Ben Holden, author of Wanna Teach PE? and Wanna Lead PE?, sharing practical insights for PE teachers and school leaders. Interview feature covering PE curriculum development, lesson planning, leadership, physical education and staff development in schools

Exclusive interview with Ben Holden, author, PE specialist and educator. Discover expert advice on teaching PE, leading physical education, curriculum design, inclusive practice, PE leadership and professional development for schools.

In conversation with Ben Holden, author of Wanna Teach PE? and Wanna Lead PE?. Educational interview exploring PE teaching strategies, subject leadership, curriculum planning, school sport, physical education best practice and teacher support.

In conversation with... Mr Holden

In this edition of In Conversation With, we catch up with Ben Holden, a passionate advocate for high-quality, inclusive Physical Education and a well-known voice within the PE community. From his early days inspired by great PE teachers, to leading a department and now delivering CPD across the globe, Ben’s journey has been shaped by a clear mission to make PE meaningful, engaging and accessible for every student.

Now working in educational consultancy and sharing his expertise through his books 'Wanna Teach PE' and 'Wanna Lead PE', Ben continues to influence teachers and departments both in the UK and internationally. Known for his energetic and empathetic approach, he is committed to challenging perceptions of PE and championing opportunities for all young people to enjoy and succeed in physical activity.

We spoke to Ben about his career so far, the importance of inclusivity, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Can you walk us through your career journey so far?

Following a childhood filled with sport and physical activity, I had been lucky to experience sessions delivered by inspiring PE teachers and after several years coaching ‘Soccer’ in the United States, I made the decision to grow up and pursue a proper career! As such, I enrolled onto the PGCE programme at Durham University then landed a role after my first ever interview at High Tunstall College of Science in Hartlepool.

5 years learning my craft before stepping into the Head of PE role in 2013. 10 years later and after wearing many hats, I made the decision to move into educational consultancy on the back of the success of my first book ‘Wanna Teach PE’. Since 2023, I have had the pleasure of leading PE CPD sessions in Brazil, Thailand, Bahrain, Serbia, USA and here in the UK!

Two children laugh and hop side by side in a colourful sack race during school sports day, enjoying friendly competition on a grassy field, capturing teamwork, outdoor physical activity, and fun primary school PE moments with a cheering crowd in the back.

What’s a moment in your PE teaching career that really stuck with you — and why?

The proudest moment of the year was always Sports Day. We moved away from the traditional ‘watch the fast kids run on the track' vibe and delivered a vibrant, inclusive day that celebrated movement for everyone!

What’s one piece of kit you couldn’t live without in your PE cupboard — and why?

My voice! The best kit that PE teachers are all given. Like with all kit, I looked after it as best I could and found it had many uses in different situations too!

If you had to use three words to describe your approach to teaching PE, what would they be?

Passionate.

Energetic.

Empathetic.

What’s the biggest challenge PE teachers face today — and how do you try to tackle it?

Perceptions and misconceptions about PE as a subject, commonly formed by parents due to their PE experiences in the 80s and 90s.

We always fought our corner as a subject, delivered with an inclusive mentality and celebrated all victories, no matter how small, from a child remembering their kit to winning a county cup, we worked with positivity to help spread the love for PE. Social media channels proved an invaluable way to achieve this.

Ben Holden delivering a speech at the World Teachers' Games, inspiring educators with a focus on physical education, school sport, and global teacher collaboration during an international sporting event.

What changes have had a big impact on inclusion in your lessons?

Our biggest inclusivity impact was linked to extra-curricular. We ensured it was open to everyone, not just the sporty. Through pupil voice, staff availability and our passion, our extra-curricular programme was for the many, not the few.

What's your secret to engaging reluctant or less confident students to get involved in PE?

Listening. Listen to the child, the parents, their other teachers and work together to formulate a realistic timeline of actions to integrate them back into PE and begin to feel the true value of our subject. A teacher that listens is a teacher that will earn respect and deliver impact.

How do you handle rainy or bad weather days when outdoor activities aren't possible?

