Sports success for Cottingham C of E Primary School with Platinum School Games Mark

Cottingham C of E Primary School is celebrating after achieving the Platinum School Games Mark, a national award recognising excellence in school sports and activity.

The Platinum award celebrates schools who maintain consistently high standards with their school sports provision by achieving Gold standard consecutively for four years. Schools must submit a detailed case study to be considered for the honour.

Cottingham’s sports and PE funding is put to full use every year to provide inclusive, fun and exciting experiences for pupils, blending daily activities with special experiences and competitive opportunities.

Every child, from Reception to Year 6, takes part in the Daily Mile and active lunchtimes, where games are led by the pupil Sports Crew.

Each class also receives two high-quality PE lessons each week. Beyond this, children are introduced to new activities through termly experience days, which have included parkour, freestyle football, Irish dancing, netball and rugby.

The Sports Crew, made up of pupils who must apply for the role, plays a key part in organising and leading activities. They support termly house competitions, with games ranging from New Age Kurling to archery.

All pupils are also encouraged to represent the school at a sporting event, whether competitive or participation-based, in sports such as athletics, Diamond cricket and football. Some children have also competed more widely, representing Corby, Oundle and Thrapston in hockey and cricket, with matches held at venues including the County Ground, home of the Northants Steelbacks.

Links with local clubs and professional teams further strengthen opportunities, with this year’s highlights including a visit from Loughborough Lightning netball team.

Cottingham is well known throughout our Trust family for its commitment to sport, so it is no surprise they have achieved such a fantastic national accolade. Helping our pupils experience all the many benefits an active lifestyle can bring is so important and we are very proud of everyone at Cottingham C of E for demonstrating such dedication in this area.