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

Published on 09/06/2026 in Primary Schools

The long-awaited update on the future of PE and Sport Premium funding for primary schools was announced by the UK Government at the end of May, 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, enabling investment in PE curriculum development, staff training, and extracurricular sport to meet national expectations.

Transition to a New National Delivery Model

From the next academic year, 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

Responding to Ofsted and Curriculum Expectations

The change follows a 2023 Ofsted report highlighting 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, there will be 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, which calls 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)

  • Protection of a minimum of two hours of PE per week for every child

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 new funding model is scheduled to be fully implemented by March 2027, with schools receiving a one-off transitional payment to support planning and adaptation to the revised structure.

Under the current proposal:

  • A total of £1 billion will be invested over three years

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

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

This 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

While full operational details are yet to be confirmed by the Department for Education, the new framework is expected 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, ensuring every child benefits from high-quality physical education and opportunities to lead active, healthy lives.