School Games SGO Update - September 2026

Posted 9th September 2026

Welcome to the first School Games network update for SGOs for 2026/27.

Catch up on previous editions of the newsletter.

Actions

School Games Mark - Verification Deadline

A reminder that School Games Mark applications all need to be signed off by Friday 18 September. Please ensure you review applications as swiftly as possible to allow your schools to celebrate their hard-earned award! Please note, as per the email you have already received, the window for applications from targeted schools has also been extended to Friday 18 September. Please accommodate for this when verifying applications on your dashboard.

Key Message Assets

As it's the start of a new academic year, a reminder that there’s a resource bank available with the School Games’ Key Message and Communication Assets Toolkit. ​​​These resources help you to tailor messages for different audiences and contexts, and support you in engaging schools effectively.

Consultation Group - September Meeting

The next School Games Consultation Group meeting will be on Thursday 17 September at The Link, Loughborough. Topics to be covered include national policy update, planning for the regional conferences, Youth Sport Trust conference content, and School Games Values. If you would like to ensure a topic is discussed or have views to share, please contact your regional Consultation Group member.

2026/27 Development Plans and Events Calendars

Please update and complete your 2026/27 Development Plans, including the ‘evidence of need’ section to identify priority groups and programme of events by Wednesday 30 September. Plans must connect to all outcomes and expectations. The details you provide are shared with NGBs and Lead Inclusion Schools so they can tailor their support across each county. Please speak to your Development Coach should you need any help with this.

Inclusive Health Check Week

Inclusive Health Check Week is coming up from 28 September - 02 October! Keep an eye on our social channels for handy tips, support with completing the Check, and ideas to help make a difference in your school.

Updates

Upcoming Dates Across the Autumn Term

As we welcome in the new academic year, a reminder of several upcoming dates across the autumn term:

  • 14 September - Welcome Back Webinar (10:30-11:30am). Register here
  • 08-09 October - New SGO National Induction (in person)
  • 17 November - Regional Conference (Manchester)
  • 24 November - Regional Conference (Bedford)
  • 26 November - Regional Conference (London)
  • 01 December - Regional Conference (Exeter)
  • 02 December - Regional Conference (Worcester)
  • 03 December - Regional Conference (York)

For all dates and priorities for the year, please access the School Games Roadmap 2026/27, which provides essential guidance for SGOs, Active Partnerships, and NGB/NDSOs to support planning, preparation, and delivery throughout the year.

Welcome Back Webinar 

A reminder that our termly virtual connect to kick off the new academic year is Monday 14 September. Join us - Zoom link here

(Meeting ID: 825 1774 7395 | Passcode: 270763)

  • Date: Monday 14 September 2026
  • Time: 10:30-11:30am
  • Audience: School Games Organisers and colleagues involved in delivering School Games

Whether you’re returning to the programme or joining the School Games network for the first time, this webinar is a great opportunity to start the new academic year informed, connected and ready for what’s ahead.

KCSIE Safeguarding Update

The new 2026/27 Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance came into effect on 01 September 2026. We have extracted some key changes that you need to be aware of from the master document. SGOs and their employing, host, and delivery organisations should be aware of the changes and consider any implications for local School Games practice. We encourage you to be familiar with the changes and their implications.

Martyn’s Law: What the School Games Network Needs to Know

Martyn’s Law is expected to come into force in spring 2027, introducing new requirements for certain premises and events. SGOs should understand who holds responsibility, check venue arrangements, and ensure appropriate emergency procedures are in place. Read the latest extract from the guidance to understand what the legislation could mean for School Games events.

Switch Your 2026/27 Events to the New NGB Formats

A reminder that 31 sports now have fresh, redesigned formats on the website, with updated guidance developed in collaboration with National Governing Bodies. When planning activity for 2026/27, make sure to explore the formats and select them in the Events Calendar. Explore the formats today. A further four sports will launch their brand-new formats on 05 October.

Youth Sport Trust Conference 2027

Achievement | Enrichment | Inclusion | Play | Wellbeing

Wednesday 24 February, Telford International Centre

Given the ongoing change within the landscape we will be bringing the SGO Summit and Youth Sport Trust Conference together to have one opportunity for all delegates. So save the date and further details on how to access your fully funded place will be shared as soon as possible.

Hot Weather Top Tips

It does seem ironic that we are sharing this document with you now that the weather has most definitely changed! However, having consulted with organisations such as AfPE to develop these top tips, we were still keen to share them - see here. For some parts of the country where there has been limited rainfall, there are still some useful points for consideration.

Please note that this document is intended to provide helpful tips rather than formal guidance. Host site policies and guidance, alongside that provided by the relevant NGBs, should always be followed first and foremost.

Showcasing Impact

Award-Winning Practice

Sean O'Connor's pupil-centred transition project at The Regis School supported SEND and low-confidence pupils moving to secondary school. Sensory circuits helped build emotional regulation, confidence and friendships, while parent voice, pupil leadership and staff collaboration created a sustainable approach to inclusive physical activity.

Good Practice in Action

Take a look at this brilliant case study from a new SGO, really taking a deep dive into their evidence of need. A great case study to support you in development planning for which schools are in the greatest need!

Support and Offers

Destination Deaflympics: Inclusive Resources for Schools

UK Deaf Sport’s Destination Deaflympics programme offers free resources to help schools and organisations engage deaf 8-16 year olds in sport. The programme supports young people to try new activities, learn about the Deaflympics, and discover opportunities to progress in sport.

RFU Publishes Updated Age Grade Regulation

The RFU has published updates to its Age Grade Regulation (Regulation 15), with changes taking effect from 01 August 2026 for the 2026/27 season.

The updates follow consultation with clubs, schools, colleges and partners, alongside feedback from more than 600 survey responses. Those involved in delivering rugby opportunities in schools are encouraged to review the updated regulation ahead of the new season.

Free Hockey CPD for Teachers

England Hockey are providing free Teacher Training Workshops in September and November for primary and secondary teachers. The online sessions will introduce teachers to the new Junior Hockey Framework, signposting to schemes of work, games and activities and top tips for delivering in different school environments.

To register, please click on the links below:

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].