Long before it became a nationwide programme, Kick for Change began with a single school, one passionate headteacher, and a belief that Taekwondo could do more than teach kicks and punches – it could transform lives.
In 2019, Ladybarn Primary School in Manchester, under the leadership of Headteacher and British Taekwondo instructor Ian Caldwell, became the first school to pilot what would eventually become the Kick for Change schools programme.
Recognising the unique benefits of Taekwondo, from improved focus and discipline to physical literacy and emotional regulation – Ian began delivering sessions directly to his students within school time. Working closely with British Taekwondo, he co-developed a structured 12-week curriculum, designed specifically for schools, that allowed pupils to engage with the sport in a progressive and inclusive way.
What began as a single-school pilot is now a national initiative, with Kick for Change ready to launch in dozens of schools across the UK, and growing year-on-year.
“The success of the project led to it evolving into its current format as we looked to create something that could be replicable in other school settings. The energetic and dynamic elements of Taekwondo alongside the character development really enhanced our P.E curriculum offer.” – Ian Caldwell, Ladybarn Headteacher
From School to Club: A Complete Taekwondo Pathway
By 2023, demand had grown not just for more in-school sessions, but for ways pupils could continue their Taekwondo journey beyond curriculum time. In response, British Taekwondo partnered with Ian Caldwell and local coach Ashton Parchment to establish a school-based Taekwondo club, held after school hours using Ladybarn’s own facilities.
The result? A thriving club environment embedded within the school community, offering students a seamless transition from school sport to structured club training.
Some of the original pupils who began Taekwondo in 2019 have now progressed all the way to black belt, while others continue to train weekly as they move through the school and beyond.
“Having a strong link with Ladybarn Primary has been a huge part of the club’s growth. The school’s support helps us introduce more children to Taekwondo in a safe, familiar setting – and from there, we’ve built a real community.” – Ashton Parchment, Club Coach
A Proven Model for National Growth
Now in 2025, Ladybarn Primary remains at the heart of the Kick for Change movement – a blueprint for what’s possible when schools, coaches, and communities come together. Both the in-school programme and the on-site club are thriving, and a sustainable school-to-club pathway has been firmly established.
British Taekwondo continues to use the Ladybarn model to support other schools in replicating this success, ensuring that more children have access to quality martial arts education and long-term participation opportunities.
“Ladybarn showed us what was possible,” said Sophie Jameson, Development Manager. “The Kick for Change programme exists because one school believed in the power of Taekwondo. Their journey laid the foundation for a programme that’s now changing lives and improving access to our sport across the country.”
🎥 Want to see where it all began?
Watch the story of Ladybarn Primary and the origins of Kick for Change.