Post

Medical Exemptions and PE Kits: What's Standard Practice in Secondary Schools?

2026-01-15

Mums and dads of secondary school children … would really value your experience on this. We’re currently in a Stage 2 complaint with Amelia’s school trust and I want to sense-check something with other parents. Just before Christmas, Amelia had a diagnosed lung infection (GP confirmed, antibiotics, written note, almost three weeks off school recovering) and was medically exempt from PE by the doctor. I visited the school in advance and provided the documentation. However, the school’s position is that even with a doctor’s note, and a pupil still taking antibotics …. pupils are still expected to bring in and change into PE kit, before the start of a PE lesson before they are then excused. They’ve told me this is standard practice in secondary schools. I don’t believe them. I’m challenging this, as it doesn’t sit right medically or practically … but what really like to know what actually happens elsewhere. So, genuine question: If your secondary-age child has a doctor’s note exempting them from PE, are they still expected to bring and change into PE kit? Thanks in advance … really interested to hear how this works in other schools.

Topics: Learning technology Family

Matthew Eaves — escape room franchise founder, operator, and writer. Also: franchise, posts, contact.