The government has announced more than £1 billion of investment in PE and school sport over the next three years, with the aim of improving access to physical activity for pupils across England. The funding will support a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, improve school sports facilities and provide transition funding for primary schools as the current approach changes.
The announcement, published by the Department for Education (DfE), sets out a new national approach designed to tackle what the government describes as a “fitness postcode lottery”. The aim is to ensure more children can access high-quality PE, school sport and extra-curricular opportunities regardless of their background, ability or where they go to school.
What funding has been announced?
According to the Department for Education, the investment includes £580 million for the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network. This network is expected to be fully up and running from Spring 2027 and will replace the existing PE and Sport Premium.
A further almost £200 million will be used to improve school sporting facilities. This could include making facilities more accessible for children with SEND, providing additional equipment or supporting improvements that help more pupils take part in sport and physical activity.
The government has also announced a one-off £100 million PE Premium payment to support primary schools during the transition year.
Why is the government changing its approach to school sport?
The DfE has said that less than half of young people currently get the recommended 60 minutes of activity each day. The announcement also highlights that girls, pupils with SEND and pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are among those most affected by inactivity.
By the end of primary school, the government says 1 in 5 children are living with obesity. The new investment is intended to help schools build stronger links with sports organisations, coaches and local clubs to make physical activity a more regular part of school life.
What is the PE and School Sport Partnerships Network?
The new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will bring national sporting expertise into primary and secondary schools. A national delivery partner will work alongside national governing bodies to provide both universal and targeted support to schools.
Targeted support could include expert coaches, top-up swimming lessons and increased extra-curricular opportunities. The universal offer is expected to include online training available to all schools on demand.
This means schools may have access to more structured support when planning PE provision, improving participation and addressing gaps in activity levels among different groups of pupils.
What could this mean for schools?
For primary schools, the transition away from the current PE and Sport Premium will be a key area to watch. Schools may need to consider how they use transition funding while preparing for the new network model from Spring 2027.
For secondary schools, the inclusion of both primary and secondary settings in the new Partnerships Network could create more opportunities to strengthen school sport provision across age groups. This may help pupils continue positive activity habits as they move from primary to secondary education.
For schools supporting pupils with SEND, the focus on accessibility and targeted provision could be particularly important. Improved facilities, additional equipment and expert support may help more pupils access meaningful PE and school sport opportunities.
A wider focus on pupil wellbeing
The announcement places school sport within the wider context of pupil wellbeing, confidence and belonging. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said that school sport helps build “confidence, belonging and wellbeing” and that the new approach is intended to help every child become more physically active.
Sport England, the FA, the Premier League, the ECB, the LTA, the RFU and the Youth Sport Trust were among the organisations quoted in support of the announcement. Many highlighted the importance of creating positive experiences of sport early in life and improving access for children who may otherwise miss out.
What happens next?
Further details are expected as the new model develops. Schools will likely be looking for clarity on how funding will be allocated, what support will be available locally and how the transition from the PE and Sport Premium to the new Partnerships Network will work in practice.
For now, the announcement signals a renewed national focus on PE, school sport and physical activity as part of a broader education offer. For schools, the key will be understanding how the funding can be used to create sustainable improvements that benefit pupils beyond the school day.
For schools, the next step will be turning national investment into meaningful pupil outcomes. Whether you are planning ahead for PE cover, looking to strengthen your wider teaching team or need reliable support staff who understand your school’s needs, Flourish Education can help.
As your local education recruitment agency, we work with primary schools, secondary schools and academies across the West Midlands to provide high-quality teachers, teaching assistants and non-teaching staff for day-to-day supply, long-term cover and permanent recruitment. Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss how we can support your school.