Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Not Addressed
Physical education and daily movement are not being fully utilised in schools, leaving too many...
Recommendation
Physical education and daily movement are not being fully utilised in schools, leaving too many children, particularly the least active, without the health, wellbeing and learning benefits that regular activity provides. Curriculum time for PE has declined, its non‑core status has reduced its 54 perceived value, and inequalities in participation have widened as a result. Increasing timetabled PE is important, but meaningful change depends on embedding movement throughout the whole school day. Making PE a core subject would raise its status and help ensure that physical activity is integrated across teaching and learning, rather than squeezed from the timetable. (Conclusion, Paragraph 73)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government recognises the role schools play in pupil activity and will continue to support schools in creating active environments and promoting flexibility, but does not address the recommendation to make PE a core subject.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The Government recognises the importance of ensuring all pupils have sufficient time for high-quality physical education. The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, which published its final report on 5 November 2025, found that, despite PE’s significant physical, mental and educational benefits, delivery is inconsistent across schools, with variation in quality. It recommended a clearer purpose, stronger progression, improved clarity in areas such as dance, swimming and outdoor and adventurous activities, increased focus on physical activity, and clearer separation between compulsory PE and GCSE PE. The Government has accepted these recommendations and is strengthening the PE curriculum across all key stages to give it a clear purpose for all pupils, so that schools recognise the need to protect two hours of PE time for all pupils throughout their time at school. The Government recognises the important role schools can play in helping children to be active in and around the school day. This can include high-quality PE, introducing active uniform, encouraging active travel and increased opportunities through wider school provision, including breakfast clubs and other wraparound activities. Through our wider work on PE, school sport and physical activity, we will continue to support schools to create environments that encourage pupils to be active, while allowing flexibility to respond to local needs and circumstances. Partnerships will have an outcome to reduce inactivity, and we envisage that supporting practice during and around the school day will be part of it.
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