New school sport kitemarks launched

A new benchmarking scheme which recognises the commitment of schools to delivering sport and physical activity has been launched.

Eight school sports partnerships were in the first wave of Activemark winners announced by schools minister, Jim Knight, at the School Sport Partnerships conference in Telford.

The new scheme, which replaces the Sportsmarks awards, granted Activemark status to the partnerships, who achieved kitemarks in at least half of their primary and secondary school 'families'.

Schools are required to have 90 per cent of pupils participating in at least two hours of PE and sport a week, and hold a sports day as minimum qualifications.

Knight said: "The revival of school sport is one of the biggest success stories in education. Schools and teachers deserve to be recognised for the way they have increased PE and sports participation, especially through after-school clubs.

"The high number of primary schools qualifying for the awards highlights just how far they have progressed over the last two years in making physical activity a key part of the school day."