["European Journal of Education, Volume 61, Issue 3, September 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\nMeaningful Physical Education (MPE) is a student‐centred approach aimed at fostering sustained participation in active lifestyles, yet evidence is fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map existing MPE research in formal educational contexts and to identify methodological, contextual and pedagogical patterns informing future research and practice. Following a five‐stage methodological framework and PRISMA‐ScR, we searched ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar for English/Spanish studies (2017–2025) explicitly referencing MPE in formal education. Of 237 records, 44 met inclusion criteria. Studies were concentrated in Canada and Ireland, with emerging contributions from Spain and other countries, and focused mainly on primary/secondary schooling and physical education teacher education. Qualitative self‐studies and case studies predominated, while quantitative and mixed‐methods designs are increasing. Reported benefits included higher student motivation, engagement, and enjoyment and enhanced teacher reflection; constraints included limited time, institutional support and curricular tensions. We propose an integrative account organized around three intersecting trajectories: methodological, contextual and pedagogical, framed by adherence to PA as the unifying horizon and the emergence of MPE as a potentially transformative approach. MPE is consolidating as an adaptable approach, but future progress depends on longitudinal/comparative designs, wider cross‐cultural enactment and more pupil‐centred research.\n"]