Pupils ‘too sedentary’ in primary school years

Fewer than a fifth of children get the recommended level of exercise by the time they leave primary school, according to new data from Public Health England.

Between the ages of five to seven and 11 to 12, there is a 39 per cent drop in the proportion being moderately active for at least 60 minutes every day. Aged five to seven, 28 per cent are hitting the target, but this drops to 17 per cent by ages 11 and 12 all across England.

Fitness experts said earlier this year that school pupils are entering a state of “digital dependence” with sedentary lifestyles.