Celebrating a third consecutive School Games Platinum Award

The School Games Mark is a government-led award scheme, delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, that celebrates schools going above and beyond in promoting inclusive, competitive sport and community engagement. Achieving Platinum status three years in a row is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication, innovation and teamwork of our entire school community. 

 

PE Kit

This year, we’ve continued to prioritise inclusivity and accessibility in PE. Our affordable, culturally sensitive PE kit – consisting of just one branded top and elasticated sports headscarves – ensures all students feel comfortable and confident taking part.

Our PE swap shop, supported by generous donations from Year 11 leavers, has provided over 200 tops to families in need. We’ve recently expanded this initiative to include trainers. In addition, all Pupil Premium students are entitled to free PE tops, ensuring no student is excluded due to financial circumstances. 

 

Curriculum and extracurricular opportunities

Our inclusive curriculum is shaped by student voice and designed to foster a lifelong love of physical activity. Lessons are not only physically engaging but also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication and resilience – all of which support academic success and personal growth.

To minimise disruption during colder months, the curriculum is structured so that indoor lessons take priority from October to March. Teachers also ensure that students who are injured remain involved through roles such as coaching or refereeing, maintaining high levels of engagement.

We continue to develop our Cultural and Diversity Day, which celebrates difference through a range of activities, including sport. Students have the opportunity to take part in wheelchair basketball, seated archery, and volleyball – experiences that broaden perspectives and encourage empathy. 

 

Links to local sporting clubs

Our curriculum inspires students to pursue passions beyond the school gate and to support this, we have forged purposeful relationships with local sporting clubs, ensuring our young athletes are able to unlock such opportunities.

Teachers work closely with club coaches to ensure a smooth transition – often the biggest barrier to joining a club. These opportunities extend beyond participation, with students also taking on officiating roles in football, basketball and cheerleading.

 

Sports Leadership Academy

We’re also proud of our Sports Leadership Academy, now in its third year, which empowers Year 9 students to lead events for local primary schools, including tennis and athletics days. So far, our students have delivered over 1,122 hours of voluntary leadership, helping to build confidence and strengthen community ties.

This responsibility has been shown to improve behaviour and develop interpersonal and communication skills with both adults and children, helping our students grow into responsible, well-rounded young adults.

 

Our Platinum application highlighted excellence in participation, competition, workforce development, and club links. We are also especially proud of how our inclusive approach removes barriers and inspires every student to find joy in movement.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible students, dedicated PE staff, and the Senior Leadership Team. At Sir Jonathan North, we believe every girl deserves the opportunity to thrive through sport, and we’re proud to lead the way.