The Active Primary Schools Conference 2025 - 
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Active Futures

Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham 

7th November, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the return of The Active Primary School Conference for 2025 - Breaking Down Barriers, Building Active Futures, delivered in proud partnership with Mondale Events for the very first time.

Taking place at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, this one-day conference is open to primary schools nationwide. Designed to empower headteachers, senior leaders, PE leads, teachers and sports coaches, the event will explore how schools can embed inclusive, impactful, and sustainable Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA) into everyday practice.

The agenda features keynote addresses from leading national voices, including representatives from the Department for Education (DfE), afPE, Youth Sport Trust, Royal Life Saving Society, and Swim England, alongside expert-led workshops focused on equity, wellbeing, and whole-school improvement.

A marketplace will run alongside the conference, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions from education and physical activity suppliers, providing valuable takeaways and inspiration for school leaders.

Delegate places are available at £150 + VAT, including access to all sessions, lunch, refreshments, complimentary parking, and entry into exclusive prize draws. Schools working with Aspire will receive a discounted rate of £85 + VAT. Please use your unique code supplied at the point of registration.

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AGENDA

08.00 – 09.00 Arrival, breakfast, networking & marketplace

09.00 – 09.15 Welcome & introduction

09.15 – 10.00 Keynote - Kate Thornton-Bousfield - afPE

10.00 – 10.45 Workshop Session 1 - choose from:

1. How to embed an apprentice for real impact in your school (Lightning talk) - James Latham (Excelsior MAT) & Nikki Clamp (Aspire Training Solutions)

2. Physical literacy in action: Designing activities that develop the whole child (Practical) - Paul Quinn & Steve Waide (Beyond the Physical)

3. Using digital tools and gamification for physical activity engagement - Run:ED (Lightning talk) - Tom Watts (Boldmere school) & Andrew Stanton (Aspire)

4. AI for active schools: Smarter tools, more time, better outcomes - Steph Donovan (Aspire Active Education)

5. The swimming shortfall: Data, challenges, and what schools can do - Dr Jen Smith (University of Chichester) & Jo Talbot (RLSS)

10.45 – 11.15 Comfort break, networking & marketplace

11.15 – 12.00 Keynote - Jim Morris (YST)

12.00 – 13.00 Lunch, networking and & marketplace

13.00 – 13.30 Q&A panel - Jim Morris (YST), Kate Thornton-Bousfield (afPE) & Steve Jones (DfE)

13.30 – 14.15 Workshop Session 2 - choose from:

1. Power of an Active School - Jim Morris (YST)

2. Swimming - 'meet the experts' session - Jo Talbot (RLSS), Lorna Goldie (Swim England) & Tamsin Newton (Woodlands Academy)

3. Inclusive PE for SEND & vulnerable groups (Practical) - LUSU

4. An introduction to the concept of Athletic Skills Model (ASM) - Alec Masson (PE Lead ASM UK) & Dr Julie Pearson (Education Advisor ASM UK)

14.15 – 14.30 Comfort break, networking & marketplace

14.30 – 15.00 Keynote: To be announced

15.00 – 15.30 Summary and close

Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the event? Space is limited, so please contact us to secure your place.