Watchetts Junior School in Camberley, Surrey has reported significant increases in the health of its students following a pilot project led by Olympian Steve Redgrave.

The aim of the three-month scheme was to increase children’s participation in sport and exercise.

Delivered by Redgrave’s company, Redgrave Health & Leisure (RHL), the government-backed project focused on children in year six (10- to 11-year-olds) and ran in tandem with the London 2012 Olympic Bid. The pilot officially ended on 6 July with the 2012 bid win.

RHL and school staff introduced a variety of initiatives to encourage children to take up sport outside of school and to educate them in the science of health and exercise.

These included an interactive multimedia presentation with images of pop stars, TV presenters and other celebrities exercising shown to the children to highlight the aims of the project and a similar presentation to parents about lifestyle and diet.

A variety of before- and after-school and lunchtime sport and fitness activities were introduced – assisted by teachers, parents and representatives from the local authority Sports Development Unit and local sports clubs.

Children also took part in taster sessions from local sports organisaions.

Redgrave’s name attracted financial sponsorship and the additional funding enabled the purchase of a variety of health and fitness assessment, PE and games equipment. This meant the organisers were able to introduce the children to a variety of different activities and were able to engage some of those who had not shown any previous interest or aptitude for standard PE lessons.

The project was supported by many agencies such as the British Heart Foundation, the Youth Sport Trust and Sport England and so used educational materials and linked with national campaigns such as Walk to School and Jump Rope for Heart.

All year six children undertook health and fitness assessments at the beginning and end of the project and improvements were seen in all measurements, such as body mass index, lung performance, cardiovascular efficiency and gym test.

The greatest improvements were seen in flexibility, which is significant owing to the current problems with adolescent back pain.

The project was a huge success said Jenny Beahrs, Watchetts School PE co-ordinator: “This pilot study was an amazing experience for the children. It raised their standards of health and fitness, as well as their love of sport,” she said.

“The pupils would show up early in the morning and dedicate their break times at school to use the rowing machines and other equipment donated as part of the scheme. They were more motivated and energetic than ever before in the classroom.”

While this initial project was done on a voluntary basis, future projects will depend upon commercial sponsorship and/or government support.

Meanwhile, the main aim for Redgrave Health and Leisure remains to develop a wellness centre to deliver quality sports and rehabilitation medicine treatment integrated with leisure and medical educational services.

The company now has access to a potential site near to London and its progress is dependent on the raising of finance either from the commercial sector and/or jointly with government funding.