31 Accepted

We recommend that the Government require and support schools to deliver a broader and more...

Recommendation
We recommend that the Government require and support schools to deliver a broader and more inclusive PE curriculum that prioritises enjoyment, comfort and a welcoming environment for all pupils. Alongside a wider range of activities, we recommend that schools should offer supportive, age‑appropriate competition that helps children learn from both success and failure without making excellence the sole focus. High achievers should be encouraged to reach their potential, but schools should place equal value on progress from inactivity to participation, recognising this as a significant success in its own right. (Recommendation, Paragraph 93)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that PE should support enjoyment, participation and progression, accepting recommendations to strengthen the curriculum to be broader, clearer and more inclusive while retaining competition.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The Government agrees that PE should support enjoyment, participation and progression for all pupils. The Curriculum and Assessment Review recognised that the PE curriculum in England places a distinctive emphasis on competitive sport and concluded that competition remains an appropriate and important part of PE. At the same time, it recommended strengthening the curriculum so that it has a clearer purpose for all pupils and better supports inclusion, physical activity and progression. The Government has accepted these recommendations and is strengthening the PE curriculum across all key stages so that it is broader, clearer and more inclusive, while retaining competition as a key aspect of high-quality PE.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 20 Apr 2026