The role of Physical Education (PE) in schools is evolving, and with it, the need for exceptional PE leaders to transition into senior leadership roles. This proposal outlines a strategic approach to facilitate this transition, emphasising the unique skills PE leaders bring to broader educational leadership.

The presentation objective is to provide a framework that supports the development and transition of outstanding PE leaders into senior leadership roles within educational institutions through lived experiences, examples and suggestions for consideration.

PE leaders bring a unique perspective to student well-being, teamwork, and resilience, which are essential components of holistic education. Our diverse skill set, including strategic planning, team leadership, and adaptability, developed within the dynamic PE environment, proves invaluable at the senior leadership level. Moreover, PE leaders have the potential to significantly influence school culture by spearheading initiatives that promote health, wellness, and inclusivity, thereby fostering a positive and supportive environment for all students.

Yet how do we as PE educators overcome the stigma of ‘being jocks’ or that we ‘just kick a ball about’?

Through sharing of ideas and hopefully discussion, the following topics will be discussed; raising standards and the need for accountability, curriculum mapping, why introduce theory exams, cross-curriculum collaboration, running professional development, coaching, professional learning communities as well as other factors.