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A new initiative from Studio You, a digital exercise platform powered by Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign, and Nike is set to redefine the physical education (PE) experience for teenage girls across England. Through their new Studio X Nike hub, a video series is teaching a variety of non-competitive activities to ensure no girl is left behind in physical activity.
Studio You is a first-of-its-kind platform featuring content designed by girls, for girls and endorsed by teachers. The new hub features over 100 digital lessons covering activities like dance, yoga and fitness – all shaped by what girls say they actually want from PE.
The platform, already used in schools across England, aims to combat a worrying trend that shows girls’ enjoyment of PE drops by 30% between the ages of eight and 15. The hub intends to reframe negative narratives and experiences surrounding PE for girls and inspire even more 11- to 16-year-olds to feel confident as they move and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being active.
“This is about flipping the script on traditional PE,” said Dani Ward, Senior Campaign Activation Manager at This Girl Can. “By putting girls’ voices and preferences at the heart of lesson design, we’re creating a more inclusive and enjoyable experience that resonates with them.”
Teenage girls co-designed the content through national surveys, focus groups and workshops, ensuring it reflects their “dream PE experience.” Insights from Studio You and Nike’s joint research include:
- 87% of girls who disliked PE said they didn’t enjoy the typical activity options.
- Girls ranked dance (39%) and fitness/workouts (29%) as top preferences.
- 81% of girls with negative PE experiences reported low confidence in participating.
- 79% valued fun in PE above all, followed by inclusion (59%) and an engaging teacher (53%).
Recognizing that over a third of girls preferred learning new activities gradually, the hub features bite-sized lessons led by a diverse team of trainers, including adaptive instructors from Disability Sports Coach to ensure accessibility and representation. Studio You also worked with PE teachers to ensure that lessons are not only engaging for students but also practical for the classroom.
“Nike is committed to powering the future of youth sport because an active next generation means a healthier and more equitable future for all kids. This partnership with Studio You is vital in creating a PE experience that girls actually enjoy and want to return to,” said Dan Burrows, Nike’s Global GM of Future of Youth Sport.
Over half of secondary-aged girls still don’t meet the Chief Medical Officer’s daily activity guidelines. One in three reports poorer mental health since the pandemic. Studio You and Nike’s collaboration wants to make sure that every girl feels seen, supported and excited about movement.
As 14-year-old co-creator Victoria shared: “It feels really good to know that my voice is being heard and that I’m doing a service for the teenage girls who struggle with confidence and participation in PE.”
Teachers can register to access the Studio You x Nike hub and help create a generation of girls who see physical activity not just as a requirement, but as a joyful part of life.
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