UK schools set to have higher quality PE lessons for primary school children

Backed by an investment of £320 million, primary school children in Britain will receive higher quality PE lessons and better sport opportunities from next year, education secretary Gavin Williamson announced on Thursday (17).

“I am pleased to announce that we will continue to fund the PE and Sport Premium next year, so primary schools can continue to prioritise children’s physical wellbeing alongside education recovery,” Williamson said, adding that children’s physical health has “never been more important”.

Under the plan with £320mn backing, the PE and Sport Premium will encourage children to play more sport, increase their social skills, and improve their physical activity after lockdown. Schools are also expected to improve the quality of their teaching and make longer-term, sustainable changes to their PE lessons. 

The funding, for the next academic year, can be used by schools alongside any money leftover from the PE and Sport Premium grant this year or last. These underspends can be used by schools until 31 July 2022, and will help them to prioritise physical activities, sport and physical education with mental health and wellbeing support, as per Department of Education. 

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “Today’s announcement confirming the PE and Sport Premium for the next academic year gives schools the opportunity to improve the quality of their sport provision and plan ahead with their funding.” 

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Keeping fit and active is absolutely vital for our children's mental and physical health.”

"This £320 million package will give primary schools the funding they need to keep the next generation fit and active,” he said. 

To  improve children and young people’s physical activity, the government is reportedly working closely with the sector, including through investment, building core content for physical activity in school curriculum and working across the sector to produce targeted videos, guidance and support to continue to prioritise PE, sport and physical activity. 

The funding on the ambitious School Sport and Activity Action Plan will be updated later this year.