Students and staff at a Brentwood school have been celebrating after receiving the Sportsmark Award for their commitment to physical education and sports provision.

Hedley Walter School in Sawyers Hall Lane was one of more than 700 schools across the country which received the commendation from leading sports development agency, Sport England.

Principal, Barbi Goulding, said: "The Sportsmark is recognition from Sport England that the sports teaching at the school is among the best in the country and this is the second time the school has been given this outstanding honour.

"The award also recognises the excellent extra-curricular provision in sport and the wide range of outside sports clubs and organisations that work with the school.

"The award lasts for three years and the announcement reflects our continuing commitment to developing and expanding the range of sports which are available to our students as well as encouraging them to reach even higher standards in those sports."

Sport England chief executive, Roger Draper, praised schools for ensuring physical education and sport remained a priority.

Published Friday, May 23, 2003

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