Tips for Planning and Setting Up a Successful School Sports Day

In this blog, you will learn:

• Examples of fun activities to include in a school sports day.
• Top tips for planning and setting up a successful school sports day.
• Discover more about our education recruitment services.

Sports day is more than just another school day; it is an opportunity to inspire healthy habits, encourage teamwork and get students active! According to the Youth Sport Trust, one in ten children in the UK are obese or at risk of obesity and 71% want to be more active at school. The same report found that 96% of Teachers agree that sport and play benefit mental wellbeing, highlighting the importance of events such as sports day.

Getting children excited about physical activity and promoting a positive attitude towards exercise is crucial for their health, wellbeing and overall development.

Throughout this blog, we explore top tips for planning a successful school sports day and outline key considerations to help make the event enjoyable, inclusive and memorable for all students.

What is sports day?

Sports day is an annual school event where students participate in athletic activities such as sprints, races and jumps. It encourages physical activity, teamwork and sportsmanship and provides plenty of opportunities for students to work together.

Teachers usually organise the event and act as judges or referees. Parents, carers and family members are usually invited to watch and cheer on their students. At the end of the day, medals and trophies are given to the winners and students who took part.

Unlike a regular P.E lesson, sports day is a collaborative and enjoyable event that brings out the competitive spirit in students, Teachers, parents and the wider community.

What games and activities are played on sports day?

Classic sports day activities and games include:

• Relay race.
• Sprint.
• Egg and spoon race.
• Tug of war.
• Bean bag toss.
• Sack race.
• Hurdles.
• Obstacle race.
• Hula hoop pass.
• Three-legged race.
• Fancy dress relay.

How to successfully set up a school sports day

Useful steps for organising a schools sports day include:

• Setting the date and schedule for the event.
• Planning the events and creating a timetable for the day.
• Recruiting volunteers to help supervise and support activities.
• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students.
• Preparing prizes and awards.

Setting the date and schedule for the event

Sports day doesn’t fall on one fixed date, but is typically held in the summer months. It’s up to the school to choose the most suitable date and ensure there is sufficient notice to allow for thorough planning and preparation. Headteachers may be required to change the school timetable during the festivities to ensure that everyone can take part. 

Starting to plan early can help schools ensure they have the necessary equipment and tools to host a successful sports day. Good preparation gives Teachers enough time to advertise the event to parents and spectators. 

Planning the events and creating a timetable for the day

Good planning is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable sports day where everyone can participate safely. It is important to choose balanced teams as well as organise what events will be taking place and when, to ensure everything runs on schedule.

Organisers need to consider when and where events will take place, which activities will be individual or team-based and when students will have breaks. Organisers also need to set up the spaces for each event, marking lines and spaces with tape, chalk or cones.

School staff should be prepared to adapt plans where necessary and consider backup activities, especially in the case of unpredictable weather. 

Excitement or overstimulation from students can impact plans and it may be necessary to reschedule or bring activities indoors to ensure the day is stress-free.

Recruiting volunteers to help supervise and support activities

Volunteers play a vital role in making a school sports day successful. They help ensure that the event runs smoothly, safely, and on time. Without volunteers, it would be difficult for Teachers alone to manage all the activities and responsibilities throughout the day. Volunteers can help to keep scores, watch timings, assist with refreshments and ensure spaces remain tidy and safe for students. 

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students

Despite the excitement of the day, it is vital that students' health and safety is prioritised. Students and participating adults should be dressed in suitable clothing and footwear to help prevent injuries.

Because the event involves physical activity, outdoor conditions, and large groups of children, careful supervision is essential at all times.

Staff and volunteers must actively supervise students throughout each activity. This means watching carefully to prevent accidents, making sure students follow instructions and ensuring that equipment is used correctly. They should check that running tracks are clear, that no obstacles are in the way, and that students wait safely for their turn.

It is also crucial to ensure everyone stays hydrated and that there is water available for those competing in events. Staff should also ensure that students are wearing suncream and taking regular breaks in shaded areas to avoid overheating.

Preparing prizes and rewards

A great way to get students engaged, excited and passionate about sports day is to prepare prizes and rewards that encourage healthy competition. While winning is not everything, sports day provides an opportunity for students to learn about teamwork, self-regulation, resilience and the value in participation. 

Schools can organise prizes for the winners such as badges, certificates or small medals, as well as light-hearted or humorous awards to boost self-esteem and ensure students feel included.

Fun recognitions like the Butterfingers Award for the person who dropped their egg, spoon or baton the most, or Most Creative Technique award for a unique approach to completing an event, helps make sports day a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Recognising both achievement and effort helps create a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved. This approach encourages children to participate without the fear of losing or the pressure to perform at a high standard.

How can you get everyone involved in sports day?

Ideas to get everyone involved in sports day include:

• Offering obstacles, activities and events that everyone can take part in.
• Encouraging students, parents and community volunteers to support those who are unable or prefer not to participate.
• Organising adults versus student activities for some friendly competition and to boost engagement.
• Planning inclusive activities which consider children with additional needs, anxiety or low confidence.

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In the School Insights Report 2025, we explore pupil experience and outcomes, key developments impacting the education sector, staffing and workforce trends, and the state of funding and resources in education. Read the SCG School Insights Report 2025 here.

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