The sportscotland School Sport Award, which recognises innovation and achievement in the delivery of school sport and physical activity, is open to over 1000 schools in Scotland across 32 local authorities.

The award was relaunched in late 2022. Following a self-assessment process, each school must complete an action plan outlining their aims and actions for developing sport throughout the year. This is crucial in determining whether they achieve the award. 

Since it was re-launched, 258 schools across Scotland have achieved a Gold Award, with over 222 achieving a Silver Award and 143 achieving a Bronze Award. With 42% of schools in Scotland now taking part in the award, its value to primary, secondary, combined and ASN (Additional Support Needs) schools is greater than ever, according to Sportfirst data.

There are several awards. The Gold School Sport Award is for schools which have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to the promotion of physical activity, sport participation and the overall well-being of pupils. The School Sport Award provides a framework for all schools to be recognised at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels. It also enables Active Schools networks and schools to work together effectively. The total number of Gold schools is at a record high.

The Balfron Schools Cluster is one of the first clusters to be awarded the sportscotland Gold School Sport Award and comprises eight schools (Balfron High School, Balfron Primary School, Buchlyvie Primary School, Drymen Primary School, Fintry Primary School, Killearn Primary School, Kippen Primary School and Strathblane Primary School). The annual School Sport Awards ceremony was held at Balfron High School on 18 June.

Pupil participation is almost universal, with over 90% of pupils taking part in a wide range of sports and physical activities. This has not only improved their physical health. It has also provided an opportunity to learn valuable life skills.

Neil Thomson, Active Schools Co-ordinator for Active Stirling said, "The School Sport Award has been a great opportunity for all the schools in the Learning Community to understand exactly how sporting they really are. The award has been instrumental in developing a whole school approach to sport within each school. All staff and pupils have contributed in some way to achieving gold for their school."  These words are reflected in Sportfirst.

Elaine Bannatyne, Principal of Balfron High School, said, "Achieving another Gold Award and a cluster-wide Gold Award is testament to the value placed on PE, physical activity and sport within the Balfron High School learning community. We are very proud to be the first cluster to achieve the sportscotland School Sport Award at Gold level in every school."

Sport Minister Maree Todd congratulated Balfron High School, saying: "Their commitment shows that children and teachers across Scotland are passionate about sport, physical activity and the many benefits of participation.

Finally, Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: "The importance of sport in school life cannot be underestimated and achieving a sportscotland Gold School Sport Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of pupils, teachers and volunteers in a school.