Georgina Jones, Head of Junior School PE & Games at Bradford Grammar School, shares her insights on the importance of sport in education, the School’s inclusive approach to PE and her own journey in inspiring the next generation of young athletes.
I have been at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) since 2009, and in that time, I’ve seen first-hand the power of sport to shape lives. As the Head of Junior School PE & Games, my role is to lead a dynamic and progressive sports programme from Reception through to Year 6, ensuring every child experiences high-quality physical education that is both inclusive and aspirational. Our focus is on creating opportunities—whether through competitive fixtures, skill-building sessions or broader participation in festivals that prioritise enjoyment and development. Every child who wants to represent the school has the chance to do so, and we celebrate both participation and performance, ensuring sport remains an enriching and accessible part of school life.
From traditional team sports like netball, hockey and cricket to activities like table tennis, swimming and gymnastics, there is something for every child. Our fixtures programme is carefully structured to ensure that each pupil can compete at a level that suits them. The key is balance: providing clear pathways for those with aspirations to excel while creating an environment where all pupils can enjoy sport and develop their confidence, teamwork and resilience.
My own journey into sport began at a young age. Growing up in a sporty family, I was surrounded by opportunities to play and compete. My dad was a passionate sportsman, and while the opportunities for girls at the time were more limited, I was lucky enough to be encouraged by a fantastic PE teacher who ignited my love of netball and athletics. That inspiration led me to study a B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) in PE and English at Bedford College of Higher Education, a four-year programme that set me on my path towards teaching.
My career has taken me across different schools and regions. I started at Tring School in Hertfordshire before moving to Heath Park School in Wolverhampton, then to The Polesworth School in Warwickshire, where I took on a Head of Department role. After starting a family, my husband and I relocated back to Halifax, where I worked at Thornton Grammar School before joining BGS as a senior school PE teacher in 2009. I initially worked part-time, focusing on netball, but as my role grew, I became Head of Netball and later took on the role of coordinating the junior school PE programme in 2018.
The move to this role was a significant one. It marked a shift towards a more structured, specialist-led approach to junior school sport. Previously, PE in the junior years was often delivered by class teachers with occasional specialist input. Now, from Reception onwards, every pupil is taught by PE specialists, ensuring they receive expert coaching from the very beginning. This has created a consistent and progressive programme, laying strong foundations that pupils build upon as they move through the school.
The benefits of this approach are clear. Pupils develop fundamental movement skills earlier, gain confidence in different sporting environments and establish healthy habits that will serve them for life. The integration of PE specialists with class teachers in the younger years also means that children receive the pastoral care they need alongside expert tuition, creating a nurturing yet high-performing environment.
For parents, this means knowing that their child is getting the best possible start in their physical development. Each week, junior school pupils have dedicated PE and games sessions, with access to co-curricular clubs and fixtures that enhance their experience. This is particularly important in a school like BGS, where academic excellence is a major draw for families. Here, we ensure that sporting excellence and inclusivity sit alongside academic achievement, providing pupils with a truly holistic education.
Looking ahead, we are continuing to refine and develop our provision. With the introduction of Reception and Year 1 to the school, we now have the opportunity to start embedding fundamental movement skills even earlier. This means that by the time pupils reach Year 3, they are already well-prepared to engage in more structured sporting activities. The long-term benefits of this are huge—not just in terms of skill development, but also in building confidence and a positive attitude towards physical activity.
For me, sport has been a lifelong passion, and I can’t imagine my life without it. That’s what I want for our pupils—to leave school with a love of sport that stays with them, enriching their lives long after they’ve moved on from BGS. Because sport isn’t just about winning; it’s about growth, friendship and the confidence to take on whatever challenges life throws your way.
“sport isn’t just about winning; it’s about growth, friendship and the confidence to take on whatever challenges life throws your way.”