The overhaul of funding for primary school physical education (PE) has sparked warnings from teachers that the move could worsen child obesity and mental health challenges. Critics say spreading a reduced budget across more schools will likely result in a 40% cut to primary PE funding, exacerbating an already pressing issue.
Christopher Tribble, headteacher at Honiton Primary and president of the Devon National Association of Headteachers Union (NASUWT), described the change as "the wrong move" given the growing obesity and mental health crisis. He highlighted that reducing funding would likely have a direct impact on children's mental wellbeing and hinder efforts to tackle obesity early on.
The timing of the announcement has also been slammed for disrupting school budget planning, with schools facing potential deficits due to existing financial commitments with sports coaches. Adam Watson, a sports specialist at Honiton Primary whose role has been funded by the PE Premium for nine years, fears his job could be under threat when the current funding arrangement ends in early 2027.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson claimed that the new approach would ensure every child becomes more physically active, regardless of background or ability. However, the £193 million annual grant is significantly less than the existing PE Premium's £320 million, and will now cover both primary and secondary schools.
Ministers are investing over £1 billion in school sport over three years, but critics say this investment comes too late to mitigate the impact of reduced funding. During the transition year, primary schools will receive a one-off payment of £100 million in the autumn term of 2026 before the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network becomes fully operational from spring 2027.