All of the schools involved in QCA’s PESS investigation have succeeded in meeting the Government’s target for 85% of pupils aged 5 to 16 to take part in a minimum of two hours of high quality PESS each week, both within and beyond the curriculum. In primary schools in the investigation, 100% of pupils are involved in PESS for more than two hours each week. Most secondary schools in the investigation have two hours of PE timetabled for all pupils in key stage 4, and many more pupils have additional time for GCSE PE and related qualifications. In some schools in the investigation, this totals more than five hours of curriculum time.

The schools involved in the PESS investigation have achieved this by focusing on helping all pupils to:

• become fully involved in PE, school and community sport, making the most of the opportunities on offer
• enjoy PESS more, so that they want to take part
• have the confidence to get involved in different activities.

Schools involved in the investigation have worked hard to raise the participation of pupils of both sexes, whatever their culture, ethnicity, ability or disability. To read how different schools have tackled their particular issues with regard to participation and inclusion, download ‘How are schools increasing participation in PESS?’ on the right and visit the case studies section of the site.

Read more guidance on making sure all pupils are included and involved.