceleration to aid performance and reduce injury risk.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Today’s youth face a double challenge: reduced physical fitness and increased self-awareness. Many feel too self-conscious to take part in sport or activity, especially if they lack confidence or fundamental movement skills. This lack of confidence becomes a barrier to participation, reinforcing inactivity.
With over 90% of children with low movement competency failing to meet physical activity guidelines, strength and movement development must be central to modern education.
At Strathallan, we’re seeing first-hand the benefits of addressing this head-on. Students report increased confidence, resilience, happiness, and motivation. They’re building stronger bodies and stronger minds.
A Space Built for Growth
We’re proud to have partnered with Origin Fitness to transform our gym into a dynamic, inviting space that supports students of all levels. Whether it’s a student taking their first steps into fitness or a young athlete training for elite competition, our facility is designed to inspire.
Athletic development at Strathallan isn’t just about sport. It’s about building a foundation for lifelong health, resilience, and achievement.
Transforming Education at Strathallan School
Healthier, Happier, and Thriving: How Athletic Development is Transforming Education at Strathallan School
Written by Scott Webb - Head of Athletic Development at Strathallan School