Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary, has acknowledged that school sports provision is "patchy".

But Mr Hunt told the BBC that he and his fellow ministers are determined to improve participation levels in light of the success of Great Britain's Olympics team, which is currently riding high in the medals table.

He is, therefore, advocating the introduction of an Olympic-style event for schools throughout the country, some of which have turned their back on annual sports days in recent years.

"At the moment," Mr Hunt said, "school sport provision is patchy in some places and we need to do what we can to make sure that the very best examples are spread throughout the whole country and this is absolutely going to be a focus over the next few months and one of the things we really want to take away from these Games."

Despite Britain's success, Lord Moynihan has urged the government to increase funding for sports, arguing that the country must guard against complacency ahead of the next Games in Brazil in 2016.

Are you seeking a teaching job? Capita could be able to help