This book represents the culmination of a two-decade effort to describe, define and measure ‘quality physical education’ (QPE). Presenting in-depth research and analysis from 24 countries across five continents, it offers a truly comparative analysis that shines important new light on policy and practice in contemporary physical education.

Opening with an introduction that explores the concept of ‘quality’ in relation to education and that traces the history of the QPE project, the book then presents country-specific chapters that drill down into the evidence. Each chapter outlines the geographical, political, economic, cultural and demographic background of that country, and analyses the development of physical education, sport education and school-based physical activity, as well as the contemporary situation regarding equity, teaching quality, professional training and curriculum development. Each chapter then offers an assessment of the eight factors that constitute the QPE index, including skill development, facilities, accessibility, cultural practices, governmental input, cognitive skill development and habituated behaviour.

With a global reach, this book is an invaluable resource for policymakers, curriculum coordinators, administrators, teachers and researchers looking to better understand the enablers and barriers to developing QPE and to develop evidence-based strategies and interventions for promoting and implementing QPE.