Maximising the Impact of PE CPD in Primary Schools
There has never been more focus on upskilling staff in PE than right now, and PE CPD for primary teachers is vitally important in achieving this. With schools across the UK receiving significant funding through the PE and Sport Premium (averaging £16,000 per school in 2024–2025), ensuring that investment leads to sustainable, high-quality PE delivery is critical.
Despite its importance, primary PE CPD has often been overlooked in favour of core subjects like English and maths. But for schools aiming to offer a broad, balanced curriculum and meet the expectations of Ofsted and international accreditation frameworks, teacher training in PE must become a strategic priority.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical ways schools can make the most of their PE CPD, from planning and preparation to delivery and long-term impact. Whether you’re a headteacher, PE lead, or classroom teacher, these insights will help your staff develop the confidence and competence to deliver engaging, inclusive PE lessons.
1. Plan Ahead
Staff training days are few, and with so many different areas schools need to cover with their staff, finding time for PE CPD can be tricky. To get this time, it’s crucial to get your requests in early to give leadership an opportunity to add it to the CPD calendar. Some schools will plan their entire professional development schedule, including staff meetings, up to a year in advance.
Whether planning a whole-school PE CPD workshop, a twilight session, or an INSET day, scheduling it early gives PE leads and school leadership time to ensure the session is high quality and useful to staff.
2. Prepare Staff for Success
A big part of successful PE teacher CPD is creating an engaging and inclusive experience. A huge part of successful PE training is down to who leads it. Getting your teachers and support staff 100% involved in what is happening is what makes the training a success.
Due to the physical nature of PE, getting everyone up and moving brings life to the training. Make sure your teachers know what to expect so they can wear appropriate clothing and feel comfortable and confident.
It also helps to let the CPD leader know of any participants who need special consideration so the session is inclusive; this could be an injury or disability.
3. Identify School-Specific CPD Needs
Too often, CPD is planned based on assumptions. Instead, staff should be involved in identifying areas for development through a simple CPD audit. Ask teachers how confident they feel about:
- Delivering specific PE activities (e.g. gymnastics, dance, or athletics)
- Teaching and breaking down fundamental skills
- Differentiating activities for mixed-ability groups
- Using assessment effectively in PE
- Setting up and using PE equipment
- Managing safety in various environments
When CPD for primary teachers is based on real needs, engagement and impact are significantly higher.
4. Define Clear Outcomes
Before any PE CPD workshop, ask: What do we want staff to take away from the session?
For instance, many schools ask for support in “teaching dance,” but that’s a broad goal. Do you want staff to understand dance structure, manage choreography, or teach with confidence? Create a 3-point wish list and share it with your trainer to help shape the session.
This tailored approach to PE teacher CPD leads to stronger outcomes and better engagement from staff in their CPD.
5. Consider National Qualifications for PE Leaders
A powerful way to embed lasting change is to upskill your PE subject leader. AfPE runs a range of courses to help with delivering PE in primary schools. They also offer a range of other PE CPD opportunities, which can be found here.
6. Plan for Ongoing Development
So, you’ve delivered a fantastic CPD day. What next?
Sustaining momentum is critical. Here’s how schools can follow up:
- Revisit and update your PE development plan
- Invest in appropriate equipment and resources
- Pair up staff to co-teach or observe each other’s PE lessons
- Schedule informal drop-ins or PE learning walks
- Include PE as a regular focus in staff meetings or professional development time
When schools commit to ongoing CPD for primary schools, the impact is felt across the curriculum. When teachers are trained, confident, and well-supported, PE becomes more than just a lesson; it becomes a foundation for lifelong physical activity and wellbeing.