PE Teacher Training: How to Support NQTs and Early Career Teachers in Primary Schools
Becoming a confident, competent PE teacher takes more than just enthusiasm. It requires structured support, planning, and access to high-quality training. For many newly qualified teachers (NQTs) or early career teachers (ECTs), PE is one of the most daunting foundation subjects to deliver, especially when initial teacher training has offered only limited time to learn.
Despite recent investment in school sport and physical activity, many trainees enter the classroom having completed just a few hours of PE-specific training. That's where effective PE teacher training, teacher PE workshops, and a strong school support structure can make all the difference.
What to Expect as an ECT in Primary Schools
The first two years of teaching are now formally recognised as the Early Career Teacher (ECT) phase. Here’s what new teachers can expect when it comes to PE and professional development:
- Induction and Mentoring: Every ECT is paired with a mentor and follows a structured induction based on the Early Career Framework (ECF). However, PE is not a major focus in most ECF content, so it’s important to seek additional PE-specific support from your PE coordinator or through NQT courses.
- Gradual Responsibility: In most schools, you'll be gradually introduced to teaching all subjects, including PE. At first, you may co-teach or observe, then progress to leading your own PE lessons with planning support.
- Varied Confidence Levels: It’s normal to feel less confident teaching PE than core subjects like maths or English. Many NQT teachers share this sentiment, especially when delivering practical content such as gymnastics or games. The key is preparation, support, and continuous reflection.
- Opportunities for CPD: You may be encouraged to attend PE CPD workshops or in-school teacher PE training sessions. These might focus on specific activities, such as dance or athletics, or broader teaching strategies, including assessment and inclusion.
5 Key Ways to Support ECTs and NQTs in Primary PE
1. Use Your PE Coordinator Effectively
Your PE coordinator is your primary point of contact. They’ll provide access to planning documents, suggest suitable activities for your year group, and may even mentor you during your first few lessons. They can also recommend NQT training opportunities and PE teacher training in your local area.
2. Build Confidence Through Planning
Start with an activity you're familiar with, as this helps reduce anxiety and lets you focus on managing pupils and delivering content. Make time to review and adapt lesson plans to fit your pupils' needs, available equipment, and school facilities. Use simple assessments for learning tasks early on to set a clear path for progression.
3. Be Practical and Prepared
Preparation is key. Check the PE cupboard before your lesson, have a plan B, and be ready to adapt. Try grouping pupils using informal ability bands to help differentiate tasks from the outset. This ensures you’re ready to provide challenge and support where needed. This is can be flexible, with children able to move up or down during lessons depending on how they are getting on.
4. Use External Resources
Look beyond your school. Governing body websites and professional platforms, such as The PE Hub, offer planning tools, videos, and PE training tips tailored for new teachers. Watching tutorials from England Hockey or England Rugby can be especially useful when learning the structure and rules of new sports.
5. Observe and Learn from Others
Observation is invaluable. Whether it’s a colleague within your school or a local secondary PE specialist, watching others teach can inspire your own approach. Look for teaching strategies, such as questioning, pacing, and feedback, that you can apply to your PE delivery.
For many NQT teachers, PE can feel like an afterthought during training. However, with the right support, including NQT courses and access to teacher PE workshops, early career teachers can develop genuine confidence and competence in this essential subject.
If your school needs lesson planning support or resources to help your team deliver outstanding PE, then The PE Hub can help! Check out our free content for lesson plans and resources today!