A Northamptonshire school head is calling for better Government support for children’s sports across the County, and is preparing to take her case to the new MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire following the upcoming constituency by-election.

Linda Brooks, Principal of Manor School Sports College in Raunds, wants the region’s next MP to take a lead in calling for more investment in school sport for Northamptonshire, not only as a method of developing students’ health and fitness, but also to help them succeed academically.
Mrs Brooks explains:

Linda Brooks (centre, back row) with sporting high achievers at Manor School

“Manor School is fortunate to have excellent facilities, grounds and personalised sports coaching available to our students. We have also received funding from Sport England and the Football Foundation to further develop these resources.
“However, this is not the case for all schools across the region. We would like to see resources developed which allow every child the opportunity to find a sport that is right for them. This means improved and more accessible facilities for all, and more teachers and volunteers to help.

‘We are convinced the combination of a strong sports programme with the curriculum helps pupils learn more progressively’

“We are convinced the combination of a strong sports programme with the curriculum helps pupils learn more progressively. This has been clearly shown through our best ever exam results earlier this year, with 97 per cent of our students taking GCSEs or equivalent achieving five A* to C grades.”

Mrs Brooks continues:

“Schools should be the starting point for children’s involvement in sport, and closer links need to be developed with local clubs and associations. We have an enormous opportunity after the Olympics to build on the imaginations of children. Parents play a vital role in this by encouraging and enrolling children into sports classes.”

Mrs Brooks has already written to the leaders of Corby and East Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire County Council to highlight the benefits of sport in children’s learning.

She plans to invite the new MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire to visit Manor School following the election, which is expected to take place in November.

Manor School Sports College is holding a Post-16 Information Evening on Tuesday 16th October from 5.30pm, and a New Intake Evening on Thursday 18th October from 5pm.

For further details:

Manor School and Sports College