Ignite helps celebrate the grand opening of Oxford’s newest secondary school

Oxford’s first new secondary school in almost 60 years has opened – and Ignite Sport UK were on hand to celebrate the occasion by providing fun archery sessions for visitors.

Located just a stone’s throw from our base at Oxford City Football Club, The Swan School welcomed an estimated 2,000 students and parents to its Grand Opening on Saturday, September 11.

The Marston Ferry Road education site celebrated its official opening with Guest of Honour Dame Sarah Gilbert, creator of the Oxford Astrazeneca Vaccine.

Ignite Sport UK was represented by General Manager Hannah Bladen and Level 2 Apprentice Joe Gibbs. Between them, Hannah and Joe provided hundreds of students and their parents with engaging archery taster lessons where points from six shots were accumulated.

Other activities on the day included hovercraft and pony rides, coconut shy, face painting, bouncy castle and a raffle where Ignite Sport UK donated an Oxford City FC season ticket to one lucky winner.

Hannah said: “We were pleased to attend the opening of The Swan School and provide visitors with a taster of the inclusive sports-based sessions we provide to pupils across Oxfordshire.

“The afternoon was packed full of activities for visitors to enjoy which made the occasion a fantastic community event which was really well organised. Working in partnership with local schools to support the provision of sport is a key objective of Ignite Sport UK and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with The Swan School.”

Starting this week, Ignite Sport UK will visit The Swan School on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons to deliver sports-based after school club activities.

Activities are inclusive and support students of all ages and abilities in developing key life skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving through the power of sport.

Hannah added: “There is something for everyone at our after-school clubs. We ensure sessions are inclusive not only to inspire positive change to pupils’ physical health, but also help develop key social skills through interaction and fresh challenges.

“Each day, we are witness to the power of sport and its ability to change lives. We are pleased The Swan School shares our passion for personal development via sport and would like to thank them for allowing Ignite to be part of their successful opening.”

Based in Marston, The Swan School aims to work with the community and exceptional establishments in Oxford and around the world to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Ignite Sport UK is a registered training provider specialising in the provision of sports-based apprenticeships across the UK and delivering physical education lessons in schools across Oxfordshire.