Physical Education and Academic Performance: Why PE Is Essential for Academic Success in Primary Schools
In today’s education landscape, where test results often take centre stage, the importance of PE in primary schools can easily be overlooked. A growing body of research demonstrates a connection between physical activity and academic performance. Far from being just a break from the classroom, PE in primary schools can be one of the most effective ways to improve academic performance and nurture well-rounded and resilient pupils.
The Cognitive Benefits of PE in Primary Schools
How can fitness in PE affect academic performance? Regular physical activity has a direct impact on how children’s brains develop and function. PE lessons increase blood flow to the brain, boosting neural connectivity, memory, and concentration. When pupils engage in structured PE sessions, they often return to the classroom more focused, able to settle and ready to learn.
Research highlights that children who participate in daily physical activity show improved test scores, stronger problem-solving skills, and better classroom behaviour. So, when schools prioritise physical education, they also prioritise better learning outcomes.
How Does Physical Activity Improve Academic Performance?
Physical activity does much more than build fitness; it directly supports how well pupils learn. Exercise stimulates brain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, which help regulate children’s mood, motivation, and concentration. Even a short PE lesson or active break can refresh pupils’ ability to focus and make lessons more productive.
In addition, staying active helps develop children’s executive functions that they need for planning, organising, and staying on task. This is why the link between physical activity and academic performance is so strong: active children are often better able to manage distractions, retain new information, and stay on task in lessons.
Physical Education, Emotional Well-being, and Learning
The benefits of PE are wide-reaching. Physical education helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are two significant barriers to learning and academic progress. When children feel happier and more confident, they are better able to handle challenges in the classroom. PE gives pupils an outlet to release tension, develop resilience, and build emotional intelligence, all of which contribute to improved academic performance.
Social Skills and Academic Confidence
Another benefit of PE class is the positive impact it has on pupils’ social development. Through team games and cooperative activities such as OAA, children develop teamwork, leadership, and communication. These skills build confidence and encourage children to work better together in lessons, creating a more positive, supportive learning environment.
Physical Health and Academic Performance
A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Regular physical activity through PE strengthens children’s cardiovascular health and supports better sleep, which are vital for focus and memory, leading to improved academic outcomes.
Integrating daily PE into the school timetable helps pupils build routines that encourage better time management, discipline, organisation and motivation, all skills that directly support academic achievement.
How to Improve Academic Performance in Primary Schools: Make PE a Priority
Leadership teams and PE leaders looking for practical ways to improve academic performance in primary schools should consider PE a key part of their strategy. A broad, balanced and engaging curriculum keeps pupils motivated and ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, benefits from regular PE. Activities should be varied, ranging from team sports to dance, gymnastics, OAA and swimming, so that every child can achieve success.
At The PE Hub, we believe that physical education should be recognised as a core subject. The evidence clearly shows that prioritising both physical activity and academic performance creates healthier, happier and more able pupils.