Transformative Power of PE: Hertfordshire's Primary PE Conference 2026

On Friday 9^th January, over 200 attendees gathered at the University or Hertfordshire for the annual Hertfordshire Primary School’s Sport & PE Conference 2026. Hosted and delivered by Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) and Herts for Learning Education, this highly regarded event brought together Primary School Headteachers, PE leads, SENDCO’s and Governors from across the county representing more than 150 schools for a day of inspiration, learning, and collaboration. The theme of Inclusion aimed to support schools to be more inclusive with the increasing levels of need. The programme for the day was planned in line with the No Limits 2026 campaign, led by HSP in association with Herts Disability Sport Foundation, the Activity Alliance and Inclusion 2028 which aims to break down barriers and create lasting change in how disabled people of all ages access and experience sport and physical activity in Hertfordshire.

The event was hosted by Daniel Angus and Ella Beaumont. Both former students from Hertfordshire based schools, they each have lived experience of disability and proudly support the No Limits 2026 campaign as members of its Ambassador Programme. In the opening keynote addresses David Clarke OBE (CEO Paralympics GB) and Dr Adam Dickinson-Shill (Research Associate, Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, Loughborough University) inspired delegates through presentations on the Equal Play campaign and an academic review of the experiences of disabled children in PE and school sport. An insightful Q&A with our inclusive panel closed the session with a PE teacher, Headteacher, SENDCO and parent providing important advice to all attendees on how to embed inclusive practices at all levels.

There were also national updates from Youth Sport Trust CEO, Ali Oliver MBE, and the CEO of Association of Physical Education, Kate Thornton-Bousfield as well as an engaging performance from Electric Umbrella, a charity who empower learning disabled and neurodivergent people through music and community, which had the attendees joining in with songs and actions during the lunchtime marketplace.

The day provided delegates the opportunity to choose from a varied programme of 20 energising practical and theoretical workshops. Each had an inclusive element designed to help create positive experiences for all young people through the delivery of sport and physical education in primary school environments.

Quote from delegate: “The PE conference is always a fantastic day. Inclusion was such a good topic this year. Felt like there was more to learn and would have liked to be able to access some of the other workshops too. I always leave feel inspired albeit with a long to-do list.”

During registration and the networking lunch, attendees explored the dynamic Marketplace, featuring 42 physical activity and sporting agencies, including a range of disability providers 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. Various Schools have already followed up with host, marketplace exhibitor and No Limits Ambassador Ella Beaumont to book in her EllaBeInspire workshops over the coming months.

Quote from Marketplace Exhibitor: “Attending the Hertfordshire PE Conference was invaluable, as it strengthened connections with schools already engaged with us and opened doors to new participants”

Quote from Emma Catlin – Project lead No Limits Campaign: “I was so pleased to see that the No Limits 2026 campaign had been embedded into every aspect of the day, there was a real appetite from all attendees to take back everything they had learned to apply inclusive practices in their respective settings.

Quote from Tanya Angus – Event Coordinator: “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.”

If you would like more information or to be involved in our 2027 Primary Schools PE Conference, please reach out to Tanya Angus on t.angus2@herts.ac.uk.

If you would like more information on the offers and how you can get involved in the No Limits 2026 Campaign visit the hub here.