PE progression maps
PE progression maps from Reception to Year 6
Progression in PE is not just about doing different sports each year. It is about helping pupils build movement, confidence, skill and understanding over time.
The challenge
Schools need to see how PE learning develops
Without a clear progression view, PE can feel like a list of activities rather than a curriculum journey.
Coordinators need to understand how units connect, how skills build, and how teachers can deliver PE with consistency across year groups.
How PE Pulse helps
A clearer view of the PE journey
PE Pulse helps coordinators and teachers connect lessons to the bigger curriculum picture, so progression is easier to plan, explain and review.
Reception to Year 6 structure
Progression support helps schools see how pupils move from early movement confidence to more developed skills and tactical understanding.
Linked to units and lessons
Progression is not left as a separate document. It connects to the lessons teachers deliver.
Useful for coordinators
PE coordinators can use progression maps to support planning, staff conversations and curriculum reviews.
Supports assessment and evidence
When progression is clear, assessment evidence is easier to understand and explain.
In practice
Progression should help teachers make sense of the curriculum
A progression map is most useful when it helps staff understand what pupils have experienced before, what they are working towards now, and how the next step fits.
- ✓See how activity areas develop across year groups.
- ✓Connect teaching points to wider curriculum intent.
- ✓Support teachers who are less confident with PE planning.
- ✓Use progression evidence in subject-leader and inspection conversations.
Helpful beyond the planning document
PE coordinators
A clearer structure for planning, reviewing and explaining PE across the school.
Teachers
More context for why a lesson matters and what pupils are building towards.
Leaders
A stronger view of curriculum sequencing and pupil development over time.
Questions schools often ask
What should a PE progression map show?
It should show how pupils develop skills, confidence and understanding across activities and year groups, not just which sport is taught each term.
How does this help non-specialist teachers?
It gives teachers more context for the lesson, helping them understand what pupils are building towards.
Can progression maps support curriculum reviews?
Yes. They help coordinators and leaders explain the sequence of PE learning across the school.
See how PE Pulse can support your school
Explore the curriculum, lesson plans, assessment tools and resources with a guided demo or free trial.