A village school is leaping for joy after being awarded a national sports award for community and inter-school physical activity.

St Andrew’s CofE Academy in Buckland Monachorum, part of the Learning Academy Partnership (LAP), has been awarded the School Games Gold Mark 2025/26 for its commitment to competitive sport and opportunities for pupils to take part.

The Government-led award, run by the Youth Sport Trust, recognises schools for their work developing competition and participation in sport within school and the wider community.

Debbie Nunn, headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils and everything they have achieved through sport this year. From representing the school in competitions to taking part in our inclusive events, they have shown great enthusiasm, teamwork and sportsmanship.

“The Gold Mark is also a recognition of the staff, volunteers and partners who give our pupils these opportunities. We are grateful to everyone who has supported school sport at St Andrew’s and look forward to building on this success next year.”

Pupils represented the school in netball, swimming, triathlon, tag rugby, cross country, girls’ football, football, Field Gun and Quad Kids athletics.

The school organised inclusive events as part of its sports day, including a biathlon (swimming and running), a whole-school ‘colour run’ encouraging children pupils of all ages to enjoy physical activity.

The boys’ and girls’ cricket teams progressed to their respective finals, both finishing third overall.

Across the year, pupils took part in competitions and festivals, while the school provided for pupil leadership and volunteering opportunities through its sporting programme.

The award recognises participation, competition, workforce and clubs, with the school thanking staff, volunteers and Okehampton Community Recreation Association for their contribution to its sporting programme.

Tracey Cleverly, of LAP, said: “The award reflects the commitment of pupils, staff and volunteers to making sport a valued part of school life.”

Teamwork makes the dream work at Buckland Monachorum Primary School which is celebrating the award of a national physical activity award.
Teamwork makes the dream work at Buckland Monachorum Primary School which is celebrating the award of a national physical activity award. (Buckland Monachorum Primary School )