An Isle of Wight secondary school has made history by winning a prestigious national award.

Cowes Enterprise College, part of Ormiston Academies Trust, has been honoured with the Gold Partnership for Education, Attainment and Children’s Health (PEACH) award, becoming the first secondary school on the Island to achieve this level of recognition.

The college was acknowledged for its project promoting mental health and wellbeing through physical education, adopting an inclusive approach that facilitated participation for all students.

This initiative included the establishment of dedicated sports mentors, lunchtime clubs, and crew ambassadors, all of whom played vital roles in fostering a sense of community.

Rachel Kitley, principal, said: "This is a tremendous achievement for all of us at Cowes Enterprise College and recognises the great work we are doing to improve wellbeing for everyone in our community."

The bespoke programme also aided primary pupils, with the college’s staff and sports captains engaging with local primary schools to deliver assemblies, tours, Q&A sessions, and extracurricular activities.

The award, assessed by an independent panel, focuses on personal, social, health and economic education; emotional wellbeing and mental health; physical activity; and healthy eating.