A report in the Daily Telegraph in October 2001 highlighted the importance that parents attach to sport in schools. "Sport is big on most parents agenda... the children are learning at a young age how to play in teams. Sport gives them a different kind of stimulation and more self esteem."

All schools and colleges now recognize the importance of sport in pupil and student development and accept the importance of the philosophy, "a healthy mind is a healthy body."

Recent government legislation has led to further competition in the state sector for pupils while the independent sector becomes ever more competitive. As well as the obvious educational and social benefits, schools, colleges, and universities now recognize that sports facilities can help in marketing. In order to attract more pupils, Westminster state that "there is a wide range of sports and games." North London College have "the widest range of sports, games and extra curricular activities" while St. Paul's boasts of "a notable focus in sports and games."

The educational, social and marketing benefits of new sports facilities can now be made available to many more schools through two unique and innovative schemes.

1. The sports centre is built by our associate company Aspria at no charge to the school. These centres are usually of a substantial size, in areas of relatively dense population, are branded in the school's name and remain the school's freehold property once built. This is a unique form of sports development and Robert Holmes' team advise the school on the details and work involved. It should be noted that this does not involve national lottery funding.

2. This scheme is available to schools that do not meet the criteria for the first. The school releases land for residential development and this makes funds available for the building of a sports and leisure centre.

The photographs show a centre that has been built for a leading independent school in Oxfordshire.

For further information on our leisure services please call James Holmes, +44 (0)208 879 7899.