PE Leader responsibilities

Understanding the Role of a PE Leader in Primary Schools

UPDATED 2026

In many primary schools, the PE Leader or PE Coordinator role is assigned to a member of staff regardless of their prior experience in physical education or sport. Whether you're an Early Career Teacher (ECT) or a more experienced practitioner, stepping into this role can feel both exciting and daunting. This article explores the evolving roles and responsibilities of a PE Lead in today’s primary school landscape, offering practical guidance to help you navigate the year ahead with confidence.

What Is a PE Coordinator?

A PE coordinator is responsible for overseeing the planning, delivery, and assessment of physical education across the school. In recent years, the role has expanded significantly due to increased national focus on physical activity, wellbeing, and the effective use of funding such as the Primary PE and Sport Premium.

Today’s PE lead is expected to demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership
• Budget management
• Staff development
• Curriculum design
• Whole-school impact of positive culture to being physically active

For official expectations and funding guidance, refer to the Department for Education Primary PE and Sport Premium guidance.

 Key PE Leader Responsibilities

1. Training and CPD Coordination

A core responsibility of the PE leader is ensuring all staff feel confident delivering high-quality PE lessons. This involves organising internal CPD, supporting colleagues in lessons, and signposting external training opportunities.

Many schools now encourage PE leads to pursue specialist qualifications, such as the Primary School Physical Education Specialism Course, which is a recognised route to upskilling and supporting staff across the school.

2. Curriculum Development

Interpreting the National Curriculum and designing an inclusive, progressive PE programme is one of the most important primary coordinator responsibilities. The roles of a PE teacher have shifted towards supporting holistic development, with Ofsted expecting subject leaders to evidence curriculum intent, implementation, and impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Selecting a high-quality scheme of work
• Ensuring coverage across activity areas (e.g. gymnastics, dance, athletics, games)
• Monitoring progression across year groups

3. Organisational Management

PE leaders must be highly organised to ensure smooth day-to-day delivery of the subject.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Timetabling facilities (e.g. hall, playground, field)
• Coordinating competitions and events
• Managing external coaches and providers
• Overseeing health and safety procedures

For best practice in safe delivery, refer to the AfPE Safe Practice in PE, School Sport and Physical Activity handbook for the latest guidance on health and safety compliance when teaching PE in your school.

4. Budget Oversight and Sports Premium Reporting

With schools in England continuing to receive the Primary PE and Sport Premium (currently £16,000 + £10 per pupil), PE leads must be confident in financial planning. The subject leader’s roles and responsibilities include:

·       Auditing and evaluating the current provision on where the money could be spent

·       Planning strategic spending to maximise the effectiveness of any money spent

·       Publishing an annual impact report on the school website on how effective the money spent is against the Key Indicators

It is essential to clearly demonstrate how your expenditure contributes to sustainable improvements in PE, sport, and physical activity.

5. Supporting New and Experienced Staff

Another key responsibility of a PE teacher in a leadership role is mentoring others, especially new teachers. Whether it's through modelling good practice, leading demonstration lessons, or organising staff drop-in observations, you're not just overseeing a subject; you’re developing staff confidence in delivering PE.

Consider setting up:

·       Regular PE briefings in staff meetings

·       Shared online folders for planning and assessment

·       Peer-observation opportunities

Being a PE coordinator is more than just managing equipment and timetables. It's about leading a vision for high-quality physical education that has a lasting impact. With the right support, resources, and ongoing training, the leadership roles and responsibilities of a PE teacher can be deeply rewarding.

If you're looking to strengthen your school's provision, explore our ready-made lesson plans and professional development content at The PE Hub. Utilising a well-structured platform like The PE Hub can significantly support your teaching staff in delivering PE in your school.