UK Government Announces New PE and Sport Premium Funding Structure for English Primary Schools

Update, October 2026: Department for Education guidance updated on 24 September 2026 now sets out 2026–27 transitional funding in the current PE and Sport Premium funding guidance. Schools with 16 or fewer eligible pupils receive £390 per eligible pupil. Schools with 17 or more eligible pupils receive £6,240 plus £10 per eligible pupil. The article below was first written in June 2026 and is kept for context. Please check the guidance for eligibility and conditions.

The long-awaited update on the future of PE and Sport Premium funding for primary schools was announced by the UK Government on 21 May 2026, bringing significant changes to how schools will plan and deliver high-quality physical education (PE) and school sport provision.

Originally introduced as part of the London 2012 Olympic legacy, the Primary PE and Sport Premium has played a vital role in improving physical literacy, pupil confidence, and participation in physical activity. Schools have historically received a baseline funding allocation of £16,000 per year (a historical figure that is incomplete without the per-pupil addition and the small-school exception), enabling investment in PE curriculum development, staff training, and extracurricular sport to meet national expectations.

Transition to a New National Delivery Model

From 2026–27, schools will begin transitioning away from direct PE funding allocations. Instead, a new delivery structure will be implemented through the PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, working in collaboration with National Governing Bodies (NGBs). This marks a shift towards a more strategic, accountable, and outcomes-driven funding model, aligned with updated DfE PE and school sport funding requirements.

This new framework aims to ensure schools can sustainably meet the Key Indicators for PE and Sport Premium spending, including:

• Increasing staff confidence and competence in delivering PE

• Providing a broad and balanced PE curriculum

• Enhancing inclusive participation and engagement, particularly for disadvantaged pupils

• Promoting healthy, active lifestyles

Ofsted Findings and Curriculum Expectations

A 2023 Ofsted report highlighted inconsistencies in PE provision, noting that some schools were not offering a sufficiently ambitious and well-sequenced PE curriculum aligned to the National Curriculum for Physical Education.

Under the new funding structure, the policy aims to place greater emphasis on:

• Clearly planned PE curriculum intent, implementation, and impact

• Structured progression in fundamental movement skills

• Increased accountability for pupil outcomes and physical development

The aim is to provide greater equity in school physical education provision, ensuring all pupils, regardless of background, receive high-quality physical education opportunities.

PE Curriculum Reform and New Requirements

The announcement coincides with ongoing PE curriculum reform. The Curriculum and Assessment Review makes recommendations for schools to strengthen their provision in key areas, including:

• Development of fundamental movement skills in early years and primary phases

• Increased focus on swimming and water safety attainment

• Broader inclusion of dance, gymnastics, and outdoor and adventurous activities (OAA)

• A recommended aim of two hours of PE per week for every child

These are recommendations and a current recommended aim, not new statutory requirements.

These reforms align with wider school sport and activity action plans, reinforcing the importance of PE in supporting whole-child development, wellbeing, and academic readiness.

Funding Allocation and Implementation Timeline

The official announcement, published on 21 May 2026, says the Network should be fully operational in spring 2027. Schools will receive a one-off transitional payment in 2026–27 to support planning and adaptation to the revised structure.

The announcement confirms:

• Investment of over £1 billion across three years

• £580 million will fund the PE and School Sport Partnerships Network

• £100 million will fund the transitional payment to schools

• Almost £200 million will be allocated to capital investment in school sports facilities and equipment

The facilities investment is separate from schools' transitional premium. The current premium guidance excludes capital expenditure and core curriculum delivery, so schools should check the guidance before spending either funding stream on equipment.

The capital funding is expected to prioritise inclusive PE environments, including improved accessibility for pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and investment in resources that support adaptive and differentiated physical education.

Supporting Equality, Inclusion and Enrichment

As at October 2026, the allocation figures and payment guidance above have been confirmed. This article does not cover any further operational detail, so please check GOV.UK for the latest position. The framework is intended to deliver:

• Greater gender parity in school sport participation

• Increased access to targeted interventions, such as top-up swimming lessons

• Expanded extra-curricular sport and physical activity programmes

Ultimately, the revised PE and Sport Premium funding model aims to create a more coherent, sustainable, and impactful approach to PE and school sport, with the aim that every child benefits from high-quality physical education and opportunities to lead active, healthy lives.