The UK Government has confirmed an investment of more than £1 billion over the next three years to support PE and school sport. The funding package includes allocations for the PE Premium, capital investment in facilities, transitional support for primary schools, and the creation of a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, which will be fully operational by spring 2027. This initiative aims to modernise the approach to school sport, drawing inspiration from the successful School Sport Partnerships of the 2000s.
The announcement comes at a time when less than half of young people achieve the recommended daily activity levels, with significant inequalities in access for girls, children with special educational needs, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Rising concerns about childhood obesity and mental health disorders further underline the urgency of this investment. The government plans to appoint a National Delivery Partner to oversee the new network, working with national governing bodies to provide tailored support to schools and address disparities in participation.
Youth Sport Trust CEO Ali Oliver MBE welcomed the announcement, describing it as an important step toward clarity and stability for schools. She emphasized the importance of increasing physical activity to raise the healthiest generation of children and highlighted the potential of a reimagined PE curriculum and the new partnership network to deliver long-term impact. While acknowledging that the transition may cause short-term challenges, particularly for primary schools, Oliver stressed the importance of protecting dedicated funding for children’s physical, social, and emotional development.
The announcement is seen as a move toward a more strategic and coordinated vision for PE and school sport, building on past successes while addressing current challenges. Stakeholders across education and sport hope the investment will harness the life-changing benefits of play and physical activity, ensuring schools can better support the health and wellbeing of young people.
