Factors affecting school physical education provision in England: a cross-sectional analysis

Attitudes towards physical activity are largely developed during childhood meaning that school physical education classes can have a strong influence.

National level data of school pupils (n = 21 515) in England were analysed to examine the association between school provision of physical education with sex, age, geographic and socioeconomic factors.

Children attending independent schools had more scheduled physical education time (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) 18 to 30 extra min per week). This association was true for males (P = 0.024); schools located in the South (P < 0.001; 95% CI 2 to 3) and rural areas (P < 0.001; 95% CI 3 to 5); or with a higher percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals (P < 0.001; 95% CI 3 to 4). Schools in more affluent areas (P < 0.001; 95% CI -1 to -2) and those with lower percentages of pupils from ethnic minorities (P < 0.001; 95% CI -1 to -2) also had higher minutes of physical education provision per week. Regarding age, 93% of schools met the guidelines in Years 1-9; only 45% did in Years 10-13.

Differences in physical education were found in relation to school type, socioeconomic status and geographical factors. Age-related differences in compliance with guidelines are of concern; ways to increase provision for older children should be investigated.