A school has received the top accolade in an awards scheme which recognises how it gets young people involved in sports.

Dorchester Middle School is celebrating receiving a gold award in the Sainsbury’s School Games Mark awards, which rewards schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community.

To land the highest award, a school has to prove it increases engagement in school games, including involving half of students in extracurricular sports activities every week. It also has to show it provides opportunity for both boys and girls to take part in appropriate level competition.

Matt Roberts, head of PE at the school, said: “Myself and my PE team worked tirelessly with children in engaging with them and providing opportunities for them.

“The gold standard is the holy grail of sports awards and it’s reasonably rare that schools are given it.

“We have a huge range of sports clubs. We have inclusive clubs as well where children with disabilities are given opportunities. Whether you’re a boy or girl, aged nine or 13, we’re welcoming as a department.

“It’s reflected in the good numbers we get at sports clubs, we have a terrific turnout. Lots of children want to be involved.”

Mr Roberts thanked all the staff in the PE department who give their free time to run sports clubs, extra curricular matches and events.

The School Games Mark is a government led scheme which is now in its seventh year, having received more than 35,000 applications since 2012.

Each application is assessed and awarded either a bronze, silver or gold level award. Assessments are made in four different areas – how many young people are being engaged in sports, how many different sports are played and how many competitions are entered, how many pupils are involved in leadership activities alongside taking part in competitions how many links the school has with local clubs.

Schools which consistently submit gold level applications can apply for a special platinum award.