The effectiveness of the School Games has been backed by Sport England following a six-month review – although several recommendations have been made to “future-proof” the initiative.

Sport England’s report concluded that the School Games is “well placed to make a strong contribution” in delivering the outcomes of the government’s Sporting Future strategy, and quango’s own blueprint, Towards an Active Nation.

However, to “maximise its contribution”, Sport England has made 17 recommendations such as updating the School Games mission to measure its impact against Sporting Future’s desired outcomes.

School Games was launched in 2010 as part of the government’s attempt to generate a legacy from hosting the London 2012 Games by “reviving competition sport in schools”. The government is now keen to use sport as a catalyst for improved mental and physical health, as well as social inclusion.

The report said that it was important that School Games increased the “number and diversity of children taking part”, with more effort and resources devoted to students who are not physically active.

Sport England has recommended that delivery agent, Youth Sport Trust, and School Games Organisers (SGO) create more interest using social media and “expand opportunities for personal best challenges”.

The future of School Games National Finals was also placed under the microscope as it involved children already participating in physical activity. Sport England suggested that “the current costs of the event cannot be sustained going forward” and “doesn’t represent good value for money”.

“In accordance with the call within Sporting Future to drive efficiencies, reduce the reliance on the public purse for those already benefiting regularly from sport to drive down the cost of the finals event,” stated Recommendation 13.

SGOs were commended for their “robust performance”, although this “could be further strengthened through the setting of high level performance indicators”, which will be developed by Sport England in collaboration with SGOs.

School Games is a four-level competition framework, which is a partnership between the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Sport England and the Youth Sport Trust. Around 86 per cent (21,190) of schools in England take part.

Sport England distributes the cause more than £20m annually, with £11m (US$14.3m, €12.8m) per year of DCMS and Department of Health money, plus £10m (US$13m, €11.6m) of National Lottery funding for SGOS.

To read the full list of recommendations, click here.