St Mark's Wins Award for Outstanding Outdoor Play
Hanwell primary school ranked in the top 1% nationally
Staff at St. Mark's Primary School in Hanwell with the award
November 18, 2025
St Mark’s Primary School in Hanwell has been awarded the OPAL Platinum Award, placing the school among the top 1% nationally for the quality and creativity of its outdoor play provision.
The community primary marked the achievement with a celebration at which the Mayor of Ealing and local councillors Councillor Knewstub and Councillor Hamdi joined pupils, staff and members of the Parent Staff Association (PSA). Co‑headteachers Kate Jones and Sophie Liardet led thanks to the whole school community and to parents whose fundraising helped deliver the improvements.
“We’re delighted to receive this recognition. Play is at the heart of children’s wellbeing, creativity and social development, and this award reflects the hard work and teamwork of our whole school community. We would like to thank our parents, in particular, for their generous donations throughout the project,” the co‑headteachers said.
The OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme encourages schools to develop high‑quality outdoor play through sustainable, inclusive and child‑centred approaches. Platinum status is the programme’s highest accolade and is awarded to schools that demonstrate exemplary leadership, community engagement, staff development and a broad, well‑resourced play offer that supports children’s physical, social and emotional development.
St Mark’s achievement recognises not just improvements to playground design and equipment but also the school’s approach to play policy, staff training and ongoing community involvement. The school’s work was supported by Nicola Barrett from the OPAL team and underpinned by the fundraising and practical effort of the St Mark’s PSA.
The school said it will build on the recognition by continuing to develop its outdoor spaces and community projects so every child has opportunities to play, explore and thrive. Future plans include further enhancements to outdoor provision and activities that link play with learning and family engagement.
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