RE-BOOTING SCHOOL SPORT: PLOTTING AND IMPLEMENTING A ROUTE THROUGH THE CRISIS

About this resource

The Professional Association of Directors of Sport in Independent Schools (PADSIS) exists to support the leadership of sport in independent schools through advisory, recruitment and training services, enabling schools to exceed their aspirations through physical activity.

When schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, within a few weeks, public exams had been abandoned for the year, and it was clear that the term would start substantially later than planned, if at all. The impact upon sport was similarly rapid and dramatic. The final stages of national competitions due to be played in late March were cancelled.

Sport and physical activity are a critical part and distinguishing feature of school life, and a central part of its business case. The impact of the pandemic may influence the character of school sport forever. PADSIS Director Neil Rollings discusses the possibilities for school sport post COVID-19 through the development of a coherent plan to handle the various stages of recovery.