A New Chapter for PE Leadership
In this episode, Nathan Walker speaks with Kate Thornton-Bousfield, the newly appointed CEO of the Association for Physical Education (afPE). Having taken on the role at a pivotal moment, Kate discusses her journey into leadership, her passion for physical education, and her vision for shaping the subject’s future in the UK.
An Exciting and Challenging Time
Kate steps into the role during a transformative period, with national reviews underway into curriculum and assessment frameworks. She recognises this as a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of PE, ensuring that the subject maintains its relevance, value, and impact within a changing educational landscape.
Voices That Matter
A central theme in the conversation is the importance of listening to and empowering those working in the field. Kate emphasises that her role is not only to lead but to amplify the voices of PE practitioners across the country. Her commitment to transparency, support, and collaboration is evident, positioning afPE as a responsive and proactive organisation.
Vision and Priorities
Kate shares her enthusiasm for reimagining what high-quality PE looks like, placing equity, inclusivity, and lifelong participation at the heart of her vision. She acknowledges the real challenges educators face – from curriculum time pressures to professional development needs – but remains focused on ensuring that PE is recognised for its holistic value to students’ physical, emotional, and social development.
Curriculum Change Starts Now
Kate urges educators not to wait for the official outcomes of the curriculum and assessment review. Instead, teachers should reflect now on what their learners need and begin shaping more meaningful curricula. She emphasises the value of using tools – such as curriculum heat maps – to assess breadth and balance, and stresses that student voice should inform, not dictate, planning.
afPE’s Role and National Direction
Kate describes afPE’s central role in leading national curriculum reform for PE. While other organisations champion sport and physical activity, afPE’s focus is firmly on curriculum PE. With reports and recommendations expected in the coming months, she anticipates implementation by 2027. Collaboration across think tanks, government, and sector bodies signals a strong, shared goal: creating a happier, healthier nation.
Non-Negotiables in PE
For Kate, the essentials of great PE include:
- The right teacher who truly knows their pupils
- A child-centred curriculum
- High levels of movement and joy
She advocates for active, immersive lessons that prioritise learning through experience over teacher talk.
Changing Perceptions and Advice for Trainees
Kate believes the perception of PE must shift—from undervalued and misunderstood to meaningful and essential. She encourages trainee teachers to:
- Immerse themselves in whole-school life
- Observe teaching across subjects
- Experiment with varied pedagogy
- Ask questions and seek support
One Word for PE
Kate’s chosen word for PE is ‘meaningful‘, with ‘inspiring‘ as a close second, highlighting the importance of experiences that resonate with all learners and spark a lifelong engagement with physical activity.
About the Guest
This episode is a conversation with Kate Thornton-Bousfield, CEO of Association for Physical Education (afPE) .
Listen
To listen to the full episode please follow these links to Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Responses