LSC’s Response and Guidance To The New PE & School Sport Partnerships Network
The Department for Education’s recent announcement regarding the introduction of the PE & School Sport Partnerships Network marks a significant moment for the future of primary school physical education and sport provision.
Following the announcement, we wanted to provide a brief update and reassurance for schools.
Announcements of this nature can understandably create uncertainty, particularly while further details are still emerging around how the new partnership network will operating and how schools can allocate funding.
However, it is important to note that existing PE & Sports Premium funding will continue as normal into the Autumn Term.
“It is important to emphasise that the PE and Sport Premium will continue into the autumn term, allowing schools to continue planning with confidence in the short term initially.”
Dillan O'Connor, Operations Director
What is the PE & School Sport Partnerships Network?
The PE & School Sport Partnerships Network is a new Government initiative introduced by the Department for Education to reshape how school sport and physical activity are supported and delivered across schools in England.
It will replace aspects of the current PE & Sport Premium model in the longer term and is expected to place greater emphasis on partnerships, consistency of delivery, safeguarding, and measurable impact.
What are the Government’s priorities for PE and school sport?
While we await clarity, the key priorities remain consistent and include:
- Increasing children’s physical activity levels
- Improving inclusion and support for SEND pupils
- Swimming and water safety
- Enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities
- Stronger local partnerships and collaboration
- Sustainable improvements within schools
These priorities reflect a continued focus on both participation and pupil wellbeing and closely align with LSC’s work already taking place across many schools.
“At this stage, our advice, is not to pause planning, but instead to maintain a sensible level of flexibility as further information becomes available over the coming months. Schools will continue to benefit from trusted partners who can provide safe, inclusive and impactful provision that supports both pupils and staff.”
Dillan O'Connor, Operations Director
We remain committed to supporting schools in delivering high-quality outcomes for pupils.
As always, we are here to support schools through any changes ahead. We will continue monitoring updates closely and will share any relevant information that may help with future planning and decision-making.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss provision 2026-27 and beyond, longer-term planning considerations, or any questions relating to PE, sport and physical activity within your school.
Dillan O'Connor
schools@wearelsc.co.uk