The government has announced more than £1 billion of investment in PE and school sport over the next three years, describing it as a major step towards ending the "fitness postcode lottery" and ensuring all children have access to high-quality physical education and sporting opportunities.
The announcement represents the most significant reform of school sport funding in over a decade and will see the current Primary PE and Sport Premium replaced by a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network.
What Has Been Announced?
The Department for Education's package includes funding to improve access to PE, school sport and physical activity for children across England. The investment aims to increase participation, improve physical and mental well-being, and ensure that all children can benefit from high-quality sporting opportunities regardless of where they live.
The funding package includes:
- £580 million for the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network
- Nearly £200 million for improvements to school sports facilities
- Transitional support for primary schools as the new model is introduced
What Is the PE and School Sport Partnerships Network?
The new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will replace the current Primary PE and Sport Premium and provide a more coordinated approach to improving PE, school sport and physical activity.
The network will bring together schools, local providers, sports organisations and community groups to create greater opportunities for children to be active both during and beyond the school day.
What Happens to the Primary PE and Sport Premium?
Schools will continue to receive and spend Primary PE and Sport Premium funding during the 2025/26 academic year. Existing reporting requirements remain in place, and schools should continue to use the funding to make sustainable improvements to PE, school sport and physical activity provision.
The transition to the new Partnerships Network is expected to begin during 2026/27, with the network fully operational by Spring 2027.
Schools will receive an Autumn payment in 2026 to help aid the transition to the new Partnerships Network.
What Should Schools Do Now?
For now, schools should continue to:
- Use PE and Sport Premium funding in line with current DfE guidance
- Complete annual reporting requirements
- Invest in sustainable improvements and staff development
- Prioritise inclusive participation and physical activity for all pupils
- Monitor future DfE guidance on the new funding arrangements
While further details are expected over the coming months, schools that continue to focus on high-quality PE, inclusive practice and long-term development will be well positioned for the transition.
What This Means for PE Leads
Although the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network is still being developed, there are several steps PE leads can take now to prepare for the transition.
Keep Focusing on Sustainable Impact
The Primary PE and Sport Premium will continue with one more payment in October 2026 and schools should continue to use funding in line with current guidance. Investments that improve teaching quality, staff confidence and long-term participation are likely to remain priorities under any future funding model.
Strengthen Community Partnerships
Collaboration sits at the heart of the new model. PE leads should look for opportunities to strengthen links with local clubs, community organisations, National Governing Bodies and School Games partners. Building these relationships now could help schools access additional expertise, opportunities and support as the network develops.
Prioritise Inclusion
Government announcements have highlighted a commitment to tackling inequalities in participation. Schools should continue to focus on engaging less active pupils and supporting pupils with SEND and removing barriers that prevent children from taking part in physical activity.
Invest in Staff Development
Research consistently shows that teacher confidence and subject knowledge have a significant impact on the quality of PE provision. Continuing to invest in professional development will help ensure improvements are embedded and sustainable, regardless of future funding changes.
The Bottom Line
While the structure of school sport funding may be changing, the key priorities remain the same: high-quality PE, inclusive participation and positive outcomes for all pupils. Schools that continue to focus on these areas will be well placed to benefit from the opportunities created by the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network.