Published annually, the report provides a picture of the opportunities and challenges shaping young people's health, wellbeing and development. This year's findings highlight growing concerns around low activity levels, increasing screen use and unequal access to sport and physical activity, all of which are influencing the experiences of children and young people both in and beyond the school day.

Key Findings

The report's annual analysis of children's physical activity reveals:

• 2.1 million young people in England do less than an average of 30 minutes of physical activity per day
• Just 46% of young people are active for 30 minutes during the school day
• PE is the most frequently cancelled subject in schools
• Only 57% of teachers say their school delivers the recommended minimum of two hours of PE each week
• One in three young people spend at least three hours per day on screens outside schoolwork, with this figure predicted to rise to almost half of young people by 2035
• 77% of parents believe screen use is reducing the amount of time children spend being physically active
• 69% of teachers agree pupils are less physically active when they have access to mobile phones during break and lunchtime
• One in six parents say their child has stopped taking part in exercise or sport because they are too busy on a screen

By bringing together the latest evidence and insights, the PE and School Sport Report 2026 aims to inform decision-makers, educators and organisations working to create healthier and happier futures for children and young people.

The full report can be downloaded below. The Executive Summary, providing an overview of the report's key findings, evidence and recommendations, is also available.