Active Kent & Medway welcomed over 150 delegates to its annual Primary PE and Physical Activity Conference 2026, held on Thursday 26 March 2026 at the Kent Event Centre, Detling. The event brought together teachers, PE leads, school staff plus local and national partners to share learning, ideas and practical approaches to getting more children more active across Kent and Medway.
The popular one-day conference offered a full programme of keynote speakers, practical workshops and networking opportunities, designed to support primary schools to deliver high-quality PE, sport and physical activity for all children. Delegates also had the chance to explore the packed marketplace, with over 30 exhibitors, offering support, resources and inspiration for schools.
The day opened with a welcome by Liz Davidson-Kennett, Active Partnership Director at Active Kent & Medway, before delegates heard from keynote speakers Emily Reynolds, Children and Young People Director, Youth Sport Trust and Catherine Fitzpatrick, Association for Physical Education (AfPE). Sessions throughout the day focused on inclusive practice, active learning, pupil voice, outdoor play and supporting positive experiences of movement both within and beyond the curriculum.
A highlight was the Everyday Active Schools ‘Sharing Stories’ session, which showcased real insight from three primary school representatives bringing real-life school experiences to the conversation and sharing how they’ve embraced the Everyday Active Schools programme, embedding physical activity across the school day.
At the event, Paul Webb, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, Kent County Council said, “It’s great to attend this sort of event which brings together PE leads, educators and departments for collaborative working and sharing ideas. You can see from the buzz in the room how well the event is going.”
Musa Khader from Leigh Academy Dartford told us, “I’ve struggled to find motivation for my PE lessons on top of my other responsibilities, but this event has really inspired me. The keynote speakers telling us how important that 60 minutes of activity a day is, made me realise I’ve got the power to really support children’s lives. I’m going back to school with the energy, attitude and ideas. Thank you!”
Liz Davidson Kennet, Active Partnership Director, Active Kent & Medway added, “Our annual Primary PE and Physical Activity Conference is always such an enjoyable and informative event. It gives so many of our partners in education the opportunity to hear from experts, share ideas and discover what support is available to help ensure all children have positive experiences of being active and playing sport.”
Active Kent & Medway would like to thank all the speakers, workshop deliverers and partners who contributed to the success of the day, as well as every delegate who took part, shared learning and helped make the conference such a positive, impactful event.
