A GIRLS’ school has sought to help pupils with their work and boost female participation in sport with shadow boxing lessons.

Brighton Girls Prep in Montpelier Road called in nearby gym TheBox to offer sessions after learning about the physical and mental benefits the discipline has.

The school also wanted to introduce a new sport to engage pupils who may not be interested in traditional sports.

Current studies show that just 14 per cent of girls aged five and 16 achieve recommended levels of physical activity in the UK, dropping to just ten per cent among those aged 13 to 16.

In between jabbing and crossing with their gloves and pads, nine-year-old twins Esme and Bobbi Murray, said they love the sport.

Esme said: “My older sister got me into boxing and I love that they do it at school too.

“We have our own gloves now and I asked for pads for my birthday. I don’t know why it was just for boys - it’s such great fun and we can do it just as well as they can.”

Headmistress Laura Comerford said: “It’s a great discipline to offer the pupils as there’s so much to gain from it.

“You have to use so much of your brain to move all the body parts in the combinations necessary and that really stimulates the mind.

“On top of that, it is a fun and social opportunity which the girls absolutely love. This is a sport that has appeal to a lot of girls who may not be too excited by hockey, netball or dance.

“It’s something different and a way of getting girls who may not be interested in traditional games into sport and fitness.”

TheBox owner Lucy Pinto said studies have shown physical activity like boxing activates the brain, improves cognitive function, and correlates with improved academic performance.

She said: “As a former ballet dancer with body confidence issues, I started boxing at 14 and realised that this was a sport where no one was judging you on your weight and your looks - it was just about pure fitness, enjoying the process and improving yourself.

“That’s a strong message to send to young girls.”

Along with the new boxing club, the school also launched a skateboarding scholarship earlier this year and offers classes in the sport for all pupils.

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