Committee publication · Correspondence · 10 February 2026
Letter from Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, regarding funding of Physical Education in schools, 6 February 2026
From: Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Inquiry: The work of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Summary
Minister Stephanie Peacock responds to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee's January letter on PE and school sport funding. She reaffirms the government's commitment to equal access to high-quality PE through new PE and School Sport Partnerships announced by the Prime Minister, clarifies that no final funding decisions have been made despite recent media reporting, and confirms funding details will be communicated ahead of the September academic year launch.
Key findings
- New PE and School Sport Partnerships will bring together schools, local clubs and national governing bodies to target funding and support where needed most
- Government ambition spans three departments (DCMS, Department for Education, Department of Health and Social Care) to improve physical activity levels and target least active groups including girls, children with special needs and disabilities, and those from least affluent backgrounds
- No final decisions on funding have been made despite recent Guardian news article; funding confirmation will be communicated ahead of September 2026 launch
- Minister states commitment to ensuring every child has opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity, with schools playing crucial role
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Stephanie Peacock MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department for Education, Department of Health and Social Care, Prime Minister
Notable line
“… the next academic year in September, funding for which will be confirmed and communicated in due course.”
Key Quotes
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity, and recognise the crucial role schools play in delivering this.”
“The new PE and School Sport Partnerships, announced by the Prime Minister last June, will ensure that all children have equal access to high-quality PE.”
“… departments have made no final decisions on funding going forward. My officials continue to work closely with the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care on the development of the new model ahead of its launch at the start of the next academic year in September, funding for which will be confirmed and communicated in due course.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