A New Direction for PE Support and School Sport
The government has announced significant new plans for PE support, school sport, and physical activity, including proposals that could eventually replace the current PE and Sport Premium with a new national partnership model from 2027.
At the centre of the announcement is a £1 billion investment aimed at improving children’s access to high-quality physical activity opportunities across England and reducing the inequalities that currently exist between different areas.
So, what could this mean for schools?
Moving Towards a More Connected Approach
For many years, the PE and Sport Premium has provided direct funding to primary schools, allowing schools to independently decide how to improve PE, sport, and physical activity provision.
The proposed changes suggest a shift away from schools working separately and towards a more collaborative structure through a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network.
The aim is to bring together:
- Schools
- Local sports clubs
- Activity providers
- Governing bodies
- Community organisations
The overall goal is to create stronger local support networks and ensure children have greater access to opportunities regardless of where they live.
How Will This Differ From The Current PE Premium?
Under the current model:
- Primary schools receive direct ring-fenced funding
- Schools independently decide how the funding is used
- Provision can vary significantly between schools and regions
Under the proposed partnership approach:
- Support would be delivered through local networks and partnerships
- Funding and opportunities would become more targeted
- Both primary and secondary schools would be included
- Greater emphasis would be placed on reducing inactivity and improving inclusion
The government has stated that these reforms are intended to tackle the current “postcode lottery” around access to PE and school sport opportunities.
Schools Are Not Losing Funding Immediately
Importantly, these changes will not happen overnight.
The government has confirmed:
- A £100 million transition fund for primary schools
- Additional investment into sports facilities and equipment
- A phased rollout, with the new system expected from Spring 2027
The current PE and Sport Premium will also continue into the autumn term, giving schools time to review provision and begin planning for future changes.
A Wider Focus On Physical Activity And Wellbeing
One of the clearest messages within the announcement is that physical activity is no longer being viewed solely through the lens of PE lessons.
There is growing emphasis on:
Daily movement
Inclusion and accessibility
Mental wellbeing
Reducing inactivity
Support for SEND pupils
Swimming and water safety
Enrichment opportunities
Sustainable school improvement
This reflects increasing evidence linking movement not only to physical health, but also to concentration, confidence, resilience, engagement, and academic performance.
What Could This Mean For Schools?
As more schools focus on whole-school wellbeing and sustainable improvement strategies, physically active learning and movement-based approaches may become an increasingly important part of school life.
Programmes that combine movement with learning are already showing positive impact on:
- Academic attainment
- Confidence
- Engagement
- Mental wellbeing
- Physical activity levels
While more details are still expected over the coming months, the direction of travel is becoming clearer.
Physical activity is now being positioned as part of a much wider conversation around:
- School improvement
- Attendance
- Inclusion
- Mental health
- Academic success
- Long-term health outcomes
For schools, this announcement represents both change and opportunity, with increasing recognition of the role movement can play in helping children become healthier, happier, and more ready to learn.