School Games SGO Update - November 2026

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Getting ready for the Regional Conferences 2026

With the School Games and Advocacy Network Regional Conferences just around the corner, we're looking forward to bringing colleagues together across six locations.

We'll email joining instructions to registered delegates no later than one week before their chosen event. These will include details on downloading the event app, your go-to resource for the day's agenda, workshop sessions, and venue information.

Make sure you've booked your place, look out for your joining instructions, and download the app ahead of the event so you're ready for the day!

Get Ready for the School Games National Santa Dash!

It’s nearly time to get festive and active as the School Games National Santa Dash returns on Friday 11 December!

Organised by Ali Watt (Hawthornes SGO area), who brings this fantastic initiative to life each year, the Santa Dash invites schools to join in the fun by organising their own festive run, jog or walk, with the freedom to choose a distance and time that works for their pupils.

Last year, a record 122,654 participants got involved – can we make this year even bigger? Help spread the word and encourage your local schools to join us!

Help Us Keep Your School Games Mark History Up to Date

After a record-breaking year for the School Games Mark, with 10,226 schools recognised in 2025/26, we’re asking schools and School Games Organisers to check that their School Games Mark history, as displayed on their dashboards, is accurate and up to date.

We’ve also shared this fantastic achievement with MPs, helping raise awareness of the School Games' impact and celebrate schools' and the wider network's commitment. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible.

If you spot any potential errors or have any queries, please let the Regional Support Team know so these can be looked into. Please complete your checks by Friday 18 December 2026.

Updates

Updated School Games Mark Development Tool for 2026/27

The School Games Mark Development Tool, developed by one of our School Games Development Coaches, has been updated ahead of the 2026/27 application window. It’s a simple way for schools to review their current provision against the different levels of the School Games Mark and identify areas for development.

By completing the tool, schools can plan their next steps, strengthen their provision and work towards progressing through the award levels. A useful resource to share with your schools as they start preparing for the year ahead! Find the tool here.

National Hockey Fund Expands Following Successful First Year

England Hockey has shared the impact of the first year of its National Hockey Fund for State Schools, delivered in partnership with Youth Sport Trust and 28 School Games Organisers.

The pilot saw hockey festival numbers increase by 119% and participation by 115% in investment areas, reaching 6,841 pupils. A big thank you to all the SGOs who took part and helped make the pilot a success.

For 2026/27, the fund will expand to 60 SGO areas, creating opportunities for even more young people to experience hockey. Read the full update from England Hockey.

Showcasing Impact

Award-Winning Practice: Collaboration in Action

How can organisations work together to tackle inequalities and create better opportunities for young people? Amy McCulloch's multi-agency steering group offers a great example. By bringing partners together to share expertise, coordinate their work and develop joint initiatives, the group reduced duplication and strengthened pathways for young people.

This case study highlights how closer collaboration across sport, health, wellbeing and community services can help more young people access the support and opportunities they need, while creating lasting benefits across the city.

Good Practice in Action: Youth Voice

This excellent case study from the Blessed Trinity (St Theodores) SGO area showcases how meaningful youth voice can help create more inclusive opportunities for Muslim girls. Through consultation with pupils across two schools, the SGO gathered valuable insights into their experiences, interests and barriers to participation. A great example of listening to young people and using their feedback to shape provision – and a useful source of inspiration for other SGOs!

Also a call to action for any SGOs who have conducted meaningful youth voice. We are looking for best-practice examples - if you have an example, please email [email protected] and outline what you have done; we may investigate further and support you to produce a case study!

Support and Offers

Free Hockey CPD for Teachers

England Hockey is providing free Teacher Training Workshops in 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.

Book your place on the Secondary Teacher Training workshop.

The Primary Teacher Training session took place on 10 November. For any queries, please contact [email protected].