The Wey Valley School, Weymouth has been given the highest accolade in a Government-led awards scheme aimed at rewarding schools for the way they carry out competitive school sport.

The school has been awarded a Gold Mark in the Sainsbury’s School Games Mark scheme, launched by the Government in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community.

The scheme was designed in the wake of the 2012 Olympics. Sponsored by supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, it is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Culture Media and Sport, supported by the Department for Education and Department of Health.

Phil Thomas, Principal at Wey Valley School, said: “There was a school of thought a few years ago that sport was all about participation rather than being competitive. But we all witnessed in 2012 that competitive sport is for everyone, as demonstrated by the Olympians and the Para-Olympians.

“At Wey Valley we encourage students to compete at the highest level they can. Of course some people will enjoy watching sport rather than playing, but even they want to see people compete at the highest level.”

Mark Salmon, Head of PE, said: “Over 17,000 schools are taking part in this scheme nationally and there are bronze, silver and gold awards. As a specialist Sports College we have invested in some of the best facilities and equipment, including a new fitness studio, a dance studio, a floodlit multi-use games area for netball and football, athletics sprint track and indoor tennis centre.

“But it is really the dedication of the students who take their sport seriously and put in the hours of work and dedication that it takes to become the best at any sport that has helped us gain this accolade.”