Understanding the Primary PE Curriculum Requirements in the UK
The government’s expectations for physical education in primary schools are set out in the national curriculum for PE in England. This provides a structured framework that all local-authority-maintained primary schools must follow. Academies and free schools are also encouraged to adopt the same high standards.
The primary PE curriculum requirements in the UK cover a range of key physical skills and experiences that pupils should encounter from Early Years through to the end of Key Stage 2. These include fundamental movement skills (like running, jumping, throwing, and catching). They also cover team-based games, dance, gymnastics, and athletics. In addition, by the end of Year 6, all pupils are expected to swim at least 25 metres and demonstrate safe self-rescue techniques in water-based situations.
Statutory Expectations for Primary Schools
Under the primary PE curriculum requirements in the UK, schools must ensure:
- Key Stage 1 pupils develop fundamental movement skills and apply them in simple games.
- Key Stage 2 pupils are taught to use these skills in more complex, competitive scenarios, including outdoor and adventurous activities.
- All pupils receive regular, high-quality PE lessons, ideally totalling at least two hours per week.
- PE and Sport Premium funding is used to deliver additional, sustainable improvements in school sport and physical activity.
- Schools publish their Sport Premium spending and demonstrate how it is improving outcomes.
These requirements form the backbone of a school’s physical education programme. They are also used by Ofsted to evaluate the impact and breadth of the curriculum.
Why Meeting PE Curriculum Requirements Matters
Adhering to the national PE curriculum ensures that children receive a well-rounded education. This includes essential physical development and health education. It helps children build positive habits around movement, exercise, and teamwork. Additionally, it supports their social and emotional growth.
Schools that don’t meet these requirements risk falling short in inspections. This is especially true in areas related to personal development and curriculum intent, implementation, and impact. Strategic use of the PE and Sport Premium is also under scrutiny. Therefore, schools must be able to show how this funding contributes to long-term improvements in provision.
How Sprint Active Supports Primary PE Curriculum Requirements in the UK
Sprint Active helps primary schools meet and exceed primary PE curriculum requirements in the UK through structured, progressive programmes aligned with national standards. Our expert coaches deliver a wide range of activities. These include team games, dance, gymnastics, swimming catch-up sessions, and outdoor education. All activities are tailored to each year group.
We provide lesson plans, termly impact reports, and ongoing assessments. These support schools in tracking progress and demonstrating outcomes. Our flexible approach makes it easy for schools to integrate our provision into their existing curriculum. This ensures compliance with DfE expectations.
Sprint also helps schools plan and report on their PE and Sport Premium funding. We offer full transparency and support for demonstrating the impact of your investment.
👉 Learn more about our curriculum PE support on the School Services page
