A major shift in approach
The government has just announced £1 billion of new investment in PE, school sport, and physical activity — with plans to replace the current PE and Sport Premium with a national partnerships network by 2027.
The aim: end the 'fitness postcode lottery' and make sure every child in England has access to high-quality physical activity, wherever they live.
Here's what it means for your school.
What's changing?
The PE and Sport Premium has long provided ringfenced funding directly to primary schools. The new model moves away from schools working independently, towards a more connected, partnership-led approach — bringing together schools, local clubs, activity providers, governing bodies, and community organisations.
The focus is shifting from funding PE provision to building a wider culture of movement, wellbeing, and participation across the whole school day.
What's different from the current system?
The biggest change is that the Sport Premium will eventually be phased out entirely.
Currently, funding goes directly to primary schools, who decide independently how to spend it — which means provision varies hugely between schools and regions.
Under the new model, support will be delivered through local partnerships, with more targeted funding covering both primary and secondary schools and a sharper focus on tackling inequalities and inactivity.
Schools aren't losing funding overnight
The government has confirmed a £100 million transition fund for primary schools, additional investment in facilities and equipment, and a phased rollout with the new system expected to be live from Spring 2027. The Sport Premium continues into the autumn term, so there's time to plan.
A stronger focus on movement across the school day
The announcement is clear on one thing: PE lessons alone aren't enough. The government wants schools to think about daily physical activity, mental wellbeing, inclusion, SEND support, and embedding movement throughout the curriculum.
This is exactly what the research has always shown — children learn better when they move. Movement supports concentration, resilience, confidence, and attainment, not just physical health.
Where Teach Active fits in
This is where Teach Active comes in. Maths on the Move and English on the Move already do what the government is now asking schools to prioritise — embedding movement into everyday learning in a way that's curriculum-aligned, teacher-friendly, and evidence-backed.
As schools look for approaches that support both wellbeing and attainment, active learning isn't a nice-to-have anymore. It's becoming central to whole-school improvement strategy.
What to think about now
While the detail of the new network will emerge over the next 12–18 months, it's worth schools starting to consider:
- How physical activity supports your wider school priorities
- Evidence-based approaches with measurable impact
- Inclusive provision for less active pupils
- Trusted partners who can support delivery
Physical activity is no longer just a PE issue. It's part of the conversation around school improvement, attendance, mental health, inclusion, and academic success.
This announcement is one of the biggest shifts in school sport policy in years — and for schools already working with Teach Active, it's a strong signal that you're ahead of the curve.