RecruitingInterventional

PASSPORT trial and evaluation of a flexible physical activity intervention in UK Primary schools

The PASSPORT study wants to help primary school children in the UK become more active. Many children aren't getting enough physical activity, which is important for their health and happiness now and as they grow up. This study is testing a new, flexible way for schools to encourage children to be active. Each school taking part chooses a unique programme of activities that works best for them. We're measuring how active Year 4 and 5 children in Bristol schools are using special devices. We also want to understand why these programmes work or don't work, so we can help more schools create healthy habits for their pupils.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

540

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2027

Physical activity

What is this study about?

Many children in the UK aren't as active as doctors and health experts recommend. Being physically active is really good for children's overall health – it helps their bodies get stronger, improves how they feel and think, and can set them up for a healthier life as adults. We know that as children get older, they tend to move less, so helping them get active in primary school is a great way to build good habits early on. Unfortunately, some groups of children, like girls or those from certain backgrounds, are less active than others, and schools are a good place to reach everyone.

Most programmes designed to get children active in schools haven't worked as well as hoped. We think this is because they aren't always flexible enough to fit in with each school's unique needs and situation. The PASSPORT study aims to change that. We've created a new, adaptable programme where each primary school gets to choose what activities work best for their pupils and their school environment.

We're testing this new approach in primary schools in Bristol. We'll be giving Year 4 and 5 pupils special devices to wear that measure how active they are. We'll also ask them questions about their journeys to school, what they do after school, and how they are feeling generally. By doing this, we hope to understand if our flexible programme genuinely helps children become more active and why it succeeds.

Key takeaways

The study helps primary schools find flexible ways to boost physical activity.
It focuses on Year 4 and 5 children in Bristol.
Pupils wear a small device to measure their activity levels.
The aim is to encourage healthier habits that can last a lifetime.
Schools get funding to run their tailored activity programmes.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for state primary schools in the wider Bristol area to take part. If your child's school is one of these, then your child might be able to join.

Within the schools that choose to participate, children who are in Year 4 (usually 8-9 years old) when the study starts can join. They will then be in Year 5 (usually 9-10 years old) during the year the activity programme is put into action. Both boys and girls can take part.

Children who are not in a school that has joined the study, or who are not in the correct year group (Year 4 at the start, Year 5 during the programme), will not be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child in a state primary school in the Bristol area?
Will your child be in Year 4 (aged 8-9) when the study starts?
Is your child willing to wear a small activity tracker?
Is your child comfortable answering a few questions about their activities and feelings?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child's school joins the study, the school will receive a special programme of physical activities that they choose to fit their needs. Every school in the study will get this programme, but at different times.

Your child will wear a small device, called an accelerometer, which measures how active they are. They will wear this device at the start of the study, and then three more times over the next school year. We'll also ask them a few questions about how they travel to school, what activities they do after school, and how they are feeling. This will happen four times in total over the school year. The school will also share some information, like how often pupils attend, and staff will share their thoughts on the programme.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study is not expected to cause any harm to your child. Schools that participate will be given money to help them run their chosen physical activity programme, meaning pupils in those schools will have access to more activities that year. Pupil participants will also receive small gifts to thank them for their time. You or your child can choose to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their care or standing at school.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Population Health Sciences
City only
Bristol, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

To find out if a flexible, school-specific physical activity programme can help primary school children become more active.

Which age groups can take part?

Children who are in Year 4 (8-9 years old) when the study starts and will be in Year 5 (9-10 years old) during the programmed activities.

How will my child's activity be measured?

They will wear a small device called an accelerometer, which tracks movement.

Do I have to pay for my child to take part?

No, there are no costs for children or schools to participate. Schools receive funding to deliver their programme.

When will the study start?

Schools will be invited to join in early 2026, and children will start taking part in Spring 2026.

How to find out more

Danielle House

danielle.house@bristol.ac.uk +44 117 455 5022 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.