During the 2026/27 Academic Year, the Primary PE and Sport Premium model will be phased out. In its place will be a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network.

Following engagement with schools, trade unions and the physical activity sector about the transition between the two models, the Department has announced a rebalancing of funding. This increases funding for the transition period in the 2026/27 Academic Year from £100m to £150m, to deliver a smoother transition.

Schools will receive a one-off payment in the Autumn to be spent across the 2026/27 Academic Year, with the guidance and conditions of the grant published in September.

Meanwhile, procurement for a National Delivery Partner for the PE and School Sport Partnerships Network is expected to begin soon, with the successful bidder announced in November.

The new Network will then get up and running from January, with the National Delivery Partner engaging with schools and local partnerships to understand their needs before delivering support from April 2027 onwards.

The Network will include three school support pathways:

• Universal Offer – support available to all eligible schools, including Continued Professional Development (CPD), guidance, resources and sector signposting.
• Targeted Intervention – additional support directed by the National Delivery Partner to schools or pupil groups identified as having the greatest need.
• School-Requested Intervention – support requested by schools based on identified local need, to be considered by the National Delivery Partner in accordance with eligibility criteria, available capacity and the overall objectives of the Partnerships Network.

Commenting on the announcement, Ali Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, said, “As schools up and down the country have been celebrating the importance of school sport during National School Sport Week, the increase to the Primary PE and Sport Premium transition funding and extension of the transition phase is very welcome news.

“We are pleased the Government has engaged positively with schools, trade unions and the wider sector to rebalance funding, providing a smoother transition for schools as we move towards the introduction of the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network.

“We are optimistic about the potential of this new approach to strengthen support for schools, building on what has worked well in the past to help more children experience the life-changing benefits of PE, sport and play. Today’s announcement will give schools greater confidence and capabilities to plan for the year ahead while the new network is established, and it is important that the sector continues to work together to ensure the move to the new model delivers opportunities for every child.”