28 Accepted in Part

The Government should publish a plan to strengthen initial teacher training in physical education and...

Recommendation
The Government should publish a plan to strengthen initial teacher training in physical education and physical activity and ongoing professional development for all teachers, particularly at primary level. (Recommendation, Paragraph 80)
Government Response Summary
The government outlines the planned PE and School Sport Partnership Network to support teacher training and professional development, and commits to a review of the ITTECF in 2027 to consider amendments, partially addressing the call for a plan.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government Accepted in Part
Supporting teachers to teach high quality PE is a planned core aspect of the PE and School Sport Partnership Network. We expect there to be a universal offer available to all primary and secondary schools, as well as targeted support where a need for this has been identified. The Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) sets out the critical knowledge, skills and experience that teachers need to have the greatest possible impact on the outcomes of the children in their classes. It was developed using the best available evidence about what makes great teaching. The ITTECF includes content on subject and curriculum knowledge. This means that for some teachers, including primary teachers, their initial teacher training and induction will include content on teaching physical education. Additionally, all ITT courses leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) must be designed so that teacher trainees can demonstrate that they meet all the Teachers’ Standards at the appropriate level. The standards require teachers to have a secure knowledge of the relevant subject and curriculum areas; and foster and maintain pupils’ interest in the subject. Recognising that new evidence emerges over time, we plan to undertake a review of the ITTECF in 2027. At which time we will seek views from interested parties to see if we need to amend our position to reflect any change in priorities and available evidence. We understand the Committee’s concerns about the use of coaches in PE lessons. At the same time, where this is done well, with high-quality coaches working alongside teachers, coaches can bring real benefits, including helping to upskill teachers, introducing pupils to new sports and activities, and providing specialist expertise. This is reflected in the PE and Sport Premium guidance, which is clear that where coaches are funded through the premium, they should not replace teachers, and teachers should accompany pupils to maximise the impact of coaching. The planned PE and School Sport Partnership Network will support schools to identify high-quality coaches who can complement teaching and help build teacher confidence and capability, rather than replace teachers.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 20 Apr 2026