The following five active schools have been nominated for the Active School Award 2026:

  • Aurora - Almere
  • De Bloeiwijzer sbo - Amstelveen
  • Burgemeester de Vlugtschool - Amsterdam
  • Kindcentrum Manjefiek - Maastricht
  • SBO de Piramide - Bladel

Schools from mainstream and special primary education were able to register in recent months. The response was enthusiastic, showing that many schools are already fully ‘in motion’. Following speed dates with all the entries, five model schools were nominated, each of which creates and embeds an active school in its school policy in its own distinctive and inspiring way.

Working on physical activity and sport in education pays off!

Physical activity can be integrated into daily education in various ways. Different forms of movement have demonstrably positive effects. Research shows that good motor skills can contribute to greater enjoyment of physical activity and are associated with a more active and fitter lifestyle, both now and later in life.
A dynamic school day, in which periods of seated learning are regularly interrupted by short periods of activity, for example every 30 to 45 minutes, can support pupils’ well-being and attention. Children who feel good generally learn and develop better.
The aim of getting at least one hour of exercise every day and taking part in several sports sessions per week after school also helps children meet physical activity guidelines and can contribute to better long-term health.
Each of the nominated schools is fully committed to movement-related initiatives based on its own vision. With the Active School Award, KVLO is putting schools that are already fully active in the spotlight and hopes to inspire other schools in doing so.

The process leading up to the award ceremony

Before the award ceremony, the jury will visit all the nominated schools. During these visits, they will be given a tour and speak with school management, physical education specialists, classroom teachers and pupils. Based on this, it will be decided which school will ultimately receive the Active School Award 2026.

Award ceremony on 18 March

On 18 March, the nominated schools will present themselves in Eindhoven during the Active Primary Schools Inspiration Day. This day is organised in collaboration with Fontys Sporthogeschool Eindhoven. Following a sporty and inspiring programme for and with the schools, the award ceremony will take place.

Prizes

All nominated schools will receive a voucher to further expand their sports and physical activity programmes. The vouchers are being provided by the three largest suppliers of sports and games equipment in the Netherlands: Bosan Sport, Janssen-Fritsen and Nijha. There are also prizes from Good2Move, 12Springs is providing an additional prize for the pupils’ most original or best on-stage presentation, and TIG Akoestiek is ensuring that the pupils are offered a healthy lunch during the festive award ceremony.

Active Primary Schools Inspiration Day

Would you also like to get children moving before, during or after the school day? And would you like to be inspired and hear from other schools how they approach this? Register and come to the Active Primary Schools Inspiration Day on 18 March in Eindhoven.

More information: kvlo.nl/beweegrijkeschool