St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chippenham has been awarded the School Games Gold Mark in recognition of its commitment to sport and physical activity.
The award for the 2025/26 academic year reflects the school’s achievements across participation, competition, workforce development and sporting clubs, recognising the wide range of opportunities available to pupils throughout the year, including girls’ football, festivals and after-school clubs such as dodgeball.
The school was also praised for the ‘enthusiasm, engagement and opportunities’ created for pupils through sport and physical activity.
Sport and physical education at St Mary’s is underpinned by a broad curriculum designed to help pupils build confidence, physical skills, resilience and teamwork through activities including competitive sport, games, gymnastics, dance and outdoor learning.
The school also places a strong emphasis on participation and leadership, with pupils encouraged to take on roles such as sports ambassadors and young officials, alongside opportunities to join after-school clubs and inter-school competitions.
The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012 and facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust. It recognises schools for their commitment to promoting competition, participation and sporting opportunities within school and the wider community.
Lucy Buckland, Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, said, “We are delighted that St Mary’s has been awarded the School Games Gold Mark. This reflects the commitment of our pupils and staff to sport and physical activity, and the wide range of opportunities available to children across the school.
“We are particularly proud of the way pupils support each other through sport, whether in leadership roles, clubs or competitions.”
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, said, “This is a fantastic achievement for St Mary’s and a clear reflection of the school’s efforts to provide high-quality sporting opportunities for all pupils.
“Sport and physical activity play an important role in building confidence, teamwork and resilience, and this award recognises the strength of that work across the school community.”
