Fewer PE Teachers, Less Physical Activity: A Growing Concern
The London 2012 Olympics promised to inspire a generation and create a lasting legacy for sport in the UK. However, recent findings presented to MPs reveal a troubling reality, Britain now has 7,000 fewer PE teachers compared to 2012. This decline has resulted in a 41,000-hour reduction in PE instruction, raising concerns about children’s activity levels and long-term health (The Guardian).
With childhood obesity on the rise and school sports participation declining, is the UK doing enough to uphold the Olympic legacy?
Why Has the Number of PE Teachers Declined?
Several factors have contributed to the reduction in PE teachers, including:
- Education funding constraints: Schools often prioritise core subjects like Maths and English, reducing investment in PE (BBC News).
- Limited PE training for primary school teachers: Many receive as little as four to six hours of training, affecting the quality of instruction.
- A shift in curriculum priorities: More focus on academic performance has led to a decline in sports and physical education hours.
The Impact on Children's Physical Activity Levels
According to the latest research:
- 30% of children get less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day—well below NHS guidelines (NHS).
- School playtime has decreased by an average of 20 minutes per day over the past 30 years.
- A lack of PE lessons is affecting children’s physical literacy, with many struggling with fundamental movements like catching and throwing.
For teachers and parents looking to encourage more physical activity, our Guide to Sports provides useful tips on introducing different sports to children.
Should PE Become a Core Subject?
Many experts, including Ali Oliver, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, advocate for making PE a core subject to ensure:
- Greater accountability in schools
- Better training for PE teachers
- Increased participation in physical activities for children
Former Olympians like Montell Douglas and Anna Hopkin also stress the importance of competitive sports in schools, helping children develop resilience, teamwork, and confidence.
What Schools Can Do to Improve PE Provision
While national policies play a key role, schools can take proactive steps to enhance PE and sports participation:
- Invest in Sports Equipment – Ensuring students have access to the right gear can encourage more participation. Check out our PE & School Sports Equipment section for recommendations.
- Encourage Extracurricular Activities – School sports clubs and after-school programs can help fill the gap left by reduced PE lessons.
- Provide Teacher Training – Schools should invest in better PE training for staff to ensure quality instruction.
- Promote Outdoor Play – Creating more opportunities for play and movement during break times can significantly boost activity levels.
Conclusion: Keeping the Olympic Legacy Alive
The decline in PE teachers and reduced focus on physical education are concerning trends that could impact children’s long-term health and wellbeing. Schools, policymakers, and parents must work together to prioritise PE, invest in school sports, and encourage active lifestyles.
For more insights on supporting PE in schools, explore our latest articles in the Newsfeed section.
Sources
- The Guardian – Britain has fewer PE teachers since London 2012
- BBC News – Education Funding and PE
- NHS – Physical Activity Guidelines for Children
Have Your Say! How has PE changed in your school? What do you think should be done to improve physical education? Let us know in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media!
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Thanks for reading! Stay active, stay healthy, and keep inspiring the next generation of young athletes.
