A SECONDARY school from Devon has been acknowledged nationally for their unique approach to playing sports as inclusively as possible, writes Abi Curran.

Teign School in Kingsteignton was highly commended in the Outstanding Secondary Practice category at the Youth Sport Trust 2024 Conference Awards, sponsored by Sports Directory and The LEGO Group.

The award, sponsored by Complete PE, recognised a secondary school that has used sport to build back healthier, happier, and more resilient young people.

The Youth Sport Trust is the UK’s leading children’s charity improving every young person’s education and development through sport.

Head of department Keira Wylie said: ‘It feels amazing to be highly commended, I can’t believe it really, I think we’re all still quite stunned.

‘We’ve been trying to make sure that every single student is engaged in some way in physical activity.

‘We’ve been to a few Youth Sport Trust events and done a lot of research. A lot of our PE groups are now mixed ability, and they are grouped by choosing their friends to make them happy in PE.

‘We want every child to feel comfortable and safe so they can perform at their highest and enjoy sport as much as possible.’

Reigning heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was also in attendance to recognise those who have gone above and beyond from across the country.

The 31-year-old also sat down for a keynote speaker session and shared advice and anecdotes from her athlete career.

She said: ‘It’s been a really great evening and event.

‘Sport is what I do and how I’ve been brought up through youth development and all the competitions that I did through this organisation as a kid.

‘It’s nice to be here and giving back and it’s great to hear so many inspiring stories.

‘I don’t know who I am without sport and that came from PE lessons doing high jump when I was younger.

‘From that young age, I found an identity through it where I was known for being good at something.’

More than 120 nominations were received from across the seven categories, and judging panels of experts reviewed the shortlisted entries to decide the finalists.

Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver added: ‘There have been so many incredibly worthy nominees for the various awards.

‘I’m so excited about all the innovation and tremendous practice that is going on across the country to build brighter futures for young people through the power of sport.’

The Youth Sport Trust Annual Conference Awards celebrate schools, settings, trusts, and individuals who, working alongside Youth Sport Trust, have made a real and impactful change to the lives of young people. Find out how the Youth Sport Trust is building brighter futures for children through sport and play.