Updated Ofsted Framework 2025: What does this mean for PE?

With Ofsted’s new inspection framework coming into effect in November 2025, PE is set to be under closer scrutiny. For primary schools, this means inspectors will not just look at participation, but also how PE contributes to the wider curriculum, wellbeing and pupil outcomes.

Ofsted will place greater emphasis on curriculum quality, inclusion and leadership, meaning PE will play a more significant role in how schools demonstrate impact, engagement and personal development.

Here’s what PE leads need to know:

1. Curriculum Matters

Inspectors will be interested in intent, implementation, and impact:

• Intent: Does your PE curriculum show clear progression across EYFS–KS2?
• Implementation: Are lessons inclusive, engaging and effectively taught by all staff?
• Impact: Can you evidence pupil learning, participation and skill development beyond just taking part?

Inspectors will also look for how PE supports pupils’ wider personal development, including teamwork, resilience and leadership and how learning in PE connects to other curriculum areas.

2. Leadership and Subject Management

PE subject leaders will need to demonstrate:

• How they monitor and evaluate provision
• Staff training and support strategies
• Participation tracking and impact assessment

Inspectors will expect subject leaders to understand how PE contributes to whole-school priorities, such as wellbeing, attendance and engagement in school life.

3. Inclusion & Accessibility

A key focus of the new framework is inclusion and equity. Inspectors will look closely at how schools ensure all pupils can participate and progress in PE, including pupils with SEND, those less confident in PESSPA and disadvantaged groups.

Schools should be ready to show how they identify and remove barriers to participation and tailor provision to meet diverse needs.

4. Ofsted & PE: The Big Picture

PE is now more visible in inspection judgments. Inspectors will consider how PE contributes to:

• Wellbeing, resilience and pupil engagement
• Inclusion of disadvantaged or SEND pupils
• School-wide outcomes, including attendance and engagement in school life

PE Lead Network: Practical Support

We’ll be exploring these changes in more detail at our PE Lead Network meeting on Tuesday, 18th November, where we’ll provide practical guidance on:

• How the updated Ofsted inspection framework affects PE

• What “inspection readiness” looks like for PE leads

• Curriculum intent, implementation, and impact

• The updated Primary PE & Sport Premium spending guidance

For a full breakdown of the funding updates, read our latest blog:

Primary PE & Sport Premium 2025–26: What PE Leads need to know

 

Consultancy Support
For schools wanting deeper, tailored support, ensuring you are Ofsted ready I also offer:

• PE Health Check or PE Subject Review – audit of provision, participation and leadership readiness
• Curriculum Support – sequencing, planning and assessment
• Staff CPD / INSET – build confidence and consistency in PE delivery

 

Next Steps

Ready to feel confident about your school’s PE provision under the new framework?

• Join our next PE Lead Network meeting 
• Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how we can support your school.

If you have any questions or further support, please feel free to email me at abbie.morrissey@phactiveed.co.uk