SANDFORD School was recently delighted to learn that it has been awarded the School Games Gold Mark Award for the 2018/19 academic year.

Facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust, The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme which was launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. Sandford School is delighted to have been recognised for its sporting commitment.

Sporting achievements this year include taking part in the Crediton Learning Community tag rugby tournament, the annual Crediton Swimming Gala, netball tournaments, gymnastics, Sandford Cricket Club cricket festival as well as regular interhouse matches within school.

A Sandford School Skipping Workshop - which inspired the whole school to take part in World Skipping Day - also proved to be a huge success!

Head Teacher Lois Briard said: “With many of our young people competing in local inter-school competitions this year, we are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible.”

As part of the application, Sandford School was asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs of which there were many, covering a wide range of sporting activities.

“It’s a fantastic testament to the hard work of teachers and children that our school has been recognised and rewarded this year,” explains Lois. “We are looking forward to applying once again in 2020!”

Special thanks went to Alison Littlejohn who retired in July having led the school’s sports provision for many years; to Linda Lake who will be continuing to lead sport at Sandford and to Nathan Keast, who provides the school with additional sports coaching, for all his efforts in keeping the school active and moving!

Parents with a child starting at the school in September 2020 are invited to visit the school at a time that is convenient for them. They are asked to book an appointment on 01363 772256.