Opening School Facilities Programme Delivers Transformational Impact

a boy playing cricket

August 19, 2025

The final report of the OpeningSchoolFacilities (OSF) programme has been published by the Active Partnerships National Organisation, showcasing the outstanding success of an initiative that has opened school doors to pupils and communities far beyond the school day.

Delivered by a consortium of partners including StreetGames UK, ukactive, and Youth Sport Trust, and funded by the Department for Education, the programme has exceeded all expectations.

According to the report:

  • 251,543 pupils and 93,264 members of the local community took part.
  • A total of 189,071 activity sessions were held.
  • Activities were delivered across 1,580 schools nationwide.

But the figures only tell part of the story. Behind them are the children, young people, and adults who discovered new opportunities for fun, inclusive, and accessible physical activity in the heart of their local communities.

Read the report 

Opening School Facilities in Cumbria

Between January 2023 and April 2025, Active Cumbria partnered with 25 schools across Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness, steadily expanding its reach:

  • 12 Primary Schools
  • 11 Secondary Schools
  • 2 Special Schools

The programme began with 9 schools and grew thanks to an initial funding allocation of £544,767, plus additional support from the Active Partnership national organisation, bringing the total distributed to £577,875.

Grants ranged from small awards of around £1,500 to a major £55,000 investment for one Special School. Each project was co-designed with students, then developed collaboratively with Active Cumbria, National Governing Bodies, and local communities, ensuring activities reflected local needs.

Diverse Activities, Lasting Impact

From swimming, pickleball, and yoga to trampolining, cricket, cycling, dance, and athletics, the breadth of activities demonstrates the programme’s creativity and inclusivity.

All participating schools reported positive outcomes, from healthier lifestyles and greater confidence to stronger community connections. The initiative has left a legacy of increased participation in physical activity across the county.

One highlight was the work at Bewcastle School, where the programme has made a remarkable difference to pupils and families alike.

Explore more stories from across Cumbria here.