New Fairfax Academy gym: Fairfax Academy has officially unveiled a significant investment in student health and wellbeing which will broaden the school’s physical education curriculum and give students more opportunities to stay active.
The transformation has turned a former staff room into a modern training space equipped with state‑of‑the‑art cardio machines, strength equipment and two new changing rooms. The space, which was transformed over the summer break, will support both curriculum delivery and extracurricular sport.
David Trowman, Lead for PE and Performance, said the new Fairfax Academy gym marks an important shift in how Fairfax supports all students, not just those already engaged in the school’s well‑established pathways, including in rugby, netball, athletics and football.
“Fairfax is renowned for sport, and this new gym is brilliant for the students who want to develop their endurance and physical strength,” he said. “But not all students love traditional sports. The gym gives them something different, a new motivation, a new focus, and a way to build confidence through fitness in a way that suits them. It also means that even in wet weather, we don’t have to double up in the sports hall. We can keep lessons active, varied and engaging.”
The gym, for students in Years 10, 11 and Sixth Form, will also play a key role in supporting Fairfax’s competitive teams. Rugby squads will use the facility as part of their weekly training programme, giving students access to equipment that supports strength, conditioning and injury prevention.
New Fairfax Academy gym shows commitment to wellbeing
Principal Sean Castle said the new gym reflects the school’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to high‑quality physical activity which supports both wellbeing and academic success.
“This facility is an investment in our students’ futures,” he said. “It gives every young person, whether they’re already passionate about sport or just beginning to explore fitness, a space where they can learn, challenge themselves and feel proud of what they achieve. We want every student to leave Fairfax with confidence, resilience and healthy habits for life.”