MINEHEAD First School is celebrating after achieving a Gold Mark in the Sainsbury’s School Games Awards, a Government-led scheme aimed at recognising and celebrating schools’ commitment, engagement and delivery of competitive school sport.

Over the past two years, the school has reinvigorated its extra-curricular club programme and last academic year more than 70 per cent of its pupils took part in a least one club a week.

The school offers at least ten extra-curricular sessions a week and has formed strong links with several local sports clubs.

Within normal school time, all children have the chance to develop their leadership skills with a specific focus on “learn to lead”

Years 3 and 4 children have the additional opportunity to apply to be part of the “Sports Crew” and support the delivery of competitions including organising equipment, writing up reports and running events.

The school has also boosted the inter-school competitions the children can take part in.

As well as the traditional events run by the West Somerset Sports Association and local community competitions such as the rotary club Swimathon, Beacon to Beach and the West Somerset Primary Tennis Challenge, Minehead First School children can now take part in Quadkid Athletics and Key Steps Gymnastics.

Last year both the Year 1/2 team and Year 3/4 team made the county gymnastics finals at Millfield.

PE co-ordinator Sarah Evans said: “We are very proud of the wide range of sporting opportunities that we are able to offer the children at Minehead First School and the strong community links we have made.

“We are thrilled that this has now been recognised by the school gaining this award.

“At Minehead First School we are fortunate to have dedicated members of staff who are willing to give up their time to run clubs and accompany children to sporting events.”