Davies Sports partners with afPE on new tutor initiative to strengthen primary PE teaching

By: Christine Wheatcroft • Read time: 3 min • Published: September 2026

Quick Answer

Davies Sports has partnered with the Association for Physical Education (afPE) to support a new national tutor network delivering the Primary Physical Education Specialism Level 5 qualification. Ahead of 2028 curriculum changes, this initiative provides specialist tutors with uniforms, kit bags, and equipment to upskill primary PE educators across England.

Strengthening Primary PE Teaching

Davies Sports has announced a new partnership with the Association for Physical Education (afPE) to support the development of primary PE teachers and help raise standards in physical education across England.

The partnership comes at a pivotal time for schools as preparations begin for planned changes to the Physical Education curriculum in England in 2028. As part of its vision for the future of the subject, afPE’s recommendation is that the Primary Physical Education Specialism (Level 5) is the minimum expected qualification for anyone without QTS contributing to the delivery of Physical Education within a primary school setting.

The move aims to ensure greater consistency in the quality of PE teaching nationwide, helping schools deliver engaging, inclusive and high-quality Physical Education that supports positive outcomes for every child.

New Specialist Tutor Team for Level 5 Qualification

To support this ambition, afPE has appointed a new team of specialist tutors to deliver its Primary Physical Education Specialism Level 5 qualification from September 2026. Following a rigorous selection process, the tutors were chosen for their extensive experience in primary PE and understanding of the subject. They will deliver practical training programmes designed to give educators the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to deliver high-quality PE lessons.

Supporting Educators with Made for Education Equipment

As a leading supplier of PE and sports equipment to schools, Davies Sports is supporting the new tutor team as part of its commitment to assist educators with equipment that is made for education, meaning it is curated, designed and manufactured specifically for education establishments. This ensures it’s durable, fit for purpose and size appropriate for all key stages. The partnership reflects a shared belief that investing in teacher expertise, and the resources they use, is one of the most effective ways to improve children's experiences and outcomes in physical education.

Official Partnership Launch at King Edward VI Aston School

The one-year partnership was officially launched at King Edward VI Aston School in Birmingham, where the newly appointed tutors met as a team for the first time. During the event, Davies Sports provided branded uniforms and kit bags for the tutor network as they prepare to support educators across the country.

Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership

Chris Mahady, CEO of Findel, parent company of Davies Sports, said:

"At Davies Sports, we understand that great PE starts with confident, well-supported educators. That's why we're proud to partner afPE's new tutor team and support a programme that will help upskill the primary PE workforce ahead of future curriculum changes. By investing in professional development and specialist training, we're helping to create a stronger community of PE practitioners who can share expertise, inspire children to be active and deliver consistently high-quality learning experiences. As a long-standing provider of quality education supplies, we fully support a move towards a cohesive, active and well-resourced community of practitioners. Together with afPE, we want to make it easier for schools to access the training, resources and support they need to achieve the positive outcomes that every school deserves."

Catherine Fitzpatrick, Workforce and Quality Assurance Lead for afPE said:

"We are incredibly grateful to Davies Sports for their generous sponsorship of our national tutor workforce as we begin the rollout of the new Primary Physical Education Specialism qualification. The support they have provided goes far beyond simply supplying uniform and equipment. The high-quality uniform gives our tutors a smart, professional and consistent identity as representatives of afPE, while the equipment bags will provide them with practical, high-quality resources to support engaging and effective delivery across the country. As our tutors begin working with delegates nationally, having access to the right equipment is incredibly important. It enables them to model high-quality Physical Education in practice, demonstrate creative and purposeful approaches to teaching and learning, and ensure delegates experience the standards we want them to take back into their own schools. There is a real alignment between what we are trying to achieve through this qualification and Davies Sports’ commitment to supporting high-quality Physical Education. Their investment in our tutor team is ultimately an investment in the workforce we are developing and, most importantly, in improving the quality of PE experiences for children and young people. We are extremely proud to have Davies Sports supporting us on this journey and would like to extend our sincere thanks for their commitment to our tutors and to the future of Primary Physical Education."

About Davies Sports

Davies Sports is a leading supplier of PE and sports equipment in the UK and internationally. As part of the Findel family of brands, it supports schools with made for education equipment, that has been designed, curated and manufactured specifically for schools PE and sports lessons, which supports the PE curriculum.

About afPE

The Association for Physical Education (afPE) is a charitable company, a professional membership organisation, and the leading subject association for physical education in the United Kingdom. As the authoritative voice of Physical Education, afPE is dedicated to promoting high-quality PE and placing it at the very heart of school life.

Author

Christine Wheatcroft

Marketing Manager, Primary PE & Sport