INVERCLYDE is in the top three best performing council areas for extra-curricular sport and physical activity participation among school pupils.

An annual review of the Inverclyde active schools team revealed that more than half of students across primary and secondary are involved with the service, which is run by the council in partnership with national agency sportscotland.

It puts the area as the joint-third best performing in the country with 52 per cent of the total school roll participating in extra-curricular activities – an increase of one per cent on 2023/24.

The active schools service aims to provide increased high-quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity before school, during lunchtime and after school, and to develop effective pathways between schools and sports clubs in the local community.

Overall, the total number of participants increased from 4,903 in 23/24 to 5,055 in 24/25, according to the annual review, which was presented to the council’s education and communities committee on Tuesday 4 November 2025.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, said: “Sport and physical activity is vitally important for physical and mental health and our active schools team continue to excel in providing opportunities for our young people of all abilities to participate in sport.

“The team deliver a varied programme all year round, including during the holidays, to ensure our pupils are engaged in physical activity during and outwith the school day and they also support aspiring sports leaders to hone their skills and work towards recognised qualifications through the successful volunteering initiatives.

“For a small local authority area like Inverclyde to be the joint-third best performing in Scotland for extra-curricular participation is a great achievement and worthy recognition for the hard-working and dedicated active schools staff and volunteers.”

The report also revealed that 82 per cent of all primary pupils and 19 per cent of secondary students participated in an extra-curricular club.

There was also an increase in the number of children with additional support needs (ASN) participating in extra-curricular activities – up from 873 in 23/24 to 1,149 in 24/25 – and greater participation among minority ethnic young people – an increase from 416 in 23/24 to 490 in 24/25.

Other highlights over the last year include female participation in extra-curricular activities at 48 per cent – one per cent above the national average.

The active schools service also provides volunteering and training opportunities for young people.

In the last year, 242 pupils engaged in programmes including legacy leaders, young ambassadors, young leaders, SQA leadership and sports leader’s qualifications.

Supporting the work of the active schools team were 406 volunteers who delivered 3,435 hours of extra-curricular sports provision.

The report is available on the council website at 04 November 2025 - Inverclyde Council and a recording of the meeting is on the council’s YouTube channel at Education & Communities Committee - Communities Business. Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 2pm.