Overview

Developing diverse leadership to shape the future of PE, school sport and physical activity.

This programme supports Physical Education leaders from ethnically diverse communities to strengthen their leadership, influence and impact within schools.

Designed for current and aspiring PE leaders, it provides tailored professional development, peer support and national networking opportunities – helping to build a more representative workforce and improve outcomes for all young people.

By investing in diverse leadership, schools can create more inclusive environments, broaden pupil engagement and help tackle inequalities in participation.

 

How it Works

The programme is delivered across an academic year through a blend of training, collaboration and applied practice:

  • A series of in-person workshops led by Youth Sport Trust and sector experts
  • Collaborative learning and peer support with a national cohort of PE leaders
  • Opportunities for mentoring, networking and sharing best practice
  • A funded place at the Youth Sport Trust National Conference
  • Support to develop and lead a school-based line of inquiry
  • Creation of local “Communities of Experience” to share learning with other educators.

Workshops are co-created with participants to ensure relevance, with themes including:

  • Leading whole school change
  • Tackling inequalities in PE and school sport
  • Championing youth voice
  • Developing teaching philosophy and professional identity
  • Influencing for impact.

Impact and Benefits

The programme is designed to deliver both individual and system-wide impact:

  • Strengthens ethnic diversity in the PE leadership workforce
  • Builds confidence in leadership, decision-making and influence
  • Creates a national network of diverse PE leaders
  • Supports more inclusive and representative practice in schools.

Participants from previous cohorts have gone on to:

  • Lead conversations around diversity within their local school sport systems
  • Influence conference programmes and local partnerships
  • Champion more inclusive practice in their schools and communities.

 

Blog: Impact of the Programme

It provided a valuable safe space to share life experiences without fear of judgement… I left each session feeling empowered, stronger, and more determined to continue championing change.

Mrs D Williams NPQLT, Peartree Spring Primary School, Herts
Mrs D Williams NPQLT

Ways to Access

Apply for the 2026–27 cohort

  • Fully funded programme
  • Includes all workshops, networking and conference place
  • Travel expenses reimbursed.

Commitment required:

  • Attendance at all workshop dates
  • Headteacher approval prior to application
  • Active participation in the programme and network
  • Delivery of a local “Community of Experience”

Workshop dates:

  • Tuesday 06 October 2026
  • Wednesday 25 November 2026
  • Wednesday 13 January 2027
  • Wednesday 24 February 2027
  • Tuesday 04 May 2027

The first workshop will be held in Loughborough with the locations of the remaining workshops to be agreed with attendees that day. 

Apply to join the next cohort 

Applications close: Friday 19 June

Before applying, please ensure:

  • You have approval from your Headteacher
  • You are available for all workshop dates.
Register Interest

Why it Matters

  • Inactivity levels among young people remain persistently high, with significant inequalities in participation
  • Black and Asian children and young people are less likely to be physically active than the national average
  • Teachers from ethnically diverse backgrounds are under-represented in the PE workforce

Developing more diverse leaders in PE helps schools better reflect their communities – creating more inclusive environments and improving engagement for all young people.

Supporting Partners 

The professional development programme will be supported by organisations who are part of Youth Sport Trust's Diversity Advocacy Group. They are champions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our school system. Some of the supporting partners will attend the workshops to provide a spotlight on their organisations.

  • Adrian Rollins – Head of School, Heath Park School and member of Black Men Teach and BAMEed 

  • Albert Adeyemi – Co Founder, Black Men Teach and PE Teacher/Head of Year at Bedford Academy 

  • Eugene Dwaah – CEO, The Evolution Sports Group & Education 

  • Farhan Adam MBE - Headteacher at Crown Hills Community College 

  • Dr Irfan Khawaja – Author of Ramadan Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings: Physical Education & Physical Activity and Senior Lecturer in Public Health, University of Wolverhampton 

  • Jermaine Coleman – Assistant Vice Principal, Greig City Academy

  • Justin Jose - Physical Education Lead at Cubitt Town Junior School 

  • Mo Jafar - Senior Lecturer in Sport, PE and Development, University of East London 

  • Paul Mundy – Castle – Board member, Basketball England and ex- secondary school Headteacher 

  • Sahiba Majeed – PE Teacher, Jack Hunt School and Marketing and Insights Lead, Muslim Sports Foundation 

  • Zahara Chowdhury - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Education Consultant and Founder of School Should Be. 

Get in touch

Have a question about this programme? Contact Chris Ellis, Head of School Engagement.

Contact Us