A SCHOOL based in Launceston has been recognised for its commitment to nurturing a love of sport within its community.

St Stephen’s Community Academy has achieved the School Games Gold Mark Award for the 2025/26 academic year, the fifth year in a row which it has received such recognition.

The School Games Mark is a government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. On top of this, the scheme allows schools to assess their PE provision and create an action plan for improvement.

Commenting on the news, a spokesperson for the school said: “ We are delighted to have been recognised for our ongoing sporting success.”

Maura Furber, executive headteacher at the school, has expressed her pride at the dedication of pupils to all aspects of school sport, including taking part in inter-school and national competitions.

She said: “With so many of our young people competing in local inter-school competitions this year and national competitions, we are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible.

“As part of our application, we were asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, and we are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year.”

Mrs Furber has issued a special thanks to a number of individuals and organisations which have helped facilitate sporting activities and training for the school’s young people.

She continued: “Arena Sports , especially Michelle Roberts for her on-going support and dedication to our young people, Plymouth Argyle Community Trust East Cornwall & North Devon and the Chance To Shine Cricket project. Go Team St Stephens!”