New and Updated Resource Directories – Supporting the Next Generation of Physical Education Teachers

For many pre-service teachers beginning a primary initial teacher education programme, physical education often amounts to just six hours of taught input. While this may seem minimal, there is a growing array of high-quality materials designed to support, engage, and inspire new teachers to develop their knowledge, deepen their understanding, and foster a genuine passion for teaching physical education in schools.

Last year, we collaborated with colleagues across initial teacher education to produce a collective, signposting resource – a one-stop-shop to support pre-service teachers. We hope the Primary Physical Education Resource Directory has been a valuable guide to all who have used it and enabled your student colleagues to engage with the rich and varied multimedia out there to develop their professional learning and confidence.

We’re now delighted to share a revised edition of this resource for 2025/2026, along with the launch of a new Secondary Physical Education Resource Directory. 

Physical education has evolved significantly over the past decade. In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the evidence base supporting the subject’s curriculum, content, and pedagogy.

The Resource Directories highlights

Professionalisation of the physical education workforce – Recognising physical education as a specialist subject, with dedicated subject experts supported by growing professional development initiatives and flexible, hybrid learning opportunities.

A growing evidence base – A wide range of influential texts are now shaping thinking and practice, helping the profession move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Policy and funding – Reports such as Ofsted’s Levelling the Playing Field and the Department for Education’s Primary PE and Sport Premium reflect growing political interest in, and commitment to, physical education, school sport, and physical activity.

Digital and community resources – A vibrant ecosystem of blogs, podcasts, asynchronous courses, and online communities now supports educators to learn, connect, and grow together.

Despite this progress, we recognise that challenges remain, such as ensuring equitable access to high-quality physical education for all teachers and students, protecting curriculum time for PE in schools and within initial teacher education programmes, and bridging the gap between research and practice.