Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that the new partnerships network will provide equitable access to PE and sport support in all regions.

Funding for PE and school sport is increasing to over £1 billion, including over the next three years, with £580 million for a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, alongside investment in facilities and transitional support for primary schools. Detailed design and funding allocations will be confirmed through the procurement process, but the approach will focus on ensuring support reaches those most in need.

The Network will provide practical, targeted support to help schools increase participation. This includes coaching, swimming provision and support to open facilities, stronger links to extra‑curricular sport and local clubs, and training to build staff confidence in delivering PE. Schools will also receive funding to test and share effective practice, alongside more accessible programmes from national governing bodies and clearer pathways into community sport. Support will align more closely with wider programmes and include competitive sport opportunities and inclusive events for less‑active pupils.

A national delivery partner will be appointed through a fair and open process, with strong governance and a clear focus on equitable access.