Primary schools in England are set to experience a significant reduction in funding for physical education and sports, as the government plans to overhaul the existing grant system established after the 2012 London Olympics. The Department for Education (DfE) announced that the current £320 million annual PE and sports premium, paid directly to primary schools, will be discontinued and replaced by a £193 million “sport partnerships network” covering both primary and secondary schools. This new system is slated to be fully operational by spring 2027.

The planned changes have drawn criticism from school leaders, who expressed concern about the potential impact on physical education provision, particularly in primary schools. Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, described the transition as a “funding cut dressed up as an initiative,” highlighting the complexity and lack of clarity surrounding the new scheme. Similarly, Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, called for a delay in implementation until September 2027 to allow schools sufficient time to prepare and understand how support would be extended to approximately 3.6 million secondary pupils alongside 4.5 million primary students.

The restructuring would amount to an effective 40% reduction in government funding for school sports across both sectors. However, the DfE contested this figure, pointing to additional capital funding of nearly £200 million aimed at improving school sports facilities, as well as a one-off £100 million transition grant for primary schools in spring 2027.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the new approach, stating that it aims to increase physical activity among all children, regardless of background or ability, by offering more tailored support through a yet-to-be-appointed delivery partner. This partner will reportedly provide a combination of universal and targeted assistance based on school needs.

The move follows earlier disputes within government over school sport funding, with both the Department of Health and Social Care and the DfE seeking to reduce their annual contributions by £60 million each. Historically, school sport funding in England has seen frequent shifts. A national sports network launched under the previous Labour government was dismantled by the coalition government, and the post-2012 Olympic primary school sports grant was introduced as a legacy initiative to inspire future athletes.

Despite reservations from education leaders, some groups have expressed cautious support. Ali Oliver, chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust charity, welcomed the effort to maintain dedicated funding for children’s physical, social, and emotional development, emphasizing the need for collaboration during the transition to the new system.