The Role of PE and Sport in Schools
The Department for Education (DfE) emphasises the need for equal access to high-quality PE and diverse sports opportunities. Schools are encouraged to deliver a minimum of two hours of structured PE each week, complemented by extracurricular and competitive sports. These efforts not only promote physical health but also enhance students’ personal development, well-being, and academic achievement.
To support these objectives, the PE and sport premium funding is provided to eligible schools. This funding is specifically allocated to ensure sustainable improvements in PE, sport, and physical activity provision. It cannot replace core school activities but must be used to create meaningful and lasting changes.
Above: installation of an artificial grass multi-use games area (MUGA)
Effective Use of the PE and Sport Premium
Schools are encouraged to focus on:
Improving Teaching Skills: Providing training and professional development to enhance teachers' confidence and expertise in delivering PE lessons.
Promoting Equal Access: Ensuring boys and girls have the same opportunities to participate in a variety of sports and physical activities.
Encouraging Activity: Embedding physical activity throughout the school day, including active travel, break times, and targeted activities for less active children.
Expanding Opportunities: Offering extracurricular activities, specialist instruction, and access to competitive sports to broaden pupils' experiences.
Above: incorporating active play into sensory areas
Eligibility and Funding for 2024–2025
Most schools with primary-age pupils receive the PE and sport premium, except for nursery schools, studio schools, university technical colleges, and independent schools (except non-maintained special schools). Funding amounts are determined based on the number of pupils in Years 1–6 or ages 5–10.
For Schools with 16 or Fewer Pupils: £1,000 per pupil.
For Schools with 17 or More Pupils: £16,000 plus an additional £10 per pupil.
Payment Schedule
Funding is distributed in two instalments:
Maintained Schools: 7/12 of the funding allocation on 31 October 2024 and 5/12 of the funding allocation on 30 April 2025.
Academies and Free Schools: 7/12 of the funding allocation on 10 March 2025 and 5/12 of the funding allocation on 9 May 2025.
Non-maintained Special Schools: 7/12 of the funding allocation on 18 December 2024 and 5/12 of the funding allocation on 18 April 2025.
What Can Funding Be Used For?
The PE and Sport Premium cannot be used for capital expenditure - this means it cannot be used for fixed or 'installed' playground equipment or for the installation of new equipment. However, we have a wide range of free-standing and mobile equipment that does not fall into capital expenditure - this equipment still encourages physical activity and builds confidence and enjoyment of sport, but you can spend your PE and Sports Premium on it.
Our top picks are:
Our mobile trail items are an exciting and dynamic addition to any play area, providing endless fun for children. Designed with versatility in mind, these items can be arranged in a multitude of configurations, ensuring that the play experience remains fresh and engaging, never growing stale. This encourages physical activity, specifically aimed at children in KS1 and younger, therefore improving the quality of active play in the school.
Our range of Grass Block sets help children to develop their agility, balance and coordination as well as increase their confidence in using different movements and muscles.
We also offer a diverse range of mobile sports equipment - take a look on our website or get in touch to speak to one of our Outdoor Learning Consultants about how you can maximise your PE and Sports Premium!
Building a Legacy of Activity
The PE and sport premium is an investment in the future of children’s health and well-being. Schools should prioritize sustainability, ensuring that improvements benefit not only current students but also future generations. By focusing on the five key areas—teaching skills, pupil engagement, profile of PE, equality of opportunity, and competitive participation—schools can maximize the impact of the funding.
Let’s work together to inspire a generation of active, healthy, and confident young people!
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