School leaders have raised significant concerns over the Government’s decision to replace the PE and Sport Premium with a new Partnerships Network model, warning that the changes could reduce access to sport, physical activity and enrichment opportunities for thousands of pupils.
The concerns emerge from a rapid survey conducted by Schools North East, which gathered responses from more than 150 primary schools across the region. The findings reveal widespread anxiety about both the scale of the funding changes and the speed at which they are being introduced.
According to the survey, every responding school expressed concern about the reforms, with more than 80% describing themselves as “very concerned”. Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they were not confident that schools serving disadvantaged communities would benefit equally under the new funding model.
In terms of procurement, the findings highlight the potential disruption to existing contracts, partnerships and service provision. Many schools report having already committed budgets, staffing arrangements and external coaching agreements for the forthcoming academic year based on the assumption that PE and Sport Premium funding would continue.
The survey suggests the financial implications could be substantial. Schools indicated that the loss of dedicated funding may lead to reductions in coaching provision, extracurricular activities and specialist support services. Around 65% expect to reduce coaching staff, while 46% anticipate cutting sports clubs, teams and transport provision. More than a third (33%) foresee reductions in SEND-inclusive sports activities.
The impact is expected to be particularly acute in disadvantaged communities, where schools often provide the primary route to sport and physical activity. Funding has traditionally supported initiatives including after-school clubs, swimming lessons, transport to fixtures and specialist coaching that many families would otherwise struggle to access.
School leaders also expressed concerns about the effect on SEND provision, where PE and Sport Premium funding has been used to deliver tailored physical activity programmes and therapeutic interventions.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said the findings send a clear message to policymakers.
For education procurement, the survey underlines the importance of reviewing supplier contracts, partnership agreements and future budget allocations as schools assess how the new funding landscape could affect sports provision, staffing and enrichment programmes across the education sector.
Photo by Komal Gahir on Unsplash
