We call upon the Department for Education and the Government to require all primary and secondary schools to provide at least two physical education (PE) lessons per week as part of the national curriculum.

Many UK schools only offer one short PE lesson per week, which we feel isn’t enough to support children’s health and wellbeing. With rising levels of obesity, inactivity, and mental health issues, schools should provide more regular physical activity. In 2023-24, the NHS reported that over 1 in 5 Year 6-aged children were obese. More PE lessons could boost fitness, focus, confidence, and healthy habits.