Tees Active is delighted to announce the return of its Schools Ice Skating Initiative, offering thousands of secondary school students across Stockton-on-Tees the opportunity to enjoy free access to Billingham Forum Ice Arena’s popular Friday Night disco sessions.
Returning for a second year from September 2026, the initiative will see one secondary school each week receive up to 200 complimentary ice skating tickets to a designated session. Running throughout the academic year until May 2027, schools can use the tickets to reward achievement, encourage attendance, recognise positive behaviour or provide exciting enrichment opportunities for their students.
The initiative forms part of Tees Active’s commitment to creating opportunities that encourage young people to be more active, improve physical and mental wellbeing and access positive recreational experiences within their local community.
The Schools Ice Skating Initiative was first introduced in September 2025 and proved popular with participating schools, teachers and students. Thousands of young people attended the sessions throughout the year, with many experiencing ice skating for the first time and discovering a new activity they were keen to continue.
Feedback from participating secondary schools highlighted the value of the initiative in encouraging physical activity, supporting confidence and wellbeing, and providing young people with the opportunity to socialise and try something new outside of the classroom.
At a time when increasing physical activity and engagement among young people remains a key priority, initiatives such as this provide schools with a valuable opportunity to reward and motivate students, support attendance and positive behaviours, and inspire greater participation in active lifestyles.
Leon Jones, Managing Director of Tees Active, said:
“We are delighted to be bringing the Schools Ice Skating Initiative back for a second year. As a charitable leisure trust, we are committed to creating opportunities that support the health and wellbeing of young people and strengthen our partnerships with schools across Stockton-on-Tees.”
“The initiative provides schools with a valuable opportunity to support their wider objectives while offering students a unique experience beyond the classroom. The feedback from schools during the first year was extremely positive, and we look forward to welcoming more young people to our popular Friday night sessions over the coming months.”
Louise Wilson, Assistant Principal of Thornaby Academy, said:
“Initiatives like this are incredibly valuable for schools. With many young people not currently meeting recommended activity levels, opportunities like this help us engage students in a positive and rewarding way, while supporting attendance, encouraging positive behaviour and promoting wellbeing. It also gives students the chance to spend time with their friends, try something new and build confidence outside of the classroom.”
Schools and colleges across Stockton-on-Tees will receive information directly from Tees Active regarding their allocated session dates and how tickets can be distributed to students.
For more information about the Schools Ice Skating Initiative and Friday Night sessions, visit www.forumicearena.co.uk/pulse-school-initiative/.
