To commemorate this landmark event, First Minister John Swinney visited St Augustine’s RC High School in Edinburgh. Swinney’s visit highlighted the successes of the Active Schools programme and its importance in fostering a lifelong love of sport among Scotland's youth.

A legacy of impact

Active Schools, supported by over £13 million (€15,47 million) annually from the Scottish Government, operates across all local authorities in Scotland, providing a wide range of sports opportunities. The programme’s reach has been extensive, with more than 3 million sessions facilitating 62.5 million visits by pupils over the past 20 years. This broad impact underscores the programme's role not just within schools but also in the wider community, promoting inclusive participation in physical activities.

Achievement of key commitments

The Scottish Government’s 2021-22 Programme for Government included a notable pledge to make Active Schools programmes free of charge by the end of the current parliamentary term in 2026. This commitment aimed to eliminate financial barriers to participation, ensuring that cost would not hinder any child’s access to sports.

Swinney announced that this pledge has been fulfilled ahead of schedule. “The 20th anniversary of sportscotland’s Active Schools programme gives me the opportunity to thank all the partners, staff, and volunteers who have made it an established and growing success, with support from the Scottish Government,” Swinney stated. “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to deliver on that commitment early and in time for the start of the new school year.”

This early achievement ensures that students can participate in sports without financial constraints, returning to school with equal opportunities to engage in physical activities.

Participation and volunteer engagement

Recent data from sportscotland indicates a strong rebound in participation levels following the pandemic. In the 2023/24 academic year, the programme recorded 4.9 million visits over 262,000 Active Schools sessions, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The number of deliverers, responsible for leading these sessions, has also seen a recovery, reaching 17,800 in 2023/24 from a pre-pandemic peak of 23,500.

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, highlighted the programme’s significance. “Over the last 20 years, the Active Schools programme has been an integral part of Scotland’s sporting system. For so many young people, it is where their sporting journey begins and has provided opportunities that many may not have had otherwise.” He praised the strong recovery in participation and the ongoing support from schools and volunteers.

The role of volunteers is particularly noteworthy, with 91% of deliverers being volunteers. Their dedication is crucial for ensuring that sports activities are not only available but also engaging and well-supported.

St Augustine’s RC High School: A model of success

St Augustine’s RC High School in Edinburgh has been a prime example of the success of the Active Schools programme. The school collaborates closely with its Active Schools Co-ordinator, local sports clubs, and community partners to offer a wide range of sports clubs. With over 14 sports clubs available weekly and all fully subscribed, the school demonstrates a high level of student engagement and enthusiasm for sports.

The school’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its efforts to target pupils with additional needs, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities. This approach has been integral to the school’s success and contributed to its achievement of the gold sportscotland School Sport Award.

Edinburgh Active Schools Manager, Tammy McKinlay, praised St Augustine’s. “Sport and physical activity is one of the key values at schools like St Augustine's and puts sport at the heart of their planning, practice and ethos. One of the great reasons behind the success of the programmes at St Augustine’s is the excellent partnership that exists working across the entire school learning community.”

Reflections from key figures

During his visit, First Minister Swinney engaged with pupils, teachers, and volunteers to gain insights into the programme’s impact. He noted the importance of maintaining a sense of fun in sports activities to enhance the overall well-being of young people. “It’s important we do everything possible to help them hold on to that sense of fun because we know physical activity will improve their chances of living healthy and happy lives,” Swinney remarked.

Dunlop also emphasised the significance of the programme’s role in Scotland’s sporting landscape and praised the ongoing efforts of all involved: “Schools like St Augustine’s are a fantastic example of the dedication and undoubted commitment to ensuring that sport and physical activity is at the heart of school life.”

Looking forward: sustaining the momentum

As the Active Schools programme moves into its third decade, the focus will remain on building upon its successes and further enhancing the quality and accessibility of sports opportunities for young people. Continued support from the Scottish Government, sportscotland, and local authorities will be crucial in sustaining the programme’s positive impact.

The 20th anniversary celebrations not only highlight the achievements of the past but also set the stage for future success. By continuing to prioritise inclusivity, volunteerism, and effective partnerships, the Active Schools programme is well-positioned to make a lasting difference in the lives of Scotland’s youth, ensuring that the benefits of sport and physical activity remain accessible to all.