• NCW, Whittington Road, Worcester, WR5 2JX
Inspiring, nurturing and empowering young people with a vision impairment.

NCW Achieves Gold School Games Mark Award for 2025/26

A student takes part in a goalball activity inside a sports hall. The student is seated on a wooden sports floor and wears a bright orange NCW sports shirt, protective elbow pads, knee pads and blackout goggles used in goalball. One hand is placed on the floor while the other supports their movement as they position themselves near a court line. Large blue wall panels form the background, and the image highlights the specialist equipment and techniques used in this vision impairment-inclusive sport.

We are delighted to announce that New College Worcester has once again been awarded the School Games Gold Mark Award for the 2025/26 academic year.

The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme, launched in 2012 and facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust, which recognises schools for their commitment to developing sporting opportunities and competitive activity both within school and across the wider community.

We are incredibly proud to have achieved Gold status once again, reflecting our ongoing commitment to ensuring that blind and vision impaired young people can access a wide range of inclusive sporting opportunities.

At NCW, our specialist expertise in vision impairment education extends far beyond the classroom. We are passionate about ensuring that blind and vision impaired young people can enjoy sport, physical activity and healthy lifestyles just as much as their sighted peers.

Through adaptive techniques, specialist coaching and inclusive opportunities, our students can access a wide range of sports and activities without letting their vision impairment stand in the way. Whether competing in team sports, developing new skills or simply enjoying being active, our young people are encouraged to build confidence, stay fit and develop a lifelong love of sport.

We are fortunate to have excellent on-site facilities, including a swimming pool, multi-purpose gym and sports hall, providing students with opportunities to take part in regular physical activity both during and beyond the school day. These facilities play a key role in supporting students’ physical wellbeing, independence and enjoyment of sport. A student takes part in an exercise session in a fitness suite, stretching a bright green resistance band above their head with both hands. The student is wearing glasses, a black Adidas t-shirt and a smartwatch. Gym equipment can be seen in the background, and the words "WORK SWEAT ACHIEVE" are displayed on the wall behind them. The photograph is taken indoors in a well-lit exercise space at NCW.

Throughout the year, NCW students have taken part in a variety of sporting events and competitions, demonstrating enthusiasm, determination and teamwork. From goalball and swimming to athletics and other physical activities, our students continue to show that vision impairment should never be a barrier to participation in sport.

Jane Price, Head of PE at NCW, said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the School Games Gold Mark once again. At NCW, we believe that vision impairment should never be a barrier to enjoying sport and physical activity. Our aim is to provide every student with the confidence, skills and opportunities to participate, whether through adaptations, specialist support or access to our excellent facilities. It is wonderful to see so many students embracing sport, challenging themselves and discovering activities they love. This award is a testament to their enthusiasm, as well as the dedication of our Sports Department, volunteers and charity partners who help make these opportunities possible.”

Three students take part in a fitness session in NCW's gym. The students are lying on exercise mats on a wooden floor, each raising one leg as part of a guided workout. An instructor sits on a bench at the front of the room, leading the session. The bright, modern fitness suite contains exercise bikes, weights, benches and cardio equipment, with large windows allowing natural light into the space. A wall mirror reflects the gym equipment and instructor, highlighting the spacious workout environment.

Our success is also thanks to the dedication of our PE Department, whose commitment to providing inclusive sporting opportunities enables students to participate and thrive. We are equally grateful to the volunteers, external coaches and charity partners who have supported our sporting programme throughout the year, helping to create meaningful opportunities for blind and vision impaired young people to develop skills, build confidence and enjoy being active.

As part of the award process, schools are assessed against criteria covering participation, competition, workforce and clubs. Achieving the Gold Award is recognition of the hard work and dedication shown by students and staff alike in promoting sport and physical activity across the college.

The School Games Gold Mark recognises not only our commitment to competitive sport, but also our belief that every young person should have the opportunity to participate, achieve and thrive through physical activity.

A special thank you goes to everyone who has supported school sport throughout the year, including staff, volunteers, coaches, charity partners and, most importantly, our students for embracing every opportunity to get involved.

We look forward to building on this success and applying for the School Games Mark again in 2027.

Congratulations to everyone involved! 

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