Students at Jack Hunt Academy, have taken centre stage in a groundbreaking national project designed to make PE and sport more inclusive for Muslim girls.

We recently welcomed representatives from Nike, The Football Association (FA) and the Youth Sport Trust for a special filming day. An all-female film crew spent time with Jack Hunt students, recording their views and experiences about how sport and physical education fit with their faith and identity. Their voices will now feature in a new national training resource for teachers and coaches across England.

Mrs Majeed, a teacher at Jack Hunt Academy, said:
“It was inspiring to see our students speak so openly and proudly about their experiences. Their voices will now help shape the future of PE for thousands of girls like them across the country. We are incredibly proud of them.”

One student added:
“I love sport, but sometimes it feels like it’s not for us. It’s amazing to know our voices will help change that for girls all over the country.”

Jack Hunt Academy was chosen for the project in recognition of its rich diversity, representing more than 70 different nationalities and languages. This year, the Academy’s global outlook was also recognised with the British Council International School Award for its work in promoting intercultural understanding.

Headteacher Mr Jon Hebblethwaite said:
“It is wonderful to see our students playing such an important role in shaping the future of PE and sport. As a diverse and inclusive academy, we relish opportunities that ensure every young person feels sport is for them. This initiative is a fantastic example of how listening to girls’ voices can break down barriers and create opportunities that will benefit communities across the country.”

The filming supports the new national guide Improving PE for Muslim Girls (July 2025), which highlights research showing that:

• Only 54% of Muslim girls in secondary school enjoy PE

• Less than 25% attend sports clubs outside of school

• Just 40% feel comfortable being active at school

The guide encourages schools to co-create solutions with students, including providing modest sports kits, safe female-only spaces, and improved cultural awareness among staff.

Dr Ian Young, CEO of Keys Academies Trust, praised the initiative:
“I am very proud of the girls who took part in this excellent initiative to influence the inclusivity of PE and sport for Muslim girls. It is clear that the girls recognised the power of their voices to create change for the better. I am grateful to Mrs Majeed and the team at Jack Hunt Academy for enabling this very positive message to go out from our Trust.”

Mrs Majeed concluded:
“This is about making sure every girl in Peterborough and beyond feels that sport belongs to them. We hope our students’ stories inspire change across the country.”