The funding is a ring-fenced grant for English primary schools to provide additional and sustainable improvements to the quality of PE, sport and physical activity. Allocations to schools are determined by a formula based on pupil numbers. The average one form entry primary school will receive roughly £18,000 for the academic year 2022-23.

£320 million will be delivered to schools in 2022/23 to give more children access to high quality PE lessons and sporting opportunities, supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing.

In addition, £11 million will also support the continuation of the School Games programme to give particularly passionate and talented young people the opportunity to participate in competitive sport.

The PE and sport premium and School Games programme support the government’s commitment to ensuring children and young people have access to at least 60 minutes, or 20 minutes for children with a disability, of physical activity a day.

Nadhim Zahawi, Education Secretary said:

“The PE and sport premium will continue to support schools and I hope that upcoming events like the Women’s Euros and Commonwealth Games will inspire more young people to get active.”

“These opportunities will give thousands more pupils access to an ambitious, enriching curriculum that not only supports them academically, but also supports their physical and mental wellbeing.”

Sue Wilkinson MBE, afPE’s CEO said:

“Schools will be pleased to know that another £320 million pounds of investment will be available for physical education and sport in primary schools for the 2022/23 academic year.”

“The past two years disruption caused by Covid brought to the forefront the critical impact and implications on children and young peoples’ physical and emotional wellbeing.”

“Their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development is vastly improved by learning in PE, taught by a highly skilled workforce. The subject is part of a broader solution to develop and improve both physical and health literacy as well as making a significant contributions to child development.”

“In addition this funding can help to top up swimming provision to ensure every child leaves primary school able to safe self rescue and swim a minimum of 25 metres. Now more than ever we need to recruit, retain and value the workforce as they are key to ensuring all children have access to an excellent PE curriculum that is relevant to their needs and context.”

Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust’s CEO said:

“At the end of a really successful National School Sport Week, we welcome confirmation of this funding for primary schools across England, it is urgently needed, and we know schools will be relieved to be able to confirm arrangements for September. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those working in and with schools who have maintained momentum, keeping children active and schools moving.”