A coordinated effort by government, Sport England, and football foundations aims to modernize and expand access to high-quality school sport across the country.

The package includes nearly £200 million for improving school sporting facilities, plus a one-off £100 million Primary Education (PE) Premium to support primary schools during the transition.

The initiative seeks to tackle inactivity and disparities by targeting 60 minutes of daily physical activity for all children and addressing obesity trends, with funds potentially improving access for SEND and disadvantaged pupils.

Sport England and the Football Foundation welcome the funding, highlighting potential benefits for facilities, communities, and the development of lifelong healthy habits.

The plan aligns with the Prime Minister’s push for school sport reform and connected health measures, such as breakfast clubs, expanded free meals, and restrictions on unhealthy food advertising.

The government commits over £1 billion to school sport over the next three years, including the new Partnerships Network to bring national sporting expertise into every school.

Support will be targeted, including expert coaches, top-up swimming lessons, and expanded after-school opportunities, while universal provisions will include on-demand online training for schools.

This program sits within Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s broader reforms to enrich the school curriculum with sport and music and to improve overall youth health.

A new Partnerships Network will be funded with £580 million and fully operational by spring 2027, shifting away from a universal one-size-fits-all PE and Sport Premium.

Voices quoted emphasize expanding access to high-quality PE, engaging clubs and coaches, and embedding sport into daily life via a national delivery partner coordinating universal and targeted support by school needs.