SCHOOLS across Herefordshire received recognition for their commitment to sport for pupils and into the community.

The School Games Mark was recently given to a host of Herefordshire schools with four given the highest platinum award.

Organised by Stride Active and hosted at Whitecross School, pupil and staff representatives from schools across the county came together to celebrate their School Games Mark success with Hereford mayor Mark Dykes on hand to present the awards.

The School Games Mark is a government led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their ‘commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community’.

Participating in this process allows schools to evaluate their PE provision and assists them in developing an action plan for future progress.

Schools must apply for the award and are required to submit evidence against a number of topics including how many young people in the school are engaged in sporting activity and how many local links the school has with clubs.

Applications are graded against a set criteria which determines whether schools have achieved bronze, silver, gold or platinum level.

A total of 35 schools achieved the School Games Mark, many of whom attended the event, which has taken place for the first time since the pandemic.

Earning the prestigious platinum award was Cradley PS, Kingsland PS, Madley PS and Stoke Prior PS.

“The School Games Mark demonstrates the breadth of opportunities that you are giving to young people, allowing them to experience and enjoy physical activity,” said chair of the School Games county alliance and headteacher of Whitecross.

“We know that physical activity can support young people’s physical health, mental wellbeing and skill development and as a county alliance, we are committed to continue raising the profile of PE, school sport and physical activity.

“Events such as this are so important to recognise what we can do as a collective, to ensure young people in Herefordshire grow up to be active, healthy and happy.”

Any school can apply to be assessed for the School Games Mark. Applications for the 2022/23 academic year will be open from May 3 to July 26.

For more information visit their website: www.strideactive.org