Coombswood School is celebrating after achieving the prestigious School Games Gold Mark Award for the 2025/26 academic year, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to physical education, school sport and providing inclusive sporting opportunities for all learners.
The School Games Mark is a government-led award scheme, launched in 2012 and facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust, which recognises schools for their dedication to developing competitive sport both within school and across the wider community. Achieving the Gold Mark reflects Coombswood School’s commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles while ensuring every learner has the opportunity to participate, develop new skills and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
Throughout the 2025/26 academic year, learners have embraced a wide range of sporting opportunities. Highlights have included competing in the Dodgeball Championships, increasing participation and engagement in PE lessons, and the successful introduction of the Monday Sports Club, providing learners with additional opportunities to stay active and develop their sporting skills.
A particular highlight has been the development of leadership opportunities, with older learners mentoring younger learners by teaching football and basketball skills. This initiative has helped build confidence, teamwork and communication while strengthening relationships across the school community.
Learners and staff also came together for the school’s Santa Dash, raising money for charity by challenging themselves to see how many miles they could collectively run. The event promoted physical activity while supporting an important cause and demonstrated the school’s commitment to community engagement.
As part of the School Games Mark application, Coombswood School successfully met the required criteria across the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, with the award recognising the dedication of learners, staff and the wider school community.
School Principal, Charlotte Alton, said:
“Achieving the School Games Gold Mark Award is a fantastic accomplishment and a reflection of the enthusiasm, determination and teamwork shown by our learners and staff throughout the year. We are committed to providing inclusive sporting opportunities that help every learner develop confidence, resilience and a lifelong enjoyment of being active. We are incredibly proud of everything our learners have achieved and look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.”
The school would like to extend a special thank you to Mr Knowles, PE Lead, whose dedication and passion for school sport have played a significant role in securing this achievement.
Following another successful year of sporting participation and achievement, Coombswood School is already looking forward to continuing its sporting journey and applying for the School Games Gold Mark Award again in 2027.