This award, recognised as the highest standard in school sports engagement, celebrates the academy's outstanding commitment to fostering an active and healthy lifestyle for all its pupils. Facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust and part of a government-led initiative, the School Games Mark honours schools that go above and beyond in creating a culture of physical activity and sports excellence.
The Platinum Award requires schools to meet rigorous standards, such as maintaining a Gold status for four consecutive years, ensuring every pupil participates in at least 60 active minutes daily, and developing positive, inclusive experiences that build pupil confidence and motivation. Curledge Street Academy’s dedication to these principles has helped establish it as a community leader in promoting fitness, teamwork, and well-being.
Through initiatives like the popular “Walk to School Week,” themed ‘Walking with Wildlife,’ pupils explored topics of sustainability, inclusion, and mental wellness, while sports leaders provided a variety of playground activities that kept children active throughout the day. Swimming classes have built water confidence - an essential skill for the local coastal community and programmes like Balanceability have developed younger pupils’ coordination skills in preparation for future activities like Bikeability.
To further support active play, new playground markings have created spaces where pupils can build social skills, enjoy physical activity, and develop teamwork.
In addition to organised PE lessons, pupils have access to numerous extra-curricular clubs, including football, archery, netball, and cricket, allowing them to work on specific skills and collaborate across classes and year groups.
Head of School, Hannah Wilkinson remarked on the achievement, saying:
This award means a lot to us! It is a recognition of the dedication our staff, pupils, and families put into making Curledge Street a place where kids can be active and feel good about themselves every day.”
Kevin Titchard, Sports Coach at Curledge Street Academy shared:
“Seeing our pupils grow in confidence and energy through sports has been so rewarding. From playing in the playground to learning in PE class, they are showing up, giving it their all, and having a great time doing it. That is what this award is really about.”