£1 Billion Investment to Strengthen School Sport Provision (England)
Funding to boost access to PE, upgrade facilities and tackle declining physical activity among pupils
The Department for Education has announced a major £1 billion investment in school sport and physical education in England, aimed at improving access to high-quality provision and tackling rising levels of inactivity among children and young people.
A central element of the programme is the introduction of a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, supported by £580 million and expected to be fully operational by Spring 2027. The network will replace the existing PE and Sport Premium and is intended to provide a more tailored approach, offering both universal support and targeted interventions based on individual school needs. This includes access to specialist coaches, stronger links with sports clubs and national governing bodies and expanded extracurricular opportunities.
Alongside this, nearly £200 million has been allocated to improve school sports facilities. Funding may be used to upgrade existing infrastructure, increase accessibility for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and enhance equipment provision. A further £100 million will be distributed as a one-off payment to primary schools to support the transition to the new system.
The announcement represents a response to ongoing concerns about children’s activity levels. Fewer than half of young people currently meet recommended daily exercise guidelines, with disparities particularly evident among girls, disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader ambitions to support pupils’ physical health, mental wellbeing and overall development through a more comprehensive and balanced educational experience.
By strengthening links between schools and external partners, the programme aims to embed physical activity more fully within both the curriculum and wider school life, while creating stronger connections with community sport provision.
The reforms form part of the Education Secretary’s wider programme to deliver a broader and more enriched curriculum, with a stronger emphasis on sport and music, while supporting the government’s ambition to create the healthiest generation yet.
Further details on delivery arrangements and access to funding are expected as the programme’s implementation progresses.
