What the New PE & School Sport Framework means for schools
The future of Primary Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity is changing.
Following the Government’s recent announcement of a £1 billion investment into PE and school sport, schools are now preparing for the biggest shift in funding and support structures since the introduction of the Primary PE and Sport Premium over a decade ago. Whilst many discussions have focused on funding, the reality is that the changes extend far beyond budgets. They signal a renewed national focus on physical literacy, inclusion, curriculum quality and sustainable school improvement. For school leaders, PE subject leaders and multi-academy trusts, understanding these changes will be crucial in planning for the future.
At Pro Sport Coaching, we believe this transition presents a significant opportunity. Not only for schools to strengthen their PE provision, but to ensure that every child develops the confidence, competence and motivation to lead an active life.
What is changing with the Primary PE and Sport Premium?
The Government has confirmed that the long-standing Primary PE and Sport Premium model will transition towards a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network from Spring 2027. The new approach aims to strengthen collaboration between schools, local organisations, national governing bodies and specialist providers to improve the quality and consistency of PE and school sport across England.
Alongside this change, the Government has announced:
- £1 billion investment into PE and school sport over the next three years.
- £200 million investment into sports facilities.
- £100 million of transitional funding for primary schools.
- A new national focus on tackling inactivity and improving access to high-quality PE and sport opportunities.
The stated ambition is to address inequalities in participation and ensure every child has access to high-quality physical education and meaningful opportunities to be active.
What does this mean for schools in 2026/27?
Whilst the long-term direction of travel is becoming clearer, the 2026/27 academic year will act as a transition period. The Government has confirmed transitional funding arrangements for primary schools whilst the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network is established. Whilst final allocation arrangements are still to be confirmed, funding is anticipated to remain in place for the Autumn Term, enabling schools to continue delivering against their existing PE and school sport priorities. This gives schools valuable continuity and flexibility.
Whether your focus is:
- Developing your PE curriculum
- Improving teacher confidence
- Embedding physical literacy
- Supporting SEND inclusion
- Enhancing assessment practices
- Increasing physical activity throughout the school day
- Expanding extra-curricular opportunities
schools should be able to continue investing in the areas that will have the greatest impact on their pupils.
Rather than seeing this period as a pause, schools should view it as an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of their PE provision and prepare for the next phase of national development.
The five priorities emerging from the new PE & School Sport framework
Whilst further guidance is expected over the coming months, the direction of travel is clear.
1. Physical Literacy will become increasingly important
For many years, success in PE has often been measured by participation numbers and competition opportunities. The emerging framework places greater emphasis on creating active children for life.
This means developing pupils who are:
- Motivated to participate Confident in movement
- Physically competent
- Knowledgeable about physical activity
- Able to engage positively with movement throughout their lives
This approach aligns closely with the concept of Physical Literacy, which is increasingly recognised as the foundation of high-quality Physical Education. At Pro Sport Coaching, physical literacy is not a new initiative. It has been at the heart of our curriculum philosophy from the very beginning.
2. Inclusion will be central to success
The Government has repeatedly highlighted the need to reduce inequalities in participation. Future PE provision will be expected to better support:
- Girls
- Pupils with SEND
- Less active children
- Disadvantaged pupils
The question for schools is no longer simply how many children are participating.
The focus is increasingly shifting towards ensuring every child experiences success, enjoyment and meaningful progress. This requires carefully planned, inclusive Physical Education rather than one-size-fits-all delivery models.
3. Curriculum quality matters more than ever
The new framework signals a growing recognition that Physical Education is an academic subject with its own knowledge, skills and progression.
Schools will increasingly need to demonstrate:
- Clear curriculum intent
- Sequenced learning
- Progressive skill development
- Meaningful assessment
- Long-term impact
As a result, curriculum quality is likely to become a key differentiator between schools that simply deliver PE and schools that truly develop physically literate learners.
4. Workforce Development remains a priority
One of the consistent messages throughout PE and Sport Premium guidance has been the importance of creating sustainable improvements through staff development.
The future framework continues this emphasis.
Schools that invest in developing teacher confidence, subject knowledge and leadership capacity will be best placed to achieve long-term success.
External providers will increasingly be judged not simply by what they deliver, but by the lasting impact they have on school capability.
5. Evidence of impact will become increasingly important
As schools transition into the new framework, demonstrating impact will remain essential.
Schools will need to show how investment contributes towards:
- Improved teaching quality
- Increased participation
- Better pupil outcomes
- Greater inclusion
- Sustainable improvement
Strong evidence, robust assessment and strategic planning will continue to play a significant role in future success.
Why Pro Sport Coaching is already aligned with the Future of PE
Whilst many organisations are now adapting to the changing landscape, Pro Sport Coaching has spent years developing an approach that aligns directly with the priorities emerging from the new framework.
A Team of Education Specialists
This means schools receive support from professionals who understand:
- Curriculum design
- Assessment
- Pedagogy
- Child development
- School improvement
The result is support that extends far beyond sports coaching.
Physical Literacy at the heart of everything we do
The national conversation is increasingly focused on physical literacy. For Pro Sport Coaching, this has always been the foundation of our work.
Our CPD programmes, assessment systems and professional learning opportunities are all designed to develop pupils who are confident, competent and motivated movers.
Supporting Sustainable School Improvement
The most successful schools are those that build internal capacity.
Through:
- PE Subject Leader Support
- Professional Development
- Team Teaching
- Curriculum Development
- School Improvement Planning
We help schools create sustainable systems that continue to deliver impact long after external support has ended.
Looking Ahead
The transition from the Primary PE and Sport Premium to the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network represents a significant moment for education.
However, the core principles of outstanding Physical Education remain unchanged:
- High-quality teaching
- Strong curriculum design
- Physical literacy
- Inclusion
- Sustainable improvement.
These principles have shaped Pro Sport Coaching since day one.
As schools prepare for the future of PE funding and provision, the organisations that will lead the sector are those already delivering against these priorities.
At Pro Sport Coaching, we are proud to be one of them.
If your school is reviewing its PE strategy, preparing for future funding changes or looking to strengthen Physical Education across your setting, our team would be delighted to support your journey.
Together, we can ensure every child experiences the power of high-quality Physical Education.