Government confirms continuing PE and Sports Premium funding for next year

Primary school children in England will benefit from higher quality PE lessons and better sport opportunities it has been announced.

Backed by a £320 million investment from the Government, the PE and Sport Premium will encourage children to play more sport, increase their social skills, and improve their physical activity after lockdown. Schools will also be able to improve the quality of their teaching and make longer-term, sustainable changes to their lessons.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I am pleased to announce that we will continue to fund the PE and Sport Premium next year, so primary schools can continue to prioritise children’s physical wellbeing alongside education recovery.

“Children’s physical health has never been more important, and I am proud that this investment will build on our actions across government to support this activity – including through our School Sport and Activity Action Plan, and our £10.1 million investment helping school sport facilities and swimming pools.”

The funding, for the next academic year, can be used by schools alongside any money leftover from the PE and Sport Premium grant this year or last. These underspends can be used by schools until 31 July 2022, and will help them to prioritise physical activities, sport and physical education with mental health and wellbeing support, or education catch up and tutoring.

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “Keeping fit and active is absolutely vital for our children’s mental and physical health. 

“I’m extremely grateful to those who have stepped up with workout videos and ideas to keep families healthy over the past year, but there is no substitute for kids taking part in face to face learning and physical education plays a vital role in that. This package will give primary schools the funding they need to keep the next generation fit and active.” 

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, said: “We welcome the confirmation of further PE and Sport Premium funding for the next academic year. Their time at school is a huge part of how children can engage with the activity they enjoy, and which can also support them to focus and learn.

“After a year of significant disruption to children’s activity levels and schooling, a high-quality PE and sport offer, boosting their health and wellbeing, has never been more important.”