Competition Pathways
Through the School Games programme, Merton School Sports Partnership (Merton SSP) inspires young people across the Borough of Merton to participate in competitive school sport. By offering a range of competition formats, Merton SSP ensures that sport is accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for all pupils, regardless of their experience, ability or level of confidence. The programme provides opportunities for every eligible child to engage in meaningful competition and represent their school through a variety of pathways.
Intra-School Competition (Level 1 School Games)
Merton SSP encourages schools in delivering intra-school competitions and festivals, giving pupils the opportunity to compete against their peers within their own school environment. These activities help develop confidence, teamwork and fundamental sporting skills, often culminating in a School Games Day or Sports Day celebration.
Inter-School Competition (Level 2 School Games)
Competitive Events
Merton SSP organises a wide range of inter-school competitions where individuals and teams are selected to represent their schools against other schools across Merton. These events provide meaningful competitive experiences and create pathways for successful teams and athletes to progress to higher-level opportunities, including:
- London Youth Games (Level 3 School Games)
- School Games based Finals
- Surrey Schools Athletics
- Surrey Schools Football
- Surrey Schools Cricket
- London Schools Gymnastics
Inclusive Competition
Inclusive competitive events are also available for children with SEND, providing appropriate opportunities to compete and progress to regional finals such as the London Youth Games and other School Games competitions.
Development Events
Development events provide children with exciting opportunities to take part in a wide range of sports and physical activities in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment. These events are designed to develop confidence, fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and enjoyment of physical activity, while encouraging lifelong participation in sport. Through festivals, taster sessions, and development-focused competitions, children can experience new activities, challenge themselves, and build positive relationships with peers from across the borough.
Festival Events
Festival events offer a non-competitive and inclusive environment where pupils can participate in friendly matches, fun activities and skill-based challenges without scores or rankings. These events are designed to encourage participation, enjoyment and personal development, and may be targeted at specific age groups or children with SEND.
Activate Festivals 2026/27
The ACTIVATE Festivals programme has been developed by the Merton School Sport Partnership to increase opportunities for physical activity, pupil leadership and school engagement across the borough. To maximise participation and accessibility, MSSP has created a series of mini-clusters based on school locality, bringing neighbouring schools together to collaborate, share resources and provide meaningful leadership opportunities for young people. The project places Year 5 and Year 6 Sports Leaders at its heart, empowering pupils to co-design, organise and deliver engaging physical activity festivals for younger children within their neighbouring schools within their cluster.
Inclusive Opportunities
Merton SSP is committed to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to take part in school sport. Inclusive events are particularly aimed at pupils with SEND and those who may not typically have the opportunity to represent their school in traditional competitive formats. These events focus on participation, confidence-building and positive sporting experiences while providing pathways for continued engagement in physical activity and competition.
Overall, Merton SSP’s competition programme provides a broad and inclusive offer, enabling every child to experience the benefits of school sport through competitive events, festivals and progression opportunities at local, regional and county level.
Descriptions | Types of Events
Festival
No overall winners. Participation and development-focused activities and games. Activate Sports Leaders encouraged to volunteer at these festivals.
Inclusive Festival
No overall winners. Participation and development-focused activities and games aimed primarily at SEND pupils or less experienced participants.
Activate Festival (Cluster Location)
Hosted within cluster locations for local schools according to the Activate Sports Leadership programme. Participation-focused events for targeted purposes decided by schools in attendance.
Development Competition
Competitive events designed for less experienced or developing players. These may include overall or group winners. Pupils who compete in a Development Competition cannot compete in the Borough Championship for the same sport.
Borough Championship
Competitive events with overall winners receiving trophies and medals. Some events may also act as qualifiers for regional competitions. Pupils who compete in a Borough Championship cannot compete in the Development Competition for the same sport.
Inclusive Borough Championship (SEND Focus)
Competitive events for pupils who meet specific SEND eligibility criteria. Winners may receive trophies and medals, and some events may act as regional qualifiers.
East and West Swimming Events
Schools are allocated to either East Merton or West Merton events based on location to support the capacity within our Swimming Galas.
Other Opportunities
Schools are also encouraged to arrange fixtures with local schools and enter leagues or competitions organised by local clubs or School Sport Associations. For more information, please speak to the MSSP team.