The government has announced £1 billion to boost PE and school sport in a bid to end the fitness postcode lottery.
The new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will give more young people access to high-quality PE and school sport and tackle inactivity.
The government is investing over £1 billion in school sport over the next three years, including funding for the new Partnerships Network, improvements to school sports facilities and support for primary schools.
The Network is backed by £580 million and will replace the existing PE and Sport Premium. It is expected to be up and running by Spring 2027.
Almost £200 million will go towards improving school sporting facilities, which could be used to make facilities more accessible for children with SEND or additional equipment.
There's also a one-off £100 million PE Premium payment to support primary schools during the transition year.
Currently, fewer than half of young people do 60 minutes of activity a day and girls, those with SEND and those from disadvantaged backgrounds impacted the most. By the end of primary school, 1 in 5 are living with obesity.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: "This government was elected to give more children the opportunity to get on – no matter where they live. That starts with a richer school experience: not just academic subjects, but music, art, drama and, of course, sport.
"School sport builds confidence, belonging and wellbeing: priceless gifts that put kids on the path to getting on in life – and can even uncover the elite sports stars of the future.
"Yet too many children have been missing out. Our new approach will see every child – across both primary and secondary – more physically active regardless of their circumstances, background, ability or where they go to school.”
Simon Hayes, Sport England chief executive said: "We welcome the Government’s continued commitment to school sport and PE, and this investment will help more children and young people experience the many benefits that sport and physical activity can bring.
"This funding, which includes significant investment in facilities, has the potential to create lasting benefits for schools and communities by improving the places where children and young people can get active and enjoy sport, while helping tackle inequalities in access to physical activity.
"Creating positive experiences for children and young people is key to helping them build lifelong habits, while supporting their physical health, mental wellbeing and social development.
"Sport England is looking forward to working closely with schools and partners to help ensure this funding creates more opportunities for children and young people to get active, enjoy sport and build confidence through being active."
