The government has unveiled a significant new investment in physical education (PE), school sport, and physical activity, signalling a major shift in national policy. Central to this reform is the transition from the current PE and Sport Premium to a new, nationwide partnerships network by 2027.
The government has confirmed:
✔️ A phased rollout until 2027
✔️ A £100 million transition fund for primary schools
✔️ Additional investment into facilities and equipment
✔️ PE Premium continuing into the autumn term
This gives schools time to review provision and plan ahead strategically.
What’s changing for schools?
For many years, the PE and Sport Premium has provided ringfenced funding directly to primary schools, enabling improvements in PE, sport, and physical activity. However, the government's new direction signals a clear shift away from isolated approaches towards a more connected, partnership-led model.
At the heart of this reform is the proposed PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, which will bring together schools, local sports clubs, activity providers, governing bodies, and community organisations. By strengthening collaboration across these sectors, the aim is to ensure every child—regardless of location—can access consistently high-quality physical activity opportunities.
Ultimately, the focus is evolving beyond simply funding provision, towards embedding a culture of movement, wellbeing, and participation throughout the entire school experience.
A new approach: how it compares to the current model
The most significant shift is the planned transition away from the current PE and Sport Premium, replacing it with a more coherent and equitable national model.
Current PE and Sport Premium
- Funding is allocated directly to primary schools
- Schools independently determine how it is used
- Provision varies considerably between schools and regions
Proposed Partnerships Network
- Support delivered through coordinated local partnerships
- Funding and provision more strategically targeted
- Inclusion of both primary and secondary schools
- Stronger emphasis on addressing inequalities and inactivity
These reforms are designed to tackle longstanding inconsistencies in provision, ensuring all pupils have fair and consistent access to high-quality PE and school sport.
Continued funding provides stability during transition
Crucially, this transition will not happen overnight. The government has confirmed a structured and well-supported approach, including a £100 million transition fund for primary schools, further investment in facilities and equipment, and a phased rollout leading to full implementation from Spring 2027.
Schools can be reassured that the PE and Sport Premium will remain in place through the autumn term, providing valuable time for leaders to review current provision and plan strategically for what comes next. Schools will receive approximately 1/3 of their annual PE premium allocation.
While full details of the new partnerships network are still emerging, the direction of travel is clear. The government’s priorities—focused on physical activity, inclusion, wellbeing, enrichment, and sustainable improvement—signal an ambitious and joined-up approach to supporting pupils’ development.
You’re about to lose a budget you previously controlled, and you’ll be moving to a new system where support is brokered rather than funded directly. Many schools used the premium exceptionally well; others struggled. Either way, everyone now has to adapt.
The transition year is your chance to plan rather than panic. Use it deliberately.
What to prioritise now
• Use this year’s remaining premium fully, correctly and on time.
The rules on additionality and sustainability still apply, and your final report is still due by 31 July.
• Map everything you currently rely on.
List the activities, clubs, interventions, and external providers that matter most. This gives you a clear picture of what you need to protect or replicate under the new system.
• Start planning for new facilities funding.
A whole-school approach to physical activity
A clear message from the announcement is that schools will be encouraged to look beyond traditional PE lessons and adopt a more holistic approach to physical activity.
The government is placing increased emphasis on:
- Daily physical activity
- Inclusion for all pupils
- Mental wellbeing
- Reducing inactivity
- Enhanced support for pupils with SEND
- Swimming and water safety
- Broader enrichment opportunities
- Sustainable school improvement through physical activity
- Building pupil confidence and engagement
This reflects growing evidence that regular movement supports not only physical health, but also improves wellbeing, concentration, resilience, and academic outcomes.
For schools, this strengthens the case for embedding physical activity across the curriculum—positioning movement not as a standalone subject, but as a powerful driver of whole-school improvement.
The direction of travel is clear: physical activity is no longer seen as a standalone PE concern, but as golden thread within whole-school development.
It is increasingly linked to key priorities such as:
- School improvement
- Attendance
- Mental health
- Inclusion
- Academic achievement
- Long-term health outcomes
This announcement marks one of the most significant shifts in school sport and physical activity policy in recent years, signalling a clear change in national direction.
For schools, it presents both challenge and opportunity.
As we receive more information, we will share it with schools, and please be assured that we will continue to support and advise schools and settings. Please continue to make us your first port of call for all things related to curriculum PE.
Please get in touch if you would like bespoke advice / guidance to help negotiate a pathway forward, particularly about permitted spend of the funding that you will receive in September.
