Understanding the Required Qualifications for PE Coaches in Schools
Hiring the right people to deliver physical education is critical to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment. Whether a coach is employed internally or via an external provider, there are clear expectations around the required qualifications for PE coaches in schools.
At a minimum, PE coaches working in primary schools should hold:
- A Level 2 coaching qualification in a recognised sport or physical activity
- A Level 3 qualification in Supporting the Delivery of PE and School Sport (PESS) for curriculum delivery
- An enhanced DBS certificate
- Paediatric First Aid training
- Up-to-date safeguarding and child protection certification
In addition to formal qualifications, coaches should have relevant experience working with primary-aged children and a good understanding of how physical education contributes to wider learning and development.
Why Qualifications Matter in Primary PE Delivery
Physical education is more than just physical activity — it’s an essential part of a child’s development. Coaches must not only understand how to teach movement skills, but also how to adapt content for different abilities, support pupils with SEND, manage behaviour positively, and align their delivery with the school’s curriculum and values.
Employing underqualified or inexperienced coaches can lead to ineffective lessons, safety concerns, and a lack of progress among pupils. It can also negatively affect a school’s ability to meet Ofsted expectations, particularly around curriculum quality, staff expertise, and pupil development.
That’s why ensuring coaches meet the required qualifications for PE coaches in schools is essential. Schools are ultimately accountable for the provision they offer, even when using an external provider.
Questions to Ask When Hiring or Outsourcing
When bringing in a PE coach or provider, schools should ask:
- What formal qualifications does the coach hold?
- Are they experienced in delivering curriculum PE?
- Do they understand and align with the national curriculum?
- Are they DBS-checked, first aid trained, and safeguarding certified?
- Can they differentiate for mixed abilities and deliver inclusive sessions?
Verifying this information gives peace of mind and ensures schools are meeting legal and educational responsibilities.
How Sprint Active Ensures Qualified, Compliant PE Coaching
At Sprint Active, we exceed the required qualifications for PE coaches in schools. Every coach on our team is:
- Qualified to Level 2 or higher in sport or physical education
- Paediatric First Aid trained and safeguarding certified
- Enhanced DBS-checked
- Experienced in working with EYFS, KS1, and KS2 pupils
- Trained in inclusive practice, behaviour support, and progression planning
We also provide ongoing CPD to ensure our coaches stay up to date with changes in best practice, safeguarding, and curriculum requirements. Schools that work with Sprint can feel confident in the professionalism, safety, and effectiveness of our team.
👉 Learn more about our coaches and delivery standards on the School Services page
