Effective use of the PE and Sports Premium

The PE and Sport Premium continues to be a vital source of funding for primary schools in England, helping to build a sustainable culture of physical activity and sport. But with so many priorities to juggle, making the most of the funding can feel overwhelming. So how can schools ensure this funding has real, long-lasting impact?

Below, we outline some practical, proven ways schools are spending their premium effectively — all aligned with the government’s five key indicators.

1. Upskilling Staff for Sustainable Delivery

One of the most effective uses of the premium is to invest in staff training. Rather than relying solely on external providers, many schools are choosing to upskill their own teachers through high-quality CPD, lesson modelling, and team teaching opportunities. Some use dedicated time during staff meetings to keep knowledge fresh and ensure a consistent whole-school approach to PE delivery.

Others go even further by supporting wider school staff to access targeted qualifications, allowing them to confidently support or even lead activities like lunchtime games or after-school clubs.

2. Boosting Daily Physical Activity for All Pupils

Physical activity shouldn't be limited to PE lessons. Schools are successfully using their funding to weave movement throughout the day – from short, quick movement breaks that break up sedentary learning to morning movement sessions that energise pupils as they arrive.

For example, a simple 30-minute active carousel at the start of the day, led by class teachers, can set a positive tone. Many schools are also implementing strategies like the Daily Mile or integrating activity into core subjects, with impressive results for focus and wellbeing.

Importantly, tracking tools – like pupil and staff questionnaires – can help assess impact and steer future plans.

3. Raising the Profile of PE and Sport

Embedding physical activity into school culture leads to broader benefits, from improved behaviour to higher attendance. Schools are raising the profile of sport through whole-school events, wellbeing initiatives, and pupil-led organising committees.

Fitness and wellbeing clubs, especially those run before the school day begins, are proving successful in supporting academic readiness and building healthy habits.

Involving pupils through School Councils or Sports Committees can also empower children to take ownership and advocate for the activities they enjoy most.

4. Broadening Opportunities and Ensuring Inclusivity

The premium presents an opportunity to go beyond the usual curriculum. Many schools use it to offer pupils a wider variety of sports and activities – such as archery, fencing, yoga, or dance – that may otherwise be unavailable. This helps engage less-active pupils and introduce new passions.

Working with local clubs and community providers is another impactful approach. Taster sessions or community signposting can encourage long-term participation beyond school hours and build strong local partnerships.

In addition, schools are using pupil voice to shape the extra-curricular offer, ensuring it reflects interests across different year groups, genders, and abilities.

5. Widening Access to Competitive Sport

Competition plays a crucial role in building confidence and resilience. Schools are designing inclusive sports calendars that cater to all pupils – not just the most athletic. Intra-school competitions, house tournaments, and Trust-wide festivals can give every child a chance to shine.

The key is to focus on experience over outcome. Events that highlight teamwork, sportsmanship and effort – rather than just winning – can have a transformative impact.

Making It Count

When spent effectively, the PE and Sport Premium can do much more than just enhance PE lessons – it can support wider school priorities, improve pupil wellbeing, and create a lasting culture of movement.

The most successful schools are those that embed physical activity across the whole day, involve the wider staff team, and continuously reflect on what works. As you plan your school’s spending, consider how each decision supports the five key indicators and contributes to long-term impact.

Whether you’re refreshing your curriculum, investing in CPD, or trialling a new club, each step you take can bring pupils closer to a healthier, more active lifestyle – and that’s a win worth celebrating.