National Conference for Heads of Physical Education

Welcome to the 2026 Conference for Heads of PE. This event is aimed at leaders of Physical Education in secondary schools of all types. It brings together the leading thinkers, researchers and influencers in the subject from across the university and school sectors, for a day of the latest trends and directions in school Physical Education. This year features an unrivalled assembly of teacher educators, innovators and national leaders to provide Heads of PE with an opportunity to better understand developments in the subject, and the ways in which they can implement contemporary best practice in their schools.

The morning will be hosted by Will Swaithes and feature keynote sessions from Professor Ashley Casey, leader of teacher education in PE at Loughborough University and Kate Thornton-Bousfield, CEO of the Association for Physical Education. Kate has been highly influential, and integrally involved, in working with the government to develop the new National Curriculum in the subject, and will provide an insight into the process, philosophy and implications of this for schools.  

The afternoon will provide a range of sessions from which delegates can choose, in order to pursue their particular enthusiasms, or to become updated on areas with which they are less familiar.  As always, there will be the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, within a convivial atmosphere.