Doncaster’s PE Conference Highlights the Power of Pupil Voice in Creating More Active Schools
Educators, school leaders, and experts gathered at The Hub for the Annual Doncaster PE Conference 2025, a key event focused on empowering young people to shape more active school environments.
With this year’s theme, “Using Pupil Voice to Create More Active Schools,” the conference provided valuable insights, practical strategies, and hands-on workshops designed to support physical education professionals in driving meaningful change. The event opened with a dynamic dance performance by students from The Laurel Academy, setting an energetic tone for the day.
The programme featured a keynote address from Dean Coomer, a Psychological Skills Mentor and British Psychological Society member, who shared expertise on building resilience, leadership, and engagement in schools. Drawing from his experience in elite sport, military training, and leadership coaching, Coomer provided practical strategies to support both educators and students in fostering a more active and inclusive learning environment.
Tackling the Decline in Physical Activity Among Young People
With childhood fitness levels declining and sedentary behaviours on the rise, experts agree that physical activity must become a top priority in schools. Research shows that regular movement, quality sleep, and reduced screen time improve both physical and mental well-being. However, many children, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, are not meeting the recommended levels of daily exercise.
Evidence suggests that when children have positive early experiences with sport and movement, they are far more likely to maintain an active lifestyle into adulthood. Schools play a crucial role in shaping these experiences, and the Doncaster PE Conference serves as a vital platform for ensuring physical activity is embedded into school life.
Equipping Educators with Practical Tools for Change
The conference featured a series of interactive workshops designed to give educators immediate, real-world strategies for creating more active classrooms. Topics ranged from inclusive teaching methods and pupil-led initiatives to innovative approaches in physical education, all aimed at helping schools make movement a natural part of the learning experience.
Suzy Broadhead, Head of Education and Communities at Active Fusion, the charity behind the event, highlighted the importance of giving young people a voice in shaping active school environments, “Physical activity has a profound impact on a child’s well-being, confidence, and academic success. If we truly want to create healthier, happier school communities, we need to put young people at the heart of the conversation. This conference is about ensuring that pupil voice drives change, and we’re proud to work alongside our partners to make this happen.”
A Collective Effort to Inspire Change
The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of headline sponsors, Mind Wellbeing CIC and Doncaster Council, along with DN Colleges Group and Yorkshire Sport Foundation. Active Fusion also extend their thanks to the young people who compered the event, demonstrating the true power of pupil voice in action.
As the annual Doncaster PE Conference continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to inspire, empower, and equip educators with the tools to create active, thriving school environments. By championing pupil voice and prioritising physical activity, the event reinforces the urgent need to ensure every child has the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of movement.
Discover more about Doncaster’s Annual PE Conference here or learn more about Active Fusion’s work within education by heading their website.