The consequences of a reduction in PE in schools are far more serious than your article suggests (“Tories under fire after dramatic fall in school sport in England”, News). Alongside overeating and the consumption of ultra-processed foods, a more sedentary lifestyle means that a third of children are overweight or obese: a problem that will only get worse, given that younger generations are becoming obese at earlier ages. It is now well known that lack of exercise and obesity put people at greater risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and mental ill-health. More than ever, PE should be treated as a valued component of the school curriculum.
The main cause of cuts in PE time is the increased pressure on schools to produce good examination results in the core subjects that are part of the Ebacc, a school performance measure that excludes PE and vocational, creative and technical subjects. Labour intends to keep the Ebacc, adding one creative or vocational subject, which will continue to marginalise PE. As the prospective government after next year’s general election, Labour needs to seriously consider ceasing the Ebacc performance measure so that pupils can enjoy and reap the benefits of a much broader curriculum, including leading a healthy lifestyle.
Chris Pratt
Adel, Leeds
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