Stats don't tell the story

According to the results of a survey carried out for the government on sport in schools, Physical Education in the UK is on the up and up. The TNS survey found that participation in PE, inter-school competition and school-club links had all increased, with targets aplenty being smashed. These findings may not tell the whole story though.

PE is still a second-class citizen in the national curriculum, contributing little to what have become the all-important school league tables. Whilst this remains the case, there is little incentive for schools to tackle the problems that still plague school sport. Up to half of the government target of two hours PE can be spent changing and organising the activity, whilst many kids choose to skip lessons altogether, opting instead for a fag behind the bike sheds. Facilities are often run-down or out of date.

Dedicated teachers do their best under difficult circumstances, but until PE is granted a higher priority on the curriculum then the problems will persist, much needed extra time and funds will remain elusive and kids will continue to be turned off to sport.