Record number of schools achieve School Games Mark
By Sports Correspondent
A record 10,226 schools across England have achieved the School Games Mark for 2025/26, recognising their work to give children and young people more opportunities to enjoy sport and physical activity.
The milestone is the highest level of participation since the award began and includes more than 3,000 schools achieving Platinum, the highest level of recognition.
Delivered by the Youth Sport Trust through its network of School Games Organisers, the programme celebrates schools that make PE, sport and physical activity an important part of school life.
Schools are assessed on areas including physical activity, inclusion, pupil voice, physical literacy and opportunities to take part in competition.
An Inclusive Health Check also helps schools ensure their activities are accessible to all pupils.
DON'T MISS:
Good News Post
The North East and North West were the strongest performing regions for overall engagement, with more than half of schools in each region achieving an award.
The North East also recorded the highest proportion of Platinum awards relative to the number of schools.
Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said reaching more than 10,000 schools was a significant milestone.
She said: “It is wonderful to see the commitment of school staff and the national network of School Games Organisers giving more children, particularly those facing the greatest inequalities, the opportunity to have fun, be active and develop physically, socially and emotionally through the power of sport.”
Ali also highlighted the wider benefits of sport and physical activity, including helping children build confidence, form friendships and feel part of their school and local community.
She congratulated all schools receiving an award and thanked the School Games Organisers, Active Partnerships and National Governing Bodies of Sport for their contribution to the programme.
More than 450 School Games Organisers work with schools across the country to deliver the programme, which is funded by Sport England.
