A WEST Devon primary school is to be presented with a prestigious award by Sport England — the only school in the South West to be recognised in a brand new scheme.

St Andrew's School at Buckland Monachorum will be presented with an Activemark Gold award at Gateshead International Stadium on July 16.

This is the first year that Activemark and Activemark Gold awards have been presented by Sport England.

The awards recognise schools providing an environment which encourages physical activity, a broad and balanced PE programme and teaches children the importance of staying active.

Bill Houldsworth, headteacher at the 210-pupil St Andrew's, said he was 'delighted' with the award.

'This is a tremendous achievement — we are very pleased indeed.'

He said the primary had to complete a 'very comprehensive' assessment of every aspect of PE within the school and its community — he hoped the gold award would provide a 'springboard' for further investment at St Andrew's.

It also bodes well for talented pupils at the school. 'We already have children who swim for Devon and who are in the process of going on to represent England — sports have really taken off here,' said Mr Houldsworth.

'We have 37 children going sailing off the Hoe this weekend — we cover sports from swimming, badminton, hockey, gymnastics to tag rugby.'

The school had to provide a sports development plan covering all age groups for Sport England assessors, and to prove there were extra-curricular PE sessions for age groups.

Mr Houldsworth said St Andrew's concentrated on outside activities as the school hall was so small — extensive playground games are also encouraged.

'We include a very wide range of activities that involve all children, not just those with physical prowess.

'If the variety is there and the enjoyment is there, participation comes naturally,' he said.

The interest in sport also has a knock-on effect on staff at the school — Mr Houldsworth said half a dozen members of staff regularly turn out for a run with the pupils during Friday lunchtimes!

He paid tribute to staff, particularly deputy head Julie Curtis, for their hard work in attaining the award.

'We could not have got it without their commitment,' he said.

Sport England have awarded 16 Activemarks and 37 Activemark Gold standards in the inaugural round of the awards, which follow on from the Sportsmark awards for secondary schools.

All schools applying to the Activemark programme receive a special resource pack produced by the British Heard Foundation, of a theme of 'Get Active, Stay Active'.