Growing engagement with the School Games Mark shows schools across England are placing renewed emphasis on sport, wellbeing and physical activity.
Youth Sport Trust has reported a notable increase in School Games Mark applications, reaching their highest level since 2018. The growth signals renewed energy within the education sector following the pandemic and reflects a shared commitment to re-engaging children in physical activity. This positive trend mirrors findings from Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, which now shows children’s activity levels at their highest point since data collection began.
The increase arrives at a crucial time. With rising concern over inactivity, obesity and mental health pressures among young people, schools play a vital role in supporting healthier routines. In the 2024/25 academic year, 9,539 schools applied for a School Games Mark Award, including 540 schools doing so for the first time. This marks a 6% increase year on year and the second-highest total since the award’s inception, meaning 2.8 million pupils now attend schools recognised for high-quality sport and physical activity provision.
The School Games Mark recognises schools that demonstrate commitment to inclusive physical activity by reducing inequalities, empowering young people through leadership opportunities, developing physical literacy and helping pupils meet the UK Chief Medical Officer’s recommended daily activity guidelines.
Secondary schools have played a key role in driving growth, with applications increasing by 10 this year. This represents the second-highest level of secondary engagement since the programme began and highlights changing attitudes in a phase of education where competing academic pressures have traditionally limited participation.
Standards across the programme remain strong. Among schools that applied for an award, 83% achieved Gold or Platinum status. The Platinum award, which requires five consecutive Gold awards, reflects sustained excellence and long-term commitment to engaging young people in sport and physical activity.
West Lancashire submitted the highest number of School Games Mark applications nationwide this year, reflecting strong local collaboration. Mark Forster, the School Games Organiser for West Lancashire said, “The School Games Mark recognises the everyday work our schools do to make physical activity and meaningful competition inclusive for every child. The process also helps schools identify areas for development and provides a clear national benchmark to support sustained improvement year on year. Achieving so many awards locally reflects the ambition of our schools and the strength of the partnership between the School Games Organiser and schools across the area.”
Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust CEO, said, “These figures reflect a real shift in how schools value physical activity as a fundamental part of a young person’s education. The growth we are seeing, particularly in secondary schools, highlights a deepening understanding that being active supports wellbeing, inclusion and academic achievement. Schools are choosing to prioritise this work, even in a challenging educational landscape, and that is something to be celebrated. The high quality of PE and sport offerings across England is a testament to the dedication of schools and the wider School Games network.
“We are incredibly grateful for Sport England and the National Lottery for funding the programme, as well as our partners in the School Games network, National Governing Bodies of Sport and Active Partnerships for their great collaboration which has helped drive this growth.”
The School Games Mark Award remains central to recognising schools that deliver exceptional physical education, school sport and opportunities for young people to be active, supporting both wellbeing and personal development.
Further information and registration details for 2025/26 can be found on the School Games website.
About the Youth Sport Trust
The Youth Sport Trust is the leading UK children’s charity for improving young people’s health and wellbeing through sport and play. We empower young people and equip educators to build brighter futures through the power of physical activity. Founded in 1995, we work with around 20,000 schools and provides opportunities for over two million children every year. Our vision is to create a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of play and sport.
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About School Games
The School Games is a nationwide, Government-backed initiative which puts physical activity and school sport at the heart of schools and provides young people with the opportunity to enjoy and learn through competition to achieve their personal best. The School Games is funded by Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust through a network of over 450 School Games Organisers (SGOs), National Governing Bodies and Active Partnerships in every county.
