Schools’ sporting success is hailed

Seventeen schools from Perth and Kinross have now received a prestigious award from sportscotland in recognition of their commitment to putting sport at the heart of the school ethos.

The sportscotland School Sport Award is presented for innovation and achievement in delivering school sport and physical activity, with 747 schools across the country now in possession of an award.

It recognises schools that put young people at the forefront of decision making and planning of school sport and PE while increasing participation opportunities.

The number of gold schools across Scotland now stands at an all-time high of 399, an increase of 40.5 per cent from last year’s total of 284.

A further 274 schools achieved silver and 74 bronze after a significant number of schools completed their continuous improvement journey towards the gold award.

In Perth and Kinross, Kinross Primary was the only new gold award this year, joining Abernethy Primary School, Robert Douglas Memorial Primary School, Dunning Primary School and Perth Academy as the area’s gold schools.

Ten schools earned silver status, while Crieff Primary School and Fairview School achieved bronze.

Chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said:“It’s testament to the work of a variety of partners, including thousands of pupils, parents, volunteers and teachers, that we can now say this is a record-breaking year for the School Sport Award.

“Each and everyone involved should be very proud of this fantastic achievement.

“There is an undoubted value in sport being at the heart of school life. With that in mind we are committed to helping build a Scotland where sport is a way of life and young people in schools are central to this.”

Councillor Caroline Shiers, lifelong learning committee convener of Perth and Kinross Council, said a strong determination to continue improving services remains.

“Enjoying sport and physical activity at school is a vital part of ensuring all children have the chance to grow up living life well,”she said.

“We are always looking for ways to make our services even better and link up schools with clubs and other organisations to form new relationships.

“The School Sport Award is the perfect way for our schools to track their improvements.”