The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has announced the scrapping of the primary school PE and sports premium, a £320 million annual fund established after the 2012 London Olympics. The grant will be replaced by a 'sport partnerships network' worth £193 million a year, covering both primary and secondary schools. The Department for Education stated the new scheme will be fully operational from spring 2027, but the announcement has been met with widespread scepticism from headteachers and academy leaders.
Funding Cut and Criticism
The replacement scheme represents a 40% reduction in comparable funding, raising concerns about the impact on physical education in primary schools. Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, described the move as 'a funding cut dressed up as an initiative' that could harm PE provision. Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, called for a delay in implementation until September 2027 to allow proper planning.
Government's Response
Bridget Phillipson defended the new approach, stating it would ensure every child becomes more physically active regardless of circumstances. The government also pledged additional capital funding of less than £200 million for improving school sports facilities. The announcement follows internal battles over school sport funding, with both the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education seeking to cut contributions.
Historical Context
This marks the third major reform of school sport funding in 20 years. The previous Labour government established a national sports network with 450 coordinator roles, which was scrapped by the coalition government in 2010. After the 2012 Olympics, the coalition introduced the £150 million annual grant, later increased to £320 million, which David Cameron said would 'foster the aspirations of future Olympians and Paralympians'.
The Youth Sport Trust's chief executive, Ali Oliver, acknowledged the short-term challenges but welcomed the protection of dedicated funding for children's development. The new scheme will include a delivery partner offering universal and targeted support, such as top-up swimming lessons and extra-curricular opportunities.
