BWY Yoga Pilot to Support Student Wellbeing at South Wigston School

South Wigston School in Leicestershire is taking part in a pilot yoga programme aimed at supporting student mental health, in collaboration with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) and the South Leicestershire Schools Sports Partnership (SLSSP).

On Friday 7 February, 15-16-year-olds from Year 11 will participate in a yoga taster session for Children’s Mental Health Week (3-9 February). Following this, they will be invited to join a six-week yoga programme designed to help manage examination stress and anxiety in the lead-up to their GCSEs.

Studies show that integrating yoga and mindfulness into schools can help improve emotional resilience, support self-regulation and reduce anxiety in young people (Frontiers in Psychology, 2018). South Wigston School aims to build an evidence base for incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices into their school day.

“We’re delighted to offer our students a chance to experience the benefits of yoga and mindfulness,” said Sara Fletcher, Principal at South Wigston School. “With the pressures of exam preparation, it’s important to provide students with practical tools to manage stress and build resilience both inside and outside the classroom.”

The South Leicestershire School Sports Partnership (SLSSP), which supports over 80 schools across South Leicester with training and physical activity programmes, secured funding for the initiative and worked closely with the school to bring the project to life.

The sessions will be led by Desford-based BWY instructor Lucy Pearce, who will introduce students to mindfulness, yoga and relaxation techniques, helping to lay the foundations for positive mental health.

“Embedding yoga and mindfulness into schools can create a supportive environment for both students and staff,” said Diana O’Reilly, BWY Chair. “This pilot aligns with our Yoga in Action initiative, which aims to bring the benefits of yoga into communities that may not have access to it through traditional routes. If successful, this programme could provide young people with valuable tools to cope with stress, benefiting their mental health both now and in the future.”