This recognition is particularly significant given the highly competitive nature of the list, which features many independent and selective schools with long-established sporting reputations. As a state-funded, non-fee-paying secondary school, the award reflects both the exceptional performance of its students and the academy’s sustained commitment to providing high-quality sporting opportunities.

The accolade follows an outstanding year of success across multiple disciplines, including:

• Boys U16 English Schools’ Football – Semi-finalists
• Girls U19 Dynamik Basketball – National Finalists
• Boys Basketball Academy – Competing in Level 3 of the College Basketball League
• U16 Boys Badminton – County Runners-up

The qualifying criteria emphasises achievement across a broad range of sports, with additional weighting given to competitions involving large numbers of participating schools. St Peter’s strength in depth, consistency, and multi-sport success were key factors underpinning the academy’s inclusion.

Mrs H McGlynn, Head of Department for Physical Education, said:

“This recognition is a credit to the extraordinary dedication of our students and the collective effort of the entire Physical Education Department. The commitment, expertise and teamwork shown by colleagues across our sporting programmes have been instrumental in supporting students to reach the latter stages of national competitions.

We are also deeply grateful for the continued support that enables our students to access high-quality coaching and competitive experiences. While elite performance is something we celebrate, physical education at St Peter’s is fundamentally about creating positive, lifelong experiences in physical activity for all students. This achievement gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our young people and share their success with our wider community.”

Physical education at St Peter’s is fundamentally about creating positive, lifelong experiences in physical activity for all students.

The academy’s sporting ethos is rooted in its core values of Respect, Service and Aspiration. This national recognition reflects the aspiration of students who compete with integrity and resilience, while also highlighting the academy’s belief in opportunity for all, ensuring every student can participate, develop and flourish.

St Peter’s established sporting pathways extend into Three Spires Sixth Form, where students can further develop through specialist academies in rugby, cricket, basketball and e-sports, supported by expert coaching and strong external partnerships.

Principal, Mr T Mullen-Furness, added:

“We are immensely proud of our students and staff. This achievement is not only a reflection of sporting success but of character, commitment and community. Sport plays a vital role in shaping confident, disciplined young people, and we are delighted to see St Peter’s recognised on the national stage while continuing to serve the families of Wolverhampton.”

Learn more about our sports academies on our Three Spires Sixth Form Website.