A COMMITMENT to physical education and sport has seen a Cradley Heath school pick up a Youth Sport Trust silver quality mark.

Ormiston Forge Academy has been awarded the nationally recognised badge of excellence after having its PE provision and school sport audited and priorities for its development identified.

Dawn Benson, leader of the performance faculty, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the silver quality mark from the Youth Sport Trust, which recognises our commitment to delivering the best possible sporting experiences for the young people at our school.

“There are a whole range of educational, health and wellbeing benefits from delivering high-quality PE and school sport, and we see on a regular basis that when it is delivered well it can transform the lives of all pupils.”

Forge has increased its extra-curricular provision for sport with students now representing the academy in a diverse range of sports such as netball, girls football, athletics, handball, trampolining and badminton.

Students at the school have also represented Sandwell at the Black Country Championships in badminton.

Alison Oliver, chief executive at the Youth Sport Trust, said: “Congratulations to Ormiston Forge Academy for achieving the Youth Sport Trust silver quality mark. Schools which achieve the quality mark, share our belief in the value of high-quality PE and sport and the positive impact it has on young people’s journey through education.

"PE and school sport helps young people to live healthy and active lives and through it, helps them achieve their personal best in school and life.

“We are delighted to be working with thousands of schools across the country that recognise the competitive advantage this gives to their pupils.”