Coombeshead Academy receives Schools Games Silver Mark A

Coombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot, part of Education South West, have achieved the School Games Silver Mark Award for the 2023/24 academic year.

The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community.

The Youth Sport Trust equips educators and empowers young people with the vision of creating a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of play and sport.  The criteria of the School Games Mark aligns directly with the School Games outcomes.  

As part of the award application, the school were asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, and they are delighted that the hard work of everyone at Coombeshead has been rewarded this year. 

Schools must demonstrate how they support the personal development of targeted young people through youth engagement and leadership and how they deliver and engage in competitions that have clear intent and create positive experiences based on the motivation, competence and confidence of young people that need support. 

Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy said: “ With a total of over 300 young people competing in local inter-school competitions this year, we are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible.  It’s amazing to have this work recognised by receiving a Schools Games Silver Mark Award.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Many congratulations to everyone at Coombeshead on this fantastic achievement.    It’s great that the wide range of sporting activities they provide young people has been honoured in this way.”