Last week, the Youth Sport Trust’s Research and Insight team brought together researchers, academics, policy makers, and representatives from the charity and sports sector for our biannual PE and School Sport Forum.

These forums play an important role in our mission to create and share clear, compelling, and accessible evidence on the value of Physical Education (PE), school sport, and physical activity. By building and sharing understanding, we can better demonstrate how movement transforms young people’s lives.

Now in its sixth year, and for the first time hosted as a stand-alone event, this forum marked a new chapter in how we connect and collaborate across the sector. The growing demand and enthusiasm for these sessions reflects a shared commitment to putting evidence at the heart of policy and practice.

The event, led by our Head of Research and Insight Amanda Vernalls, featured six insightful speakers and plenty of opportunities to connect and exchange ideas.

The day began with Jamie Juniper, Head of Evaluation and Evidence at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who outlined the Government’s current priorities and shared examples of research exploring behaviour change. His reflections underlined how PE and sport sit at the core of national efforts to improve wellbeing and community connection.

Next, Professor Stuart Fairclough from Edge Hill University presented findings from Ready Set Move, a study exploring children’s movement behaviours and development in Pennine Lancashire. His work highlighted seasonal changes in activity levels and the links between physical activity, motor competence, and academic performance.

After a well-earned coffee break, we heard from Jake Netherway of Activity Alliance, who gave a preview of their upcoming Children and Young People Survey. His colleague Molly O’Brien then showcased new inclusive research tools to help organisations better engage disabled children and young people in sport and physical activity.

The Black Swimming Association followed with powerful insights into water safety awareness among children. Their research revealed that younger children, those from ethnically diverse communities, and those in areas of higher deprivation face greater risks in open water, underlining the urgent need for better water safety education for all.

To build on the collaborative spirit of the day, delegates took part in a lively networking session, sharing their current projects and areas of interest. This ‘research speed dating’ was a highlight for many, sparking new ideas and connections across the sector.

In the afternoon, Professor Simon Cooper presented his latest research on the link between PE, physical activity intensity, and cognitive development. His findings reinforced the importance of high-quality PE in supporting both physical and cognitive outcomes for young people.

Finally, Joshua Hawkins from the Department for Education closed the day by outlining the Department’s research priorities and inviting greater collaboration from organisations across the sector to inform future policy development.

The forum was a great success, bringing together passionate people with a shared goal: to harness the power of PE, school sport and physical activity to improve young lives.

We look forward to continuing these conversations at our next forum in March, as we work towards a future where every child has the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of movement, play and sport.

If you’d like to connect with our Research and Insight team or be involved in future events, please complete our expression of interest form