Meet our 2025 Impact Awards Winners!

Introduced in 2021/22, the Impact Awards showcase the changemakers within the School Games network; those who drive a positive change in young people’s lives and those who innovate to inspire others to do the same.

The winners of the 2024/25 School Games Impact Awards are:

Engaging Schools

Tim Liptrot and Dean Hepburn, Co-op Academy Failsworth, Greater Manchester

Their project equipped school staff (including teachers and midday supervisors) with a deeper understanding of Physical Literacy. This enabled them to create inclusive and meaningful movement experiences for pupils. Through reflective training and practical activities, staff explored their movement journeys. This resulted in the confidence and motivation to engage less active students during everyday opportunities, such as break/lunchtime.

Find out more about Tim and Dean's impact.

Engaging Stakeholders

Sharon Walls, Lowton Church of England High School, Greater Manchester

Sharon's project embedded the Physical Literacy Consensus Statement across schools in Wigan to shift the focus from movement alone to fostering meaningful connections through physical activity. It began with a borough-wide CPD session to enhance the confidence and understanding of PE leads. Continued training established a shared language and sense of purpose. This promoted consistent, inclusive practice and supported more active and engaged children across the borough.

Find out more about Sharon's impact.

Personal Development and Youth Voice

Abby Kennedy, St. Bede’s Catholic College, West of England

Abby's inclusive leadership project trained 45 Key Stage 3 students from both mainstream and SEND schools. It enabled them to deliver adapted sports sessions to 156 younger SEND pupils across 12 schools in North Bristol. Co-designed activities and partner support helped both leaders and participants to develop confidence, connection, and resilience. The project created a lasting impact and laid the groundwork for sustainable, inclusive practice.

Find out more about Abby's impact.

Positive Experiences for Targeted Young People

Lauren Donnelly, Forge Valley School, South Yorkshire

Lauren's sports leadership programme empowered pupils across key stages to develop leadership skills through inclusive, school-wide opportunities. Designed to promote personal development and elevate youth voice, the initiative encouraged pupils to take ownership of activities, influence decision-making, and act as role models. Through structured training and real-life leadership experiences, students built confidence, communication, and a sense of responsibility, contributing to a more inclusive and active school environment.

Find out more about Lauren's impact.

School Innovation and Impact

Michelle Daniel, William Bellamy Primary School, London East

William Bellamy Primary School refreshed its inclusive PE and competition programme after COVID, engaging over 500 pupils and increasing participation among SEND and female students by 50%. By using adaptive strategies, peer-led activities, and community support, the school helped build pupils’ resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. It has now embedded a sustainable, inclusive approach to physical activity and competition.

Find out more about Michelle and the school's impact.

Secondary School Engagement and Transition

Kate Robinson, Dyke House Sports and Technology College, Tees Valley

Kate's project worked to boost participation and confidence in School Games events across five Hartlepool secondary schools by tackling socio-economic barriers. Competitions were redesigned with mixed teams and officiating changes, encouraging greater involvement from all schools. As a result, students felt more motivated, and staff placed a stronger focus on inclusivity to support lasting engagement and enjoyment.

Find out more about Kate's impact.

Young Person Impact

Paul Donaghy, Sedgefield Community College, Durham

In partnership with the North East Autism Society, Paul delivered leadership training to older students in alternative provision. The students planned and led a multi-skills sports festival for SEND pupils, which built their confidence and communication skills. The project strengthened relationships between schools and opened up future leadership opportunities for NEAS students.

Find out more about Paul's impact.

Youth Sport Trust and SailGP Impact League Schools Award

Lisa Alford, Active Devon

This event tackled the limited access to natural spaces for disadvantaged children by offering a fun, outdoor experience and providing a day bus pass to encourage family return visits. Pupils took part in beach games, environmental art, and surf lifesaving activities. The experience sparked curiosity about nature, built confidence, and promoted outdoor learning and physical activity.

Find out more about Lisa's impact.

A huge congratulations to all our winners for their incredible impact on the School Games network!