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BRC professionals active at half of primary schools

Published Jul 14, 2026

In 2025, one or more BRC professionals were active at 50 percent of primary schools. Most of them were active at the school a few times a year. This is according to research by the Mulier Institute. A BRC professional (Broad Scheme for Combination Functions) is a professional, such as a community sports coach or cultural coach, who connects sport or culture with other sectors. Municipalities deploy them to encourage lifelong healthy and inclusive participation in sports and cultural activities among specific target groups.

BRC professionals active at half of primary schools

A smaller proportion of BRC professionals are structurally active at a primary school (7% monthly, 9% weekly). Compared with 2021, the proportion of schools without a BRC professional has increased somewhat: from 40 to 45 percent.

BRC professionals mainly organize extracurricular sports activities

BRC professionals mainly organize extracurricular sports activities. This is reported by both school leaders (68%) and the BRC professionals themselves (69%). According to almost 40 percent of schools, BRC professionals have contributed to an expansion of sports and physical activity activities at and around the school.

BRC professionals teach fewer PE lessons due to a change in the scheme

BRC professionals independently teach PE lessons at fewer schools than before. This proportion decreased from 33 percent in 2021 to 23 percent in 2025.

From 2027 onward, schools may no longer deploy BRC professionals for the mandatory PE lessons. This phase-out began in 2023. This may explain the decrease in their (structural) deployment and the change in their duties.

Primary Education Survey and BRC Panel

For this fact sheet, the Mulier Institute used data from the physical education surveys conducted in 2017, 2021 and 2025. More than 800 primary school leaders completed the questionnaire. In addition, the Mulier Institute used data from the BRC Panel from May 2025. Sixty-seven BRC professionals completed this questionnaire.

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Our Food Week

From 3 to 10 October 2026, it is Our Food Week. A great opportunity to focus with your class at primary school on where our food comes from, how it is made and why healthy and sustainable choices are important. Food education allows pupils not only to learn, but especially to experience. That is why various organisations are joining forces to support schools with inspiring activities, teaching materials and practical tools. Examples include the Mayors’ Breakfast, a free visit to a farm, or shopping vouchers for cooking in the classroom.

Join National Tap Water Day 2026 on 30 September!

Would you like more water to be drunk in the new school year? Then put tap water in the spotlight with your class as a healthy and sustainable thirst quencher during National Tap Water Day on Wednesday 30 September. This way, your pupils will discover why tap water is healthy and how to turn it into a festive drink!

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