Energise, Engage & Empower: Hertfordshire's Primary PE Conference 2025

On Friday 10th January, over 200 delegates gathered at the University of Hertfordshire for the annual Hertfordshire Primary School’s Sport & PE Conference 2025. Hosted and delivered by Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership and Herts for Learning, this highly regarded event brought together primary school headteachers, PE leads, governors from across the county representing more than 160 schools for a day of inspiration, learning, and collaboration. The events theme: Inclusion, aimed to energise, engage and empower attending delegates to focus on tackling inequality, physical literacy and youth engagement in their schools.

The event kicked off with an inspiring opening address from Triple Paralympic Gold Medallist Emma Wiggs MBE, followed by a delegate energiser led by GB wheelchair basketballer Ella Beaumont. There were also national updates from Youth Sport Trust CEO, Ali Oliver MBE, and the new CEO of Association of Physical Education, Kate Thornton-Bousfield. The High Sherrif of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster also made a guest appearance to present Inclusion Leads Anne Marie Riddle and Mary Szulikowski with a High Sheriff’s 'Inspirational Leaders in Sport' Award for their outstanding contribution to the lives of the children and young people with additional needs in Hertfordshire. The opening address concluded with an insightful Q&A with our inclusion panel which included current and former Hertfordshire students as well as our keynote speakers.

Quote from delegate: “It was a brilliant day and I really thought Emma Wiggs together with all the Q & A panel were incredible and truly inspirational“

The day invited delegates to choose from a varied programme of 20 energising practical and theoretical workshops to help elevate the delivery of sport and physical education within their primary schools.

During the networking lunch, delegates explored the dynamic marketplace, which featured 36 physical activity and sporting agencies showcasing their services and resources. The event successfully developed connections, created new ideas, leaving participants feeling motivated to make an impact in their schools and communities.

Quote from Marketplace Exhibitor, Get Set 4 Education: Our participation in the conference provided an excellent platform to connect with schools, share our resources, and engage with educators passionate about PE. The quality of the conversations and connections we made exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to fostering these relationships further.

Quote from Tanya Angus – School Sports Manager: “It has been a fantastic event with lots of positive feedback from everyone involved. Our annual event was very well received and of real value to Hertfordshire schools.”

Take a look at the full 2025 programme here.

If you would like more information on this event or to be involved in our 2026 Conference, please contact Tanya Angus on Tanya.angus@oaklands.ac.uk.