Transformational Achievement

Sponsored by Complete P.E.

Physical education, school sport and physical activity can drive significant positive change across key whole-school outcomes. This award recognises a school or setting that has seen measurable improvements in student attendance, behaviour and academic outcomes through its approach to PE, school sport or physical activity.

Finalists

WINNER

Rushbrook Primary Academy, Manchester 

 

Four years ago, Rushbrook Primary Academy (RPA) faced significant challenges, including limited facilities, low engagement in sport, high exclusion rates, and attendance issues. Through a partnership with the Youth Sport Trust and a commitment to change, RPA use PE, sport and physical activity to reshape its culture.  

Programmes such as Girls Active, led by pupil Girls Active Leaders, placed pupil voice at the centre of school sport, informing inclusive opportunities that increased participation and enjoyment for girls and underrepresented groups. RPA achieved a School Games Gold Mark, reflecting high-quality physical education and sport provision. 

Investment in facilities marked a turning point. From inadequate resources, RPA now has a multi-use sports pitch, Daily Mile track, Forest School, and a pop-up swimming pool. This also meant greater opportunities in particular for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to overcome fears and build confidence. Sports coaches and purposeful break and lunch activities ensure pupils exceed two hours of physical education each week. Partnerships, including with Cedar Mount Academy, provide dance, trampolining, and drama opportunities, while sports outings increased from one per term to two per week. 

The impact has been profound. Through these sport-led interventions, academic attainment in combined Reading, Writing and Maths has risen by 34%, behaviour has improved from 157 fixed-term exclusions in 2019 to zero over the past two years, and persistent absenteeism has improved. Student wellbeing and confidence have flourished, supported by initiatives such as Happiness Ambassadors, Eco Warriors, and Sports Leaders.  

Last year, RPA hosted or attended over 80 competitions, festivals, and events, resulting in athletics championship success and regional SEND achievements. Pupils report increased confidence and enjoyment of PE, and school has created an active environment where every child feels included. For a community with high levels of English as an Additional Language (EAL), Pupil Premium, and SEND students, these outcomes are transformative.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Marine Academy, Plymouth 

Marine Academy Plymouth’s (MAP) Physical Education (PE) Department has undergone a remarkable transformation between October 2024 and November 2025, redefining what PE can do for young people in one of Plymouth’s most deprived wards. Serving 1,009 students aged 11–19, where 64% fall into the highest deprivation band, the department faced longstanding challenges, including disengagement, low confidence, high physical inactivity, and significant behaviour concerns. In September - October 2024 alone, 111 students were referred to Compass, the school’s internal seclusion room, due to PE-related issues. 

Recognising that traditional approaches were failing, the department listened closely to student voice, uncovering two key barriers: anxiety around changing rooms and a curriculum overly focused on skill rather than enjoyment. This led to a bold, whole-department rethink, guided by the vision that every student should enjoy movement, develop confidence, and engage in a healthy, active lifestyle. 

A key catalyst for change was the department’s partnership with the Youth Sport Trust. Through Well Schools two-day training, trauma-informed PE continuous professional development, and national network discussions, staff gained the knowledge and confidence to embed physical literacy into curriculum design, improve inclusion and wellbeing, and advocate for PE. MAP’s approach was recognised at the 2025 Youth Sport Trust Conference, and the school joined the Youth Sport Trust PE Advocacy Network. 

The curriculum was redesigned to focus on physical literacy, confidence, and enjoyment. Students now attend PE in kit, reducing anxiety, while a wider range of inclusive activities ensures all students can engage. Targeted support was expanded, along with behaviour interventions to help under-served students with re-engagement. 

As a result, PE-related Compass referrals fell by 83%, attendance rose by 2%, students, and MAP achieved the highest Key Stage 4 PE grades across its trust. Students now demonstrate markedly higher engagement, active participation, and more positive attitudes towards PE, with reports that Marine Academy students have never been so committed to their core PE lessons. 

Full list of shortlisted entries:

  • Rushbrook Primary Academy, Manchester 

  • Marine Academy, Plymouth  

  • Kings Oak Academy, Bristol 

  • Torriano Primary School, Camden 

  • Cubitt Town Primary School, Tower Hamlets 

  • Endeavour Learning Trust, Lancashire