Prestigious award for Ilkley Grammar School (From Wharfedale Observer)

Prestigious award for Ilkley Grammar School

7:46pm Wednesday 17th January 2007 in Schools By Lesley Tate

ILKLEY Grammar School is celebrating after winning a prestigious sporting award.

The Sportsmark Award, given to just 16 per cent of secondary schools, recognises the amount and variety of sporting activities in a school's curriculum.

The awards are decided by a panel of experts including representatives of the Department for Education and Skills, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, Sport England and the Youth Sport Trust.

Head teacher Gillian James said it was a huge achievement for the school. "Hilary Ravensdale, our PE Curriculum leader and her team deserve every praise. Despite the very considerable constraints of our split-site playing fields and transport challenges, they have done a magnificent job.

"I'd also like to pay particular mention to Peter Blackwell, our school sports co-ordinator and Dave Duxbury, the rugby development officer, from Ilkley Rugby Club, who give so much of their time and talent to ensuring the best opportunities for our students."