Sports success with Platinum School Games Mark

We are delighted to be celebrating the Platinum School Games Mark – a national award recognising excellence in school sport and physical activity.

The Platinum award celebrates schools who maintain consistently high standards with their school sports provision by achieving Gold standard consecutively for four years. Schools must submit a detailed case study to be considered for the honour.

We are thrilled to receive this prestigious accolade for our school. The Platinum School Games Mark recognises all of the efforts of the whole Cottingham CofE community with regards to PE and sports, championed by our PE Lead, Mrs Lloyd, and we can’t wait to provide even more sporting opportunities this school year!

Our sports and PE funding is used each year to ensure all pupils enjoy inclusive, fun, and engaging experiences. Alongside daily activities, children take part in special events and competitive opportunities. Every class also benefits from two high-quality PE lessons each week, while termly experience days introduce children to new activities such as parkour, freestyle football, Irish dancing, netball and rugby.

Our Sports Crew, made up of pupils who apply for the role, helps to organise and lead activities. They play a key role in house competitions, with games ranging from New Age Kurling to archery.

We aim for every child to represent the school at least once in a sporting event, whether competitive or participation-based, with opportunities in athletics, Diamond cricket, football and more. Some pupils have also gone on to compete at a higher level, representing Corby, Oundle and Thrapston in hockey and cricket at venues including the County Ground – home of the Northants Steelbacks.

Links with local clubs and professional teams further strengthen opportunities. A highlight this year was a visit from the Loughborough Lightning netball team, inspiring our pupils to aim even higher.