Joe Wicks has visited a New Addington primary school as part of his UK Schools Tour.

Joe Wicks, famous for getting the country moving during the Covid lockdowns with his ‘PE with Joe’ videos on YouTube, visited Tudor Academy to encourage the mental and physical benefits of movement and exercise.

Tudor Academy was one of the few schools selected from the 17,000 applications from across the country to be a part of the tour.

Wicks was greeted at the school entrance by the current Pupil Prime Minister, Elizabeth, the school’s previous and current Equalities Ministers, Myla and Shalis, and one of the school’s leading football stars, George.

Wicks then led the entire pupil body and every single staff member through a series of fun and interactive workouts, emphasising the importance of staying active and making fitness enjoyable.

From high-energy cardio routines to strength-building exercises, Wicks demonstrated that getting fit can be both accessible and exciting for people of all ages.

Pupils were delighted as Wicks led the active session on the school’s field site and brought flags and banners they had made to celebrate and express their excitement.

Beyond the physical aspects, Wicks also shared invaluable insights on mental well-being, in a Q&A that followed the workout.

Pupil representatives from reception through to Year 6 asked Wicks questions about his approach to fitness, what is important to him now, and how he became a fitness instructor.

This day came after a series of outstanding sporting achievements at Tudor Academy, including the Year 5 and 6 Football team winning the F.A Croydon’s School Football League for New Addington, and the Year 4, 5 & 6 mixed-gender Basketball team winning their round in the first annual iBall Croydon Basketball competition, receiving silver medals in the final.

Joe Wicks, Fitness Coach and Presenter, said: “The school tours are the highlight of my year and visiting Tudor Academy was absolutely fantastic.

“It was great to see all the pupils engaged and happy to be moving and learning about the benefits of physical activity. 

“I saw first-hand the academy’s dedication to supporting its pupils to make healthy choices.

“Thank you to Donna Rochford and all the pupils at Tudor Academy for their warm welcome and for asking me such great questions on a very memorable day.”

Donna Rochford, Headteacher at Tudor Academy, said: “It was a privilege to host Joe Wicks at our school to experience his dynamic approach to physical activity.

“The entire school community was ecstatic to be one of the few schools chosen to be part of the tour, with one pupil telling me she was so happy on the day she could cry.

“We are committed to ensuring our pupils lead happy and healthy lives, which is why sports and physical activity are such important elements of our school life.

“I hope our pupils will continue to be inspired by Joe and his positive and inclusive attitude to exercise and physical movement.  

“Thank you, Joe, for an unforgettable day at Tudor Academy.”