THURSTABLE School in Tiptree will be the first sixth form in the UK to start offering a course in cheerleading from next September.

The school’s cheerleading club has proved so popular since being set up, pom-pom waving pupils want to continue to hone their skills.

Cathy Graham, who will teach the sixth formers, said: “Year 11s are saying they want to continue, so I said let’s look at a qualification in the sixth form.

“The school is really happy with that, so they’ll be starting from next September.”

The school is offering students cheerleading as a specialism under A-Level PE, dance or BTEC in sport, as a stand alone qualification awarded by the National Council of Spirit Safety and Education, or both.

Mrs Graham said typical cheerleading lessons would teach health and safety, first aid, improving performance skills, coaching stunts and even marketing the sport. T

he stand alone cheerleading qualification will not earn students UCAS points for a university or college application. Prospective students studying for GCSEs at other schools, or those at Thurstable who do not attend the club, are being asked to try out for the courses.

To apply for a cheerleading trial, e-mail thurstable@thurstable.essex.sch.uk or call 01621 816526.