We’ve always understood that what we teach children isn’t just about academics. It’s about preparing them for life. And yet, as schools focus on attainment, behaviour, and well-being, one of the simplest and most effective tools is often overlooked, movement.

The Research is Clear: Movement Shapes More Than Muscles

A recent study from the University of Manchester and the Youth Sport Trust found that regular physical activity plays a crucial role in tackling some of the biggest challenges young people face today. The research highlights how movement helps to build resilience, improve focus, and even reduce feelings of loneliness; key concerns for schools striving to support pupils holistically.

Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation echoes this, linking the decline in unstructured physical play to the rise in anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties in young people. More screen time and less movement have altered the way children develop socially and emotionally, making structured physical activity in schools more important than ever.

When children move, they’re not just getting fitter. They’re learning how to handle setbacks, work as a team, and push through discomfort. Physical challenges build confidence. Leadership skills emerge when pupils take responsibility. Resilience develops when they pick themselves up after falling.

PE as a Tool for Behaviour and Attainment

As school leaders, you’re always looking for ways to improve pupil progress, and sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. If we want to see better behaviour, stronger focus, and improved attainment, the answer might be as simple as getting pupils to move more.

It’s easy to overlook, but the evidence is clear, structured physical activity isn’t just about health; it has a direct impact on cognitive development, emotional regulation, and social skills. When movement is built into the school day in meaningful ways, pupils are more engaged, focused, and ready to learn.

Making Movement Part of the School Day

The good news is that small, simple changes can have a big impact. Schools don’t need to overhaul their curriculum, just rethink how movement is embedded into the day. Some ideas include:

• Incorporating physically active learning into lessons—movement-based tasks in maths, literacy, and science can improve engagement and retention.
• Starting the day with a ‘Brain Gym’—a short burst of activity before lessons can sharpen focus and boost energy levels.
• Rethinking PE lessons—small adjustments in how lessons are structured can help develop teamwork, confidence, and resilience.

The impact of movement goes far beyond the sports hall—it shapes how pupils approach challenges, build confidence, and interact with the world around them.

Something worth thinking about.