Oxford primary school awarded ‘gold mark’ for sport

Wood Farm Primary School in Headington, Oxford, has been awarded the School Games Gold Mark for 2025/26, a national scheme that celebrates schools promoting inclusive sport and the wider benefits of physical activity for young people.

The award follows a year of focused investment in sports programmes at the school, led by deputy headteacher Louise Holman.

Ms Holman said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the School Games Gold Mark.

“This reflects our whole-school commitment to ensuring our children are active, healthy and confident.

“We know that sport plays a vital role not only in physical fitness but also in supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Wood Farm has expanded its sports provision throughout the school day and beyond, taking part in inter-school competitions including football, cross-country, and athletics.

A key factor behind the school’s success has been its partnership with Oxford United in the Community, which has delivered specialist coaching and enrichment sessions for pupils.

The partnership has also inspired pupils through visits from players and given them opportunities to take part in after-school clubs, including boys’ and girls’ football teams that now compete in local leagues.

Headteacher David Lewin said: “This award is a fantastic achievement for our whole school community.

“Our staff, pupils and partners have worked incredibly hard to create more opportunities for children to be active, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised at a national level.”

The school plans to continue building on its success and further embed sport into daily life.