Primary School PE and Sport Funding

The PE and Sport Premium is government funding provided to primary schools to improve the quality of PE, sport and physical activity for all children.

The funding is used to make additional and sustainable improvements to our provision, helping children to enjoy being active, develop positive attitudes towards physical activity and experience the benefits this can have on their health, wellbeing, confidence and personal development.

Schools are encouraged to use the funding to make improvements across five key areas:

• Increasing staff confidence, knowledge and skills in teaching PE and sport.
• Increasing pupils’ engagement in regular physical activity and sport.
• Raising the profile of PE and sport as a tool for whole-school improvement.
• Providing a broader and more equal range of sports and physical activities for all pupils.
• Increasing participation in competitive sport.

At St Nicholas, we use this funding to strengthen our PE provision, provide inclusive opportunities and encourage all children to become active, confident and healthy.

PE and Sport Premium Transition Update

The Government has announced changes to the way primary schools will be supported with PE and school sport in the future. During 2026–27, the current PE and Sport Premium arrangements will transition towards the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, with partnership support expected to begin from April 2027.

For the 2026–27 academic year, schools will receive a one-off transition payment through the existing funding arrangements. This will allow schools to continue developing PE, physical activity and school sport while preparing for the new model.

At St Nicholas, this transition funding will be used to build on existing strengths and support priorities that create a lasting impact for pupils.

2026–2027 Identified Priorities

• Develop a high-quality PE curriculum through clear planning, progression and consistently strong teaching.
• Strengthen SEND inclusion so that all pupils can participate fully in PE lessons and sporting opportunities.
• Make greater use of outdoor spaces to promote active play during break times and lunchtimes.
• Introduce and develop Play and Sport Leaders to promote pupil leadership, teamwork and increased physical activity.

2025–2026 Identified Priorities

• Develop staff confidence and expertise in PE
• Increase participation in sport and extra-curricular activity
• Broaden sporting opportunities, competition and specialist coaching
• Ensure inclusive access to PE and sport for all pupils

2025–2026 Impact of the Sports Premium

The PE and Sport Premium supported improvements in the quality and range of PE and sport across school. Staff were provided with opportunities to develop their confidence and skills, while pupils benefited from a wider range of extra-curricular activities, competitions and specialist coaching. Funding also helped to improve access to PE and sport for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, supporting a more inclusive approach to physical activity.

2024–2025 Identified Priorities 

• Improve staff confidence and skills in delivering high-quality PE.
• Increase opportunities for all children to take part in extra-curricular sport and physical activity.
• Provide a wider range of high-quality PE equipment and sporting opportunities.
• Increase inclusive participation in sport, including for pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and girls.

2024–2025 Impact of the Sports Premium

The PE and Sport Premium helped to strengthen PE provision across school by improving staff confidence, increasing access to extra-curricular activities and providing additional equipment and sporting opportunities. The funding supported greater participation in physical activity and helped ensure that a wider range of pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, were able to take part in PE and sport.

Sustainability of the PE and Sport Premium

We are committed to ensuring that improvements made through the PE and Sport Premium have a lasting impact. We do this by developing staff knowledge and confidence, investing in high-quality resources, embedding inclusive practice and creating opportunities for physical activity and sport that can continue to benefit pupils in future years.

 PE and Sport Premium Reports