A HIGH school's new lunchtime boxing initiative aimed at promoting positive behaviour and improving mental well-being is proving to be a knockout with students.

Pupils at Rudheath Senior Academy have enjoyed taking part in a boxing intervention initiative, which has also improved their academic focus.

The sessions, delivered by Superbox Northwich, were spearheaded by pastoral manager Nadine Wilkinson as an innovative to help students manage their behaviour in school and the wider community.

“Boxing is more than just a sport," said Miss Wilkinson. "It’s a powerful tool to instil discipline, control, and personal responsibility.

"It also provides a supportive sense of community and a productive outlet for stress and aggression, which many of our students can greatly benefit from."

The initiative, inspired by England Boxing, takes advantage of the discipline, mental strength, and focus developed through boxing to help students overcome challenges and build life-enhancing skills.

The specialist boxing gym at the Rudheath Senior Academy Leisure CentreThe specialist boxing gym at the Rudheath Senior Academy Leisure Centre (Image: Rudheath Senior Academy) Funded through the North West Academies Trust (NWAT) Timpson Bursary, expert trainers from Superbox Northwich run the weekly sessions.

Superbox Northwich recently set up a specialist boxing gym at the Rudheath Senior Academy Leisure Centre.

Already, the programme has seen remarkable success in engaging students, improving their behaviour, and fostering a positive outlook.

Miss Wilkinson added: “Initially, the students were a bit unsure, but they’ve really taken to it.

"The trainers from Superbox take a firm but fair approach, which the students respect. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many other students eager to take part."

This early success has sparked plans to expand the programme to include girls’ boxing sessions, ensuring more students can benefit from the experience.

CEO of NWAT, Steve Docking, during one of the boxing sessionsCEO of NWAT, Steve Docking, during one of the boxing sessions (Image: Rudheath Senior Academy) Steve Docking, the CEO of NWAT which runs the school, praised the initiative after participating in one of the sessions.

He said: "This initiative perfectly highlights the power of sport to improve health, well-being, and mindset.

"We are grateful to Superbox for delivering these sessions and to our dedicated staff for bringing this vision to life."