In April, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee published a report following the Game On inquiry into community and school sport. The Government (led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport) has now issued its formal response – here are some of the top takeaways for the PE and school sport sector:

1. In their response, the Government reiterates a commitment for every child to have the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity and the role of schools in delivering this, including supported by the forthcoming PE and School Sport Partnership Network. More information about the Network was provided as part of a funding announcement last month detailing spending plans for the next three years, including money for improving school sporting facilities.
2. The new Network replaces the Primary PE and Sport Premium model and will build strong partnerships between schools, local clubs and National Governing Bodies. The Government’s new approach aims to break down barriers for those children who are less active and will be up-and-running in Spring 2027 following a commercial process. Once appointed, the Networks’ National Delivery Partner will assess the current delivery mechanisms in place for school sport, with the Government stating School Games Organisers (SGO) will have a role in this informed by the independent review of the SGO Network and recommendations published by Sport England in 2025.
3. Through Ofsted inspections, schools will be expected to demonstrate how they are developing pupil’s understanding of how to keep physically healthy, eat healthily and stay active. Inspectors will also consider a school’s enrichment offer – including progress against the new Enrichment Framework – as part of the personal development theme, with information for parents included in new school profiles.
4. With the Committee’s report urging action to improve community access to school sporting facilities, the Government believes the new PE and School Sport Partnership Network can learn from the Opening Schools Facilities programme and other approaches, including by supporting schools to make effective and strategic use of their facilities. This is particularly important where access to opportunities to be active is reduced.
5. As plans to develop the new national curriculum ahead of introduction in 2028 continue, the Government does not plan on making two hours of high-quality PE a week mandatory, or PE a core subject. However, through the process the Government aims to introduce a clearer purpose, stronger progression and improved clarity for the PE curriculum with the aspiration this encourages schools to protect two hours of PE time for all pupils. Whilst the PE and School Sport Partnerships Network is expected to deliver improved support for the teaching of high-quality PE, there will be a review of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework in 2027.
6. To help more children achieve the recommended 60 active minutes a day, the Government highlights opportunities to build in regular physical activity throughout the school day including through active travel, active uniform, breakfast clubs and other wraparound activities in addition to PE and school sport.
7. With the Committee calling for greater flexibility around clothing, the Government highlights changes to the non-statutory Developing school uniform guidance released last year, which includes encouraging schools to consider comfort and practicality of PE kit, how it aids inclusion, and also raises awareness of the active uniform some schools have started to incorporate.
8. Elsewhere, wider funding supporting the sport sector includes £400m over the next four years to transform grassroots facilities (with more than 40% of projects being multi-sport), £250m lottery funding for Sport England, and more than £50m to deliver major events over the coming years. In addition, in response to calls for a ‘Movement for Health’ strategy, the Government is planning to publish a National Plan for Physical Activity later this year. This plan will detail how the Government aims to tackle inactivity, including through place-based working and by strengthening ties between sport, health, leisure and civil society.