Our Sixth Form Preparing for Life programme is the first of its kind, winning a national award for Innovation in Education in the Talk Education 2025 Awards. Rooted in evidence, each pillar has been carefully selected in consultation with experts, because they reinforce and strengthen one another. As such, we have developed a Physical Health strand.
There is substantial evidence that physical activity plays a vital role in supporting positive mental health. Strength-based training, in particular, has been shown to improve concentration, focus and academic performance, helping students perform at their best both in and out of the classroom. Functional fitness offers long-lasting benefits. By building muscle mass, bone density and overall strength in a sustainable way, it enhances performance in all other physical activities and supports long-term health as students move into adulthood.
At HCH Sixth Form, students benefit from a tailor-made fitness and weights programme delivered by specialist trainers and are proud to partner with St Mary’s University, Twickenham in delivering this, giving our students access to Olympic-standard weightlifting facilities. Training in a world-class environment inspires higher standards, bigger ambitions, and a mindset geared for success — academically, physically, and mentally. This is more than a facility. It’s an opportunity. And it’s one we’re proud to share with St Mary’s. This partnership isn’t just about strength — it’s about excellence.
This personalised approach ensures safe, effective training that supports individual goals. Physical health underpins good mental health, and strength-based training at HCH is proven to boost concentration, resilience and academic outcomes, preparing students for success now and in the future.
We are excited to be introducing an additional weekly gym and core strength session onsite to complement the existing weekly specialist session at St Mary’s University. Our new equipment is already on its way, a very big thank you to an incredibly generous parent for their agreement to contribute toward this.
