Why this matters
Every primary school in England receives funding under the PE & Sport Premium. Its purpose: to support children in leading active, healthy lives; to improve PE, sport and physical activity in schools.
In 2025–26, schools with 17 or more eligible pupils receive £16,000 plus £10 per pupil for years 1–6.
But many school leaders report that simply receiving the money isn’t enough. The key challenge: making that funding deliver long-term impact rather than one-off activities.
What schools are being asked to do
According to the guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), the Premium must be used to:
- Build capacity and capability in the school (so improvements are sustainable).
- Develop or add to what the school already provides in PE, sport and physical activity.
- Spend the funds and report on how it benefits all pupils in years 1–6, not just specific groups.
Governance and accountability matters too: governing boards should review how money is spent, challenge the impact and check that it is aligned with school improvement.
What’s changing and what schools should plan for
Here are some noteworthy developments impacting 2025 to 26 and beyond:
- The guidance has just been updated (October 2025) clarifying payment dates and reporting requirements.
- Officials are reviewing how the £320 million Premium is being used, citing concerns that increased funding hasn’t yet delivered the level of improvement expected.
- Reporting tools and monitoring expectations are increasing. For example, schools will need to complete a digital expenditure reporting return by 31 July 2026.
Practical steps for your school this term
Here are actions you can take now to make sure your Premium budget is well-used and easy to monitor:
1. Adopt a two-year planning view
With delays and cost pressures on the rise, don’t treat the Premium as a one-year fix. Consider what investments (staff CPD, resource upgrades, wraparound links) will benefit not just this year but next year too.
2. Focus on sustainability not just spend
Choose funding uses that raise internal capacity (teacher confidence, school systems, active travel) rather than purely paying for external coaches or one-off events. That aligns with the DfE’s emphasis on sustainable improvements.
3. Integrate enrichment, wraparound and PE provision
Link your wraparound or after-school activity to your sport/PE strategy. For example: use the Premium to train staff to lead active clubs at breakfast or after school. This spreads impact and maximises return on funds.
4. Track engagement and well-being as indicators
Rather than only tracking participation numbers, also:
- Monitor changes in confidence, enjoyment, late marks or disengagement.
- Use pupil voice or simple surveys to measure impact.
- Link back to how improved activity supports focus, behaviour and attainment.
5. Prepare your web-report and governance review now
You’ll need to publish a report on your website showing how you spent the allocation, what impact you saw and how you’ll sustain improvements. Schedule a review with governors/trust board before July so everything is captured.
Why this matters for your school community
When used wisely, the Premium isn’t just about more sport. It’s about:
- Giving children a better start to the day and more chances to excel.
- Supporting staff development and reducing reliance on external coaches.
- Linking physical activity to wider school improvement (attendance, behaviour, concentration).
- Showing governors, trustees and parents you’re making strategic use of funding.
Final thought
This funding cycle offers a real opportunity. If you position the Premium as part of a broader vision for your school, not just “another budget line”, you’ll get a stronger return and more sustainable benefit for your pupils.
