A five-week yoga programme at South Wigston High School has had a significant impact on the mental wellbeing of its students, with participants reporting feeling calmer, sleeping better, and being more equipped to manage their emotions.
The initiative, a partnership between the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) and the South Leicestershire School Sports Partnership (SLSSP), was launched in response to concerning mental health statistics in the local area.
According to a report by HealthWatch Leicestershire, 38% of teenage girls in the county experience anxiety and self-harm. To address this growing issue, a group of girls in Years 7 to 9 were invited to take part in weekly yoga sessions designed to support emotional wellbeing and build resilience.
Led by BWY teacher Lucy Pearce, the students learned gentle movement and breathing exercises to help manage stress. The results were remarkable, with participants reporting a decrease in average stress levels from 3.56 to 2.38 on a five-point scale. Mood scores also improved from 3.44 to 2.50, and energy levels increased from 3.22 to 3.88. In addition, students reported better sleep, improved concentration, and feeling more in control of their emotions.
Sara Fletcher, Principal at South Wigston School, praised the impact of the yoga programme, stating, “The impact of this yoga programme has been transformative for students. We’ve seen increased engagement in lessons, and students telling us they feel calmer and more focused. This complements our wellbeing strategy and provides practical tools our young people can use throughout their lives.”
Peter Tydlesley, CEO of the BWY, also expressed his satisfaction with the results, saying, “These results speak for themselves. In just five weeks, we’ve seen clear improvements in the students’ ability to manage stress and improve their overall wellbeing. This reflects the real, practical value of yoga as a tool for emotional resilience – something every school should consider offering.”
Due to the success of the programme, BWY and SLSSP are now exploring opportunities to expand it to other schools in Leicestershire. This expansion has the potential to provide vital support to hundreds of young people across the county.
The full report on the programme’s impact can be found here.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.