Are Team Invasion Games Still Central to School PE?

Tom Manley, Head of PE and MA Education student at the University of Buckingham, conducted a two-year research project exploring the decision-making processes of PE leaders regarding the continued dominance of team invasion games in school curricula. Rooted in a tradition dating back over 200 years, invasion games such as football, netball and rugby remain a staple of PE in many UK schools.

This study, based on questionnaires from 63 practitioners and interviews with four curriculum leaders, examined perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of invasion games, and explored how factors such as personal sporting backgrounds, school traditions, and systemic constraints influence curriculum choices.

Key findings

• Team invasion games are still the most common form of delivery, especially in state schools (100% of respondents), though independent schools show slightly more curriculum diversity.
• Perceived benefits include development of teamwork, social skills, and character. However, few respondents linked these games directly to wellbeing, suggesting a gap between perception and recent research.
• Major concerns included disengagement among less skilled or socially isolated pupils, and the challenges of differentiation within competitive environments.
• Curriculum decisions are often influenced by social control needs (managing large groups), longstanding school traditions, and increasingly, student voice.
• Barriers to change include time constraints, lack of facilities—particularly in the state sector—and staff resistance rooted in traditional practices.

While invasion games remain dominant, the study also highlighted a shift towards more holistic approaches in some schools, including health-based and concept-led models. Manley concludes that while team invasion games have value, they should not dominate the curriculum. A balanced, inclusive approach that considers context, student needs, and diverse physical activities is key to meaningful PE.

Want to know more?

You can download a copy of Tom’s dissertation below:

To discuss further, contact Tom Manley via LinkedIn.

You can also listen to Tom discussing his research in this podcast.