Leeds Beckett University (LBU)

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has developed a new whole school physical literacy programme in partnership with Leeds Beckett University. The initiative forms part of a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK with the University’s Carnegie School of Sport. This national programme supports organisations to apply research and new ideas to real world challenges, making it an ideal foundation for GSAL’s work in physical literacy.

The new KTP will apply the outcomes of that research directly within the school to enhance pupils’ confidence, competence and motivation to participate in movement and physical activity.

The partnership also extends beyond GSAL itself. The school will work with local partner schools to share learning, resources and best practice. This outward facing element helps ensure that the benefits of the programme reach children across Leeds, strengthening physical literacy provision citywide.

Aims

The programme aims to embed physical literacy across all stages of school life, making it a consistent feature of daily learning. Rather than limiting physical literacy to sport lessons, the initiative will integrate principles of movement, wellbeing and physical confidence into a broad range of curriculum areas. This whole school approach is designed to be sustainable, scalable and impactful for every pupil.

Background

The project builds on an existing jointly funded PhD research collaboration that began in 2022 between GSAL and LBU’s Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy.

Resources

A key feature of the partnership is the placement of a KTP associate, a specialist employed to work full time within the school to support implementation, staff training and programme evaluation. The associate will be supported by academic experts from Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Sport, including specialists from the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy, ensuring a strong research foundation and rigorous evaluation throughout.

Impact

The programme aims to help children and adolescents develop a lifelong positive relationship with movement, supporting their long-term health, happiness and wellbeing. By combining academic expertise with GSAL’s whole school commitment, the initiative seeks to set a new standard for physical literacy education within Leeds and beyond.

Pupil Involvement

Students from nursery through to sixth form (ages 2–18) take part in activities suited to their age and ability.

Frequency

This is a 30-month programme.