A few winners spring to mind but Danish Longball and 6 corner football are always crowd pleasers.

Shop Rainy Day PE Equipment

Foam Skinned Football

£10.00

£10.00 ~~£10.00~~

Foam Footballs - Pack of 12

£58.00

£58.00 ~~£65.00~~

Playsense Inflatable Ball Pack

£62.00

£62.00 ~~£62.00~~

Sondico Space Markers (Set of 50)

£12.00

£12.00 ~~£12.00~~

Shop Rainy Day PE Equipment

Foam Skinned Football

£10.00

£10.00 ~~£10.00~~

Foam Footballs - Pack of 12

£58.00

£58.00 ~~£65.00~~

Playsense Inflatable Ball Pack

£62.00

£62.00 ~~£62.00~~

Sondico Space Markers (Set of 50)

£12.00

£12.00 ~~£12.00~~

Shop Rainy Day PE Equipment

Foam Skinned Football

£10.00

£10.00 ~~£10.00~~

Foam Footballs - Pack of 12

£58.00

£58.00 ~~£65.00~~

Playsense Inflatable Ball Pack

£62.00

£62.00 ~~£62.00~~

Sondico Space Markers (Set of 50)

£12.00

£12.00 ~~£12.00~~

What's your go-to song or playlist for PE lessons?

I mix it up, DJ Holden on the decks. I sometimes annoy everyone with my old school 90s bangers but then give in and listen to some AI generated drivel that is probably trending on TikTok.

What’s one thing you’d love to add to your PE curriculum if there were no restrictions?

The UV Glow in the Dark sports have been an overwhelming success for Wanna Teach PE. Inclusive, memorable and exciting.

What’s your favourite memory from your own school days?

I have to say, extra-curricular involvement for the school was always such a positive memory from school. The camaraderie of being in a team, missing lessons to represent the school, loved it.

If you became education secretary tomorrow, what is the first thing you would do?

Protection for our subject from EYFS to KS4. No more sacrificing PE for school shows or revision. All children need 2 hours per week all year round.

Who was your most memorable teacher and why?

Mr Mellor and Mrs Hellewell both deserve a shout out. The PE teachers that had the balance between having a craic on and getting the best out of us. They delivered for and with us, they understood us and we flourished.

What are some personal goals you have for the future, both in and out of the classroom?

Following the release of my second book, ‘Wanna Lead PE’, I hope I can continue to travel the world banging the drum to the tune of High Quality PE for all. I’m also a full-time football Dad supporting my son on his journey with Newcastle United. My main goal is to keep him happy, motivated and healthy so that he can achieve his goals too.

What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever received as a teacher?

Teach with empathy. Avoid thinking that you are always teaching the 12 year old version of yourself. Every child has a different story, take time to read each one to give them the Physical Activity journey they deserve.

Wanna hear more about Ben's books?

To give a bit more insight into his work and the thinking behind each title, we asked Ben to share a short introduction to his books in his own words. Here’s what he told us:

Wanna Teach PE

An A-Z guide for aspiring and ECT teaches of PE. The idea was to provide a realistic shop floor experience based guide to support future PE teachers on a range of topics linked to the role.

Buy Now

Wanna Lead PE

An A-Z guide for current and aspiring leaders of PE. This was the natural successor to the first Book and takes on the perspectives and views of a range of PE leaders to help support those considering the next step on their career progression.

Buy Now

Wanna hear more about Ben's books?

To give a bit more insight into his work and the thinking behind each title, we asked Ben to share a short introduction to his books in his own words. Here’s what he told us:

Wanna Teach PE

An A-Z guide for aspiring and ECT teaches of PE. The idea was to provide a realistic shop floor experience based guide to support future PE teachers on a range of topics linked to the role.

Buy Now

Wanna Lead PE

An A-Z guide for current and aspiring leaders of PE. This was the natural successor to the first Book and takes on the perspectives and views of a range of PE leaders to help support those considering the next step on their career progression.

Buy Now