In the 2020/2021 school year, 44 percent of primary schools employed a specialist teacher or a combination of specialist and classroom teachers for physical education in years 1–2. In years 3–8, this was 77 percent. Both figures are considerably higher than in 2016/2017 (an increase of 23% and 59%, respectively).

Considerable variation in physical education lesson time in years 1–2

The average scheduled lesson time for physical education in years 1–2 has increased slightly, from 113 minutes per week in 2016/2017 to 119 minutes per week. However, this varies considerably from school to school. Twenty-seven percent of schools schedule less than 90 minutes per week, 27 percent exactly 90 minutes, and 45 percent more than 90 minutes.

In years 3–8, the average scheduled lesson time for physical education, at 91 minutes per week, has remained unchanged compared with previous years. Here too, there is considerable variation.

More support for children with motor impairments, especially from specialist teachers

More than two in five schools (44%) provide additional support to children with motor impairments. This is more than double the figure for 2016/2017 (20%).

Additional support is provided particularly at schools with specialist teachers only (59%) or a combination of specialist and classroom teachers (51%). This usually consists of Motor Remedial Teaching (in 36% of cases).

School leaders recognize the importance of encouraging physical activity at school

Nearly all school leaders (90%) believe that, in addition to physical education lessons, all schools should encourage other forms of physical activity. At 73 percent of schools, there are weekly or daily physical activity breaks between or during lessons. Forty-eight percent offer physically active learning at least weekly.

Physical activity interventions, such as The Daily Mile or Beweegwijs, are still used relatively infrequently and are implemented infrequently (10% at least weekly).

Third survey among more than 800 school leaders in primary education

The results of this study are based on a questionnaire survey of 839 school leaders in primary education. The questionnaire was distributed via the Primary Education Principals Panel and among principals from the DUO Educational Research database. Measurements were also conducted in 2012/2013 (baseline measurement) and 2016/2017 (first measurement), making it possible to identify developments in a number of areas.

Read the full findings in the report ‘Physical education and sport in primary education 2021: second measurement’.

More information about lesson times and the qualifications of physical education teachers can be found in the factsheet ‘Lesson hours and physical education teachers in primary education’.