ABOUT THE SCHOOL GAMES

What is the School Games?

The School Games consists of four unique types of competition:

  • Intra-School Competition
  • Local Inter-School Competition
  • County Final
  • School Games National Finals

Who are we?

The School Games, which is funded by Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, is a government led programme designed to deliver competitive school sport to all young people.

A network of School Games Organisers (SGOs) and Local Organising Committees (LOCs) have worked alongside the Youth Sport Trust in delivering three distinct levels of competition since the Games' inception in 2010 - ranging from intra - inter school activity, in addition to the National Finals, which is supported by National Governing Bodies.

This network currently services in excess of 16,000 registered schools who compete across School Games' competitions.

What is an Intra-School Competition?

An intra-school competition is a sporting activity taking place between pupils who attend the same school. For example, this can be in the form of an inter-class or house activity. These competitions should culminate in an annual School Games Day, or Sports Day, to celebrate a school's sporting success.

What is an Inter-School Competition?

A local inter-school competition is a sporting activity taking place between schools from the same area - either as a one-off fixture or as part of a league. These competitions may act as qualifiers for county finals or can be run as developmental competitions or festival events to meet the needs of a local area.

What are the benefits to the School Games?

Regardless of your role, being a part of the School Games can be a hugely beneficial and rewarding experience. Read on to find out just a few of the benefits which are available.

 

For young people...

  • Have fun and enjoy themselves!
  • Develop friendships and meet new people
  • Become more determined and demonstrate resilience
  • Understand and demonstrate the importance of respect for others
  • Learn to develop self control and manage emotions
  • Experience being part of a team and understand your contribution to it
  • Win with pride and lose with grace
  • Learn the importance of practice and preparation
  • Learn how to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them
  • Aspire to improve and challenge themselves

2.3 Million opportunities through the school games in 2017 - 18 participation 

 

Watch Ella's story...

For teachers and schools...

  • Access exclusive content – registered schools have access to a range of tools, resources, videos and case studies which support the delivery of the School Games.
  • Get in contact with your local School Games Organiser, who will be able to offer you an annual calendar of competition for your school to access.
  • Be eligible for incentives and rewards – registered schools who blog on the School Games website will be considered for a range of prizes and fantastic promotion opportunities.
  • Apply for the School Games Mark – the award scheme rewards schools registered for the School Games for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into their community.
  • Publicise sporting events at your school – registered schools can customise their very own school profile page and share this with students, parents, and others in the local community.
  • Learn how to use sport as a catalyst across the curriculum – as well as an opportunity for more young people to actively engage in competitive sport, the School Games can provide advice and resources for wider impact across the curriculum. 
  • Utilise Change4Life clubs - fulfil government plans for getting young people active for at least 60 minutes every day and help tackle childhood obesity. 

452 School Games Organisers (SGOs) Currently working as part of the Schoool Games

School Games Stories

Over the years we have collated a number of excellent case studies from across the School Games, including examples of good practice and variations of inclusive competition which ensure that the School Games is available for all young people.

 

To view some of these inspirational stories please click here