School Games SGO Update - May 2026

Catch up on previous editions of the newsletter.

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School Games Mark: Now Live

Applications for the School Games Mark are now open. The School Games Mark recognises schools that are committed to delivering inclusive PE, sport and physical activity. Now is the time for schools to start their applications, gathering evidence from across the year. SGOs are encouraged to support their local schools with their applications.

Use our new video to kickstart conversations with your schools as they begin their application.

New School Games Podcast Episode: School Games Mark

The latest School Games Podcast episode is now live, focusing on the School Games Mark ahead of the application window. Adam is joined by Clare Warburton and Amy McCulloch to share guidance, practical tips and approaches to supporting school engagement.

A useful listen for schools preparing applications and SGOs supporting delivery locally. Listen now via the School Games podcast channels.

Summit 2026: Have You Booked?

A reminder that the School Games National Summit returns on Wednesday 03 June at Telford International Centre. One place per SGO is funded, with additional tickets available. This is the final chance to book your place now.

Alternative Provision Research

Researchers from Leeds Beckett and Loughborough Universities are exploring PE curricula used in alternative provision settings across England. Practitioners delivering or overseeing PE and sport in alternative provision are invited to complete a short 10 minute survey and optionally share their curriculum for comparison with similar settings. Complete the survey.

Key Updates

DfE Market Tender Update

Representatives from the Youth Sport Trust, Association for Physical Education and Active Partnerships attended the latest market engagement event hosted by the Department for Education on Thursday 07 May, ahead of the introduction of the new PE and School Sport Partnership Network.

This update summarises the key information shared during the session, including the proposed ambitions, outcomes and next steps for the future Network.

Meet the Spring Term Impact Award Shortlistees!

Congratulations to all individuals shortlisted and highly commended in this term’s Impact Awards, recognising outstanding work across school sport and physical activity. Categories celebrate achievements in youth voice, innovation, inclusion, stakeholder engagement and positive experiences for young people. A huge well done to everyone recognised for their impact across the School Games network! View the full shortlist.

Tracking School Games Priorities and Progress

To demonstrate progress in achieving strategic priorities and to celebrate the great work across the School Games networks, we are currently tracking the following for each SGO area:

• School engagement and School Games Mark completions
• Event participation demographics vs local population
• Completion of key deliverables (based on expectations in the School Games Roadmap)

Support at a county and SGO area level will be based on current progress. If you would like to know more, including your SGO area progress, please contact your Development Coach.

Spotlight On Good Practice

Take a look at this case study where an SGO has used Youth Voice to understand what young people with SEND enjoy when participating in sports events. The SGO then used this to design a festival fit for the young people's needs. It is clear from the impact that being involved in the youth voice not only increased enjoyment but also made the young people feel happier and less bored when taking part.

Support and Offers

National School Sports Week 2026

This Summer of Sport, 6-12 July, invites schools, families and communities across the UK to get moving together, inspired by a landmark year of global sport and the everyday moments of encouragement that happen in playgrounds, classrooms and communities.

Register now and join schools across the country celebrating PE, sport and play. Schools that sign up will receive free resources, activity ideas and challenges, plus entry into a prize draw to win one of 500 equipment kit bags for your school.

Leaders in PE Development Programme

Youth Sport Trust is recruiting for the next cohort of its Leadership Development Programme for PE Leaders from ethnically diverse communities. The programme offers expert-led CPD, networking opportunities, peer support and a funded place at the Youth Sport Trust Conference. Designed to strengthen leadership and influence across PE, sport and physical activity, the programme supports leaders to drive positive change within and beyond their schools. Find out more and apply.

Sign Up to Obstacle Explorers (Primary Only)

Be among the first 500 primary schools to join Obstacle Explorers – a new free Youth Sport Trust programme designed to make physical activity more fun, creative and inclusive for every child.

Using exciting challenge cards and team activities, pupils build movement, teamwork and leadership skills while exploring active play in everyday spaces, indoors and outdoors. Sign up early for priority access to support, practical guidance and ready-to-use ideas. Places are limited – register now to secure your school’s place.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Classroom Resource Pack

The British Council and Youth Sport Trust have launched a free Commonwealth Games 2026 classroom resource pack for pupils aged 7–11. Designed to explore Commonwealth values through engaging activities, the pack helps young people connect with the Games, inclusion, equality and fair play.

Bee Netball Learning Offer

England Netball has launched its new Bee Netball learning offer, designed to help teachers, coaches and leaders deliver engaging netball sessions for KS1–2 pupils. Endorsed by CIMSPA, the programme includes tailored learning routes for teachers and coaches, with flexible online training available now. Bee Netball supports confidence, belonging and personal development through inclusive, child-centred activity.

Find out more and book your place.

RFU's New SEND Guide - T1 Rugby

England Rugby are delighted to share resources to support SGOs, teachers and others to deliver our non-contact format (T1 Rugby) to young people with SEND. These resources, along with other support for SGOs and schools, co-created with Lead Inclusion schools, cover the key skills of T1 Rugby with inclusive adaptations, as well as best practice, symbol cards and further signposting to help include T1 Rugby in your offer.

Ready, Set, Squash

England Squash is helping schools get more pupils active with fun, inclusive squash opportunities. With accessible formats, flexible delivery options and supportive resources, it’s easy to introduce the sport in schools. Designed to build confidence, skills and enjoyment, squash offers a great way to engage new participants.