Irlam and Cadishead Academy celebrates outstanding year of sporting success with School Games GOLD Mark Award.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Irlam and Cadishead Academy has been awarded the prestigious School Games GOLD Mark Award for the 2025/26 academic year.

The School Games Mark is a government-led initiative, delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, recognising schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sport, competition and active lifestyles. Achieving the Gold standard reflects the dedication, passion and hard work shown across our entire school community.

A Year to Remember

This has been a record-breaking year for sport at ICA, with our students competing in over 270 fixtures - an outstanding achievement that highlights both participation and enthusiasm at all levels.

Our teams and individuals have enjoyed fantastic success across multiple sports:

Football

• Year 10 Salford Schools Champions
• Year 7/8 Girls Salford Schools Champions
• Year 7 Salford Schools Runners-Up
• Year 8 Boys Fives Champions

Rugby

• Year 8 Salford Schools Champions
• Year 9 Salford Schools Champions
• Year 7 Salford Schools Runners-Up
• Year 7 9’s Plate Winners

Darts

• Salford Schools Champion – Maxwell Payne

Participation, Pride, and Progress

With over 150 students representing the Academy in inter-school competitions this year, the award also recognises the breadth of participation and the inclusive nature of sport at ICA. From players to young leaders, volunteers, and officials, our students have played a key role in making events possible and supporting one another.

The Gold Mark is awarded based on criteria including participation, competition, workforce development and extracurricular clubs, and we are delighted that our collective efforts have been recognised at the highest level.

A Community Effort

This success would not have been possible without the support and commitment of so many:

• Our PE Department, for their passion and dedication to creating opportunities for all
• Mr Leader, for unwavering support throughout the year
• Our parents and carers, for championing and encouraging our students
• And most importantly, our students, who continue to inspire us with their determination, teamwork, and sporting excellence every day

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this fantastic achievement, we are already looking forward to building on this success and aiming high again in 2027.

Well done, ICA – a truly golden year of sport! 🏆