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The Hungarian Active School Program: A nationwide school-based framework to increase physical activity and improve student health
Katalin Kälbli1,2, Tamás Csányi1,3, Alexandra Cselkó1, Mónika Kaj1
1: Hungarian School Sport Federation, Hungary; 2: Eötvös Loránd University Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education; 3: Hungarian University of Sports Science
Background and aim of the study: The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children aged 5–17, yet around 80% of Hungarian school-aged youth do not meet this guideline. In addition, every fourth child is overweight or obese, and many students show deficiencies in physical fitness. The COVID-19 pandemic further worsened these trends. Schools are key settings for promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly in disadvantaged areas with limited access to sport opportunities. In response, the Hungarian School Sport Federation launched the Active School Program in 2022 to improve students’ health, fitness and health awareness by integrating regular physical activity into everyday school life through a whole-school approach.
Methods: Schools voluntarily join a quality-management-based certification system supporting development in five areas: quality physical education, school sport, health-promoting environment, partnerships and communication, and student involvement. Implementation is supported by national coordination, regional coordinators, professional training and digital resources. Schools collect points by fulfilling around 80 criteria and may obtain bronze, silver or gold certification. Program impact is monitored through annual student questionnaires and the Hungarian National Student Fitness Test (NETFIT®).
Results and conclusions: Participation increased from 75 schools in 2022/23 to 606 schools in 2025/26, reaching about 180,000 students. Early results indicate improving fitness trends and higher proportions of students meeting physical activity recommendations, suggesting that the program can effectively embed physical activity into school culture.
