Professional Development

Continuing Professional Learning

What is the National College for Professional Learning?

The afPE National College for Professional Learning plays a major role in providing leadership for physical education and those who deliver it, raising standards to support high quality physical education and school sport.

We have a dedicated team of highly skilled trainers who work across the country to ensure that all PESS professionals receive the best physical education related professional development. Our aim is to raise the quality of teaching, coaching and learning in PE and school sport to raise the attainment of all pupils.

Our programme of professional development provides opportunities in physical education for headteachers, teachers, teaching assistants and adults supporting learning (ASL).  Our aim is to ensure that teachers and ASLs have the tools and expertise they need to deliver high quality physical education and school sport.

All courses are accredited through Edge Hill University to enable delegates to use the credits and evidence of impact of their professional development towards gaining a masters degree; there is now an expectation that all teachers will undertake this qualification. Adults Supporting Learning can also use the credits from afPE professional development towards a first degree.

How can we help?

The National College for Professional Learning has a dedicated professional development team who will:

• Allocate you a high quality trainer from our team of quality assured national trainers
• Provide you with high quality delegate resources including delegate bags, support material, presentations and certificates of accreditation 

• Offer you follow-up professional learning to support your role within PESS

• Support individuals with their registration for accreditation with Edge Hill University (if required)
• Ensure our commitment as a charity to offer you best value for money

We will work with you to ensure that any professional development meets your individual needs and supports PESS professionals in achieving the new professional standards.  Our accredited professional learning is a key part of the evidence tool. The process could not be easier, all you need to do is:

• Decide which course/s you would like delivered
• Decide when you would like to hold the course/s (which term, month or specific date)
• Email your request through to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it you will be contacted within 24hrs to discuss your requirements and then an information sheet will be emailed to you outlining the ‘next steps’

What professional development is available?

The national college has a variety of exciting professional development opportunities available to you.

• Adults Supporting Learning for ‘Employers’
• Adults Supporting Learning for ‘Individuals’
• Assessment for Learning
• Body Preparation and Core Skills for Primary Gymnastics
• Early Years in the Outdoors
• Every Child Matters: Inclusive Assessment
• Practical Guide to Teaching Dance
• Risk Management in Physical Education
• Secondary Curriculum Support: From Implementation to Development
• Departmental Health Checks
• School Self-evaluation
• Teaching & Learning
• The Reality of High Quality Physical Education: The Crucial Role of Leadership
• Pre and Post Ofsted Support for Physical Education
• Safeguarding Children in Physical Education

The professional learning offered through the national college is always delivered by high quality effective national deliverers such as Eileen Marchant (Author and National Trainer), Peter Whitlam (Safe Practice Lead Author) and Carole Raymond (former HMI).

We are delivering professional development to a number of Local Authorities and School Sport Partnerships with outstanding feedback and requests for follow-up professional development.  Amongst these have been PE Awareness courses, Assessment for Learning, Raising Standards in Physical Education, Risk Management, Teaching and Learning, the new secondary curriculum and Observing High Quality PE courses. Remember, all our professional learning can be designed around you and tailored specifically to meet your needs.

For further details on any aspect of the afPE NCfPL, to discuss working in partnership with afPE or to discuss your local professional development needs please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 07887 681 678.