Active bodies, active minds

2025

A report summarising clear evidence on how physical activity can improve learning for tamariki and rangatahi.

The education sector in Aotearoa is facing many challenges, including variable achievement statistics, attendance rates and increasing mental health challenges for primary and secondary school students. However, a growing body of evidence supports the positive role that physical activity can play in addressing these challenges and giving the next generation the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

What does the research say?

Our Active bodies, active minds report consolidates the findings from both international and national research published in peer-reviewed journals. These show clear evidence that physically active tamariki and rangatahi: 

engage more in learning 
stay in school longer 
have higher levels of achievement 
experience higher levels of mental wellbeing.

The research highlights that increased time allocated to physical activity – whether through sport, PE, integrated learning, brain breaks, free play at break time, or Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) – can positively impact engagement and success at school.

Who is this report for?

This report is intended for anybody interested in understanding or advocating for the role of physical activity in schools and kura.

This might include:

Principals or teachers creating a compelling business case to the board for greater investment in physical activity initiatives.
Sport and active recreation organisations advocating to schools, funders, or the Ministry of Education.
Individuals, organisations, or community groups gathering evidence to support the design of new initiatives working to address educational challenges.

Collaborating to achieve educational outcomes

Sport NZ aims to maintain and improve the physical activity levels of tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa. In line with our strategic priority of ‘active schools and kura’, we provide support to ensure all students can access quality physical activity experiences and enjoy being active in ways that suit them. This support includes a range of resources, funding, programmes and initiatives. 

Summary of findings

Physical activity and academic success

Evidence shows a positive association between physical activity and academic outcomes across many subjects, including maths and literacy.

A variety of physical activity interventions have shown potential for improved academic outcomes. These include sport, physical education, integrated learning, unstructured play, brain breaks and EOTC.

+4 months

Integrating physical activity into learning resulted in an additional four months of learning gains for students in spelling and maths.

Physical activity and cognition

Evidence shows physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are linked to enhanced brain structure and function in tamariki and rangatahi. This includes regions of the brain important for learning, such as those involved in working memory, attention, time on task, cognitive flexibility, and cognitive life skills.

+5 hours

Integrating physical activity into classroom time can increase students' time on-task by up to 20%. This equates to an extra five hours of on-task time per week.

Physical activity and school engagement and attendance

Evidence shows that increased physical activity can improve school engagement, including time on task, concentration, lesson enjoyment and motivation. It also positively impacts communication skills, teamwork, resilience, and social skills.

Learning outside the classroom in natural settings increases students’ concentration, self-discipline, engagement and intrinsic motivation.

Students who are more physically active have better attendance rates and reduced absenteeism than those who are less active.

97.5%

In a New Zealand study, 97.5% of surveys respondents (principals, teachers and curriculum leaders) believed that EOTC improved student engagement.

66%

A longitudinal study of Australian children found that students who continued sport participation from childhood to adolescence has 66% lower odds of absenteeism.

Physical activity and mental health

International studies consistently report that physical activity can improve mental health and reduce mental illness in tamariki and rangatahi. They highlight the significant benefits of school-related physical activity on resilience, wellbeing and anxiety.

Participation in sports, particularly team sports, is linked to improved social and psychological health, including a sense of belonging, self-esteem, and confidence. Activities in natural environments also have a positive effect on wellbeing and stress.

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