Schools hit the mARk in nAtionAl scheme

Four Ashford primary schools have reached a gold level in the national School Games Mark Award scheme.

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.

Schools in England are able to assess themselves at gold, silver and bronze levels.

Ashford Leisure Trust provides support to schools to assist them in achieving these awards.

The Ashford School Games programme is delivered by Ashford Leisure Trust on behalf of The North School and the Youth Sport Trust.

The programme involves more than 40 inter-school sport competitions every year and feeds directly into the Kent School Games finals.

Furley Park Primary Academy, Kingsnorth C of E Primary, Lady Joanna Thornhill Primary and Mersham Primary all won gold mark status during 2015/16.

Highworth Girls Grammar, Beaver Green Primary, Wittersham C of E Primary, Aldington Primary, John Wesley C of E Primary, Goat Lees Primary and Victoria Road Primary all achieved silver.

St Simon Catholic Primary at Chilham, St Mary’s Church of England Primary, Hamstreet Primary Academy, Godinton Primary and Kennington C of E Academy gained the bronze.

Ashford Leisure Trust community development manager Peter Le Rossignol said: “It is fantastic to see so many schools rewarded for their hard work and commitment to developing school sport and competition for their pupils.

“Sport plays such an important part in the development of young people providing them with skills for life including teamwork, communication and confidence.”

Kingsnorth Primary School pupils and PE co-ordinator Zoe Dowe receive their gold award plaque from Peter Le Rossignol, of Ashford Leisure Trust