The Youth Sport Trust have been conducting a Girls Active Survey since 2016, finding out what the barriers, motivations and perceptions are for girls in PE, physical activity and sport, both in and outside of school and how these differ to boys.

In 2024 over 15,000 young people took part in the survey. Some of this year’s key results are shown below.

Barriers

Nearly two thirds of girls (62%) want to be more active in school but there are barriers that stop them taking part such as not being confident, having their period and being watched by others. 

The number of girls enjoying PE drops notably throughout school life:

• 86% of girls age 7 to 8 enjoy PE, compared to 56% of girls age 14 to 15
• 46% of girls age 14-15 report a lack of confidence stops them being more active at school compared with 26% of girls aged 7-8
• Since 2017 the proportion of girls reporting a lack of confidence stopping them doing more physical activity at school has risen by 11%
• Periods remain the biggest barrier to girls’ participation age 11-13 (47%) and age 14-15 (52%)
• ONLY 1 in 4 girls aged 11-13 feel confident in their PE kit, a drop from 65% aged 7-8
• 58% of girls want more PE kit options compared to just 29% of boys.

Fun and friendship

Having fun, being with friends and getting fit and healthy are the top three motivations for all girls to take part in sport, physical activity and PE at school regardless of age/year group.