School Games

The School Games is a multi-sport event for the UK’s elite young athletes of school age.

About the event

The event seeks to create an inspirational and motivational setting that not only provides our elite young sports people with the opportunity to thrive and perform at the highest levels, but encourages more young people to take part and succeed in sport.

Levels of competiton

Intra-school (Level 1)

For many young people sporting competition is the first experienced through intra-house teams, form groups or in PE lessons. This level of competition will build on a school’s existing work to offer pupils a year-round programme of regular intra-school competition in a number of sports that culminate in a School Games Day.

Inter-school (Level 2)

Inter-school competition is for years 3 to 13. At this stage individuals and teams will be selected to represent their school at inter-school competitions, many of which will be leagues. Schools will have the flexibility to decide which sports to enter but are encouraged to involve as many pupils as possible by creating breadth in the sports they offer and depth through the creation of additional teams.

Inter-school competitions should follow the sport formats as designed by the National Governing Bodies of Sport.

School Games Festival (Level 3)

Each county will host a multi-sport showcase event as a culmination of the year-round inter-school competition. Teams and individuals competing at inter-school level will win the opportunity to compete in this event. Pupils succeeding at this level will be encouraged to develop their enjoyment and talent in sport through existing National Governing Bodies’ club and talent pathways.

The School Games Festival is planned and managed through a Local Organising Committee in every county chaired by a Head Teacher and supported by the County Sports Partnership.

School Games (Level 4)

This is a national multi-sport event, in which the country’s most talented athletes of school age complete if selected by a National Governing Body. This event takes place in high quality venues amongst a unique and vibrant atmosphere and supports athletes development; acting as a stepping stone to further national and international competition. Unfortunately, table tennis is not currently part of the School Games at Level 4.