Stephen has praised schools in East Ham for their success in achieving the School Games Mark during the 2025/26 academic year.
The School Games Mark is a government-led award scheme celebrating schools’ commitment to providing high-quality opportunities for children and young people to take part in PE, school sport and physical activity. It is facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust charity.
In East Ham, 23 schools received a School Games Mark, including:
3 received the School Games Mark Gold
20 received School Games Mark Platinum, awarded to schools who have received Gold in the previous four years and are on track to do so again
Schools have been recognised for their success against a range of measures including physical activity, inclusion, youth voice, physical literacy and opportunities for children to take part in competition.
Commenting on the news, Stephen said: “Being physically active through PE and school sport can support wellbeing and access to essential skills, as well as helping young people form connections and boost attendance. I’m delighted schools in East Ham have been recognised through the School Games Mark for embedding opportunities to be active across the school day.
“I know local schools will rightly be proud of their success and I applaud their commitment to supporting more children to be physically active, including those at greatest risk of missing out. The school leaders, teachers, volunteers and officials involved should be commended for their hard work, which is improving young people’s happiness, health and future life chances.”