Six schools across the North East and Cumbria scoop playtime award

Six schools across the North East and Cumbria achieved OPAL status in March and April, bringing the total awarded in the area to 12 in 2026. These schools are providing some of the best playtimes in the country and are a shining example of what can be achieved when schools invest in play.

The new OPAL schools are:

• The Avenue Primary School, Middlesbrough
• Ayresome Primary School, Middlesbrough
• Bankfields Primary School, Middlesbrough 
• Grindon Infant School, Sunderland 
• St. Begh’s Catholic Junior School, Whitehaven
• Whinstone Primary School, Stockton-on-Tees 

Ingrid Wilkinson, Director of OPAL North East, said:

“I am delighted to welcome all the newly awarded schools into the OPAL family. By investing in playtimes, these schools are improving outcomes across the board and giving children a happier, more joyful childhood.”

Why are schools investing in playtimes?

OPAL schools see a wide-range of benefits for children, staff, and the whole school community. These include:

• Better behaviour: Happy children don’t cause nearly as much trouble as bored children.
• Reduced accidents: OPAL schools have up to 80% less reported accidents.
• Increased attendance: Children can’t wait to come to OPAL schools because they have so much fun.
• Increased physical activity: All children, including girls, SEN and non-sporty children are significantly more active.
• More teaching time: Teachers report more teaching time in afternoon lessons.

Wider research into the impact of play in schools uncovers these benefits and more. Read  The Case for Play in Schools to explore a review of the literature.

What is the OPAL Primary Programme?

The OPAL Primary Programme is an award-winning mentor supported school improvement programme that addresses all the areas that schools must plan for if they want to strategically and sustainably improve the quality of their play opportunities.

OPAL playtimes are a sight to behold. Where many schools that don’t have a plan for play find playtimes a struggle, staff and children in OPAL schools can’t wait to get out to play. Where groups of (typically) boys playing football might dominate the playground in other schools, OPAL playtimes have something for everyone. 

Is your school ready to prioritise playtime?

If you would like to see OPAL in action, the North East team coordinates open days in OPAL schools across the region. You can find all our upcoming events on our Eventbrite page. If you are ready to get going with OPAL in your school, you can get started on the OPAL website.