asked Her Majesty's Government:

What sources and methodology they have used in 2005 and 2006 to determine the number of school hours dedicated to competitive sport in the school curriculum for primary and secondary school pupils. [HL298]

The annual school sport survey of schools in school sport partnerships is the primary tool used to measure progress towards the PE and school sport PSA target. The survey collects data about pupils’ take-up of at least two hours of high-quality PE and school sport each week, as well as the amount of time pupils in each year group spend on PE within curriculum time. The survey also collects data about the number of pupils who take part in intra-school and inter-school competitive activities. Competitive games are a compulsory part of the national curriculum for PE for all pupils aged five to 14.

The school sport survey has been running since 2003-04 and copies of the results of the three surveys run to date have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The results also set out in detail the methodological approach adopted in carrying out the survey.