School Games SGO Update - June 2026

Catch up on previous editions of the newsletter.

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School Games Mark: Don't Miss Out on Your Schools Applying

If your schools haven’t submitted their School Games Mark application yet, this is a reminder that the window will close on 31 July.

Now is the time to check your dashboard, spot the schools that have in-progress applications, and give them the quick nudge they need to cross the finish line. High application rates are the ultimate evidence of your impact this year!

Don't let a year of incredible dedication, active minutes, and inclusive sport go unrecognised. Whether your schools are maintaining their well-earned Gold status, aiming for Platinum, or applying for the very first time, let’s get them the credit they deserve.

Thank You for Joining Us at the National Summit 2026

Thank you to all who attended this year's School Games National Summit. It was a fantastic opportunity to get together, share learning, celebrate impact, and explore how we can continue to create positive experiences for children and young people through physical activity, sport, and play. All slide decks from the workshop sessions are now available here.

If you haven't already, please complete our short event survey and share your feedback. As a thank you, you'll be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher. The survey closes on 14 June, so don't miss your chance to have your say.

You can also catch up on the highlights from the day and celebrate the achievements of this year's Impact Award winners. Be sure to explore the shortlisted case studies too, showcasing inspiring examples of practice and impact from across the School Games network.

Save the Date: Inclusive Health Check Week 2026

Inclusive Health Check Week will take place from 21-25 September 2026. This week is dedicated to supporting schools and fellow School Games Organisers to complete their free Inclusive Health Check. By completing the check at the start of the academic year, users can access resources to build confidence across different areas of inclusion throughout the year and ensure inclusive practices are embedded in their delivery. Save this date in your diary and look out for more tools coming soon to support you.

Key Updates

Additional Question Added to the Events Calendar

A new 'Community Exit Route Details' field has been added to the Activities tab in the Events Calendar to capture additional information. Previously, this was just a yes/no question. Now, if a Community Exit Route is selected, users must provide supporting details before progressing - we want to know the partners/clubs that you are working with. The new field is included in both Activity and Participation reports and applies to all newly created or edited events. This is valuable information that our NGB colleagues in particular are keen to understand.

New Sport Formats Coming Soon

As part of our ongoing plan to update sport formats across all School Games sports, we are working to bring the fifth wave of updated formats to the network before the end of the term. These formats aim to include athletics, badminton, futsal, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming, and volleyball. Watch this space for updates soon!

Not sure which sports already have new formats? Find all the new formats ready to use in your 2026/27 events.

Showcasing Impact

Award-Winning Practice

The Move It March project united schools across South Leicestershire to spark daily physical activity for pupils and staff. Through active travel, challenges and whole‑school competition, it embedded 60 active minutes, boosted wellbeing, and built lasting partnerships. The result: millions of active minutes and a culture shift for pupils and staff.

Good Practice in Action

Take a look at this systems-thinking approach in Kent to tackle the rising levels of childhood inactivity locally. A fantastic example of how working collaboratively can grow understanding of the benefits of physical activity, support staff wellbeing and connect the system better.

Support and Offers

Young Changemaker Awards Return for 2026

Youth Sport Trust has opened nominations for the Young Changemaker Awards 2026, celebrating inspirational young people making a difference through PE, play and sport.

Nominations close on Friday 26 June, with winners announced in September 2026. Take a few minutes to nominate a young person whose impact deserves recognition and help shine a spotlight on their achievements.

National School Sports Week

National School Sports Week returns from 6-12 July, bringing schools, families and communities together to celebrate the power of sport and physical activity. Inspired by a summer of major sporting events, the campaign encourages every child to get moving and enjoy the benefits of being active.

If you haven't already, register your school today and access resources to support a fantastic week of activity.

Positive Experiences Collective Virtual Conference

The Positive Experiences Collective Virtual Conference takes place on 24 June (11am-4pm) and is fully funded for professionals across PE, school sport and physical activity.

The event explores England’s physical literacy approach, with practical examples from the Patchwork Programme and insights from 13 teams. It offers ideas and inspiration to support more meaningful experiences for children and young people.

British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships

Down Syndrome Swimming Great Britain supports swimmers with Down syndrome to reach their potential and compete at national and international level.

The British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships will take place in Crawley from 21–22 November 2026, with events for swimmers aged 10+ of all abilities encouraged to enter. For more information, email Down Syndrome Swimming Great Britain.

Boccia England - National Schools Competition

Boccia England is inviting SGOs to register their interest in supporting a new schools boccia competition programme. The initiative aims to increase participation, strengthen pathways and create meaningful competition opportunities, particularly for young people with SEND. SGOs can play a key role in local delivery and help shape the programme.

Find out more and complete the expression of interest form by 31 July 2026 to get involved.