School sports awards rise as city outperforms national average

More Brighton & Hove schools than ever before have picked up Bronze, Silver or Gold honours as part of a prestigious national Olympic-inspired sports award scheme.

The School Games Mark, launched during the last London Olympics, praises schools for sporting excellence and enthusiasm. To gain the School Games Mark, schools have to demonstrate they are offering pupils a range of sporting opportunities including competitions, an annual school sports day and encouraging sports leadership among young people.

This year 38 schools from across Brighton & Hove have achieved the National School Games Mark. This is up from the 29 schools in 2013/14, two schools in 2012/13 and one school back in 2011/12.  

More than six in 10 (61%) of schools in the city now have the award and the city is outperforming the national average. This demonstrates a great commitment from the schools in delivering PE and school sport to their school community and getting young people active.

Schools attended a celebration event at the Sussex Cricket Ground to receive their award from the Mayor Councillor Lynda Hyde.  

The six Gold Mark Schools worked particularly hard. They are Balfour Primary, Carden Primary, Coldean Primary, Elm Grove Primary, Middle Street Primary & Westdene Primary.

Cllr Alan Robins, lead member for sports and leisure, said: “Congratulations to the pupils, schools and parents for making this happen and being so dedicated to sports.

“The physical benefits of a fit and healthy start in life cannot be underestimated. Taking part in sports also helps boost personal confidence and social skills. I would like to congratulate all the schools concerned for gaining this achievement and encourage others to look into signing up next year.”

Balfour Primary School headteacher Marcelo Staricoff, said:

“Achieving the gold award is a great privilege for our whole school community and I’m delighted that this award will enable us to strengthen the child, school, family triangular partnership even further in terms of us working together to promote healthy lifestyles and it has placed sport at the heart of our educational provision.”