Schools North East highlights deep concerns over changes to PE and sport funding
Following the Government’s announcement to scrap the PE and Sport Premium and replace it with a new Partnerships Network model, Schools North East has carried out a rapid survey of schools across our network to understand the likely impact on pupils, schools, and communities.
Responses were received from over 150 North East primary schools, providing a clear and consistent picture of concern not only across our region, but across the sector. Unsurprisingly, the findings point to significant worry about both the scale of the funding changes and the way in which they’ve been introduced.
These findings have since gained national coverage, including in TES and Schools Week, amplifying concerns raised by schools and reinforcing the strength of feeling across the North East.
Widespread concern across schools
The level of concern expressed by schools is striking — all responding schools reported being concerned.
- Over 80% described themselves as “very concerned”
- Almost two thirds (65%) said they are not at all confident that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities will benefit equally under the new model
Across responses, a consistent message emerges: schools do not believe the proposed replacement will protect equity or maintain current levels of opportunity for children.
Timing, planning and lack of consultation
One of the strongest themes from school leaders is the timing and process of the announcement. Schools report that the changes were made mid-budget cycle, after financial planning had already taken place. Staffing arrangements, external partnerships, and enrichment provision for the coming year have already been committed on the assumption that the funding would continue.
Leaders describe this as leaving them in an impossible position, forced to reconsider budgets, contracts, and provision with no meaningful consultation or lead-in time. Of course, effective planning becomes extremely difficult without stability and sufficient notice.
Financial pressure already at breaking point
As we consistently highlight, many schools across the North East are already operating under significant financial strain, with some in deficit positions.
The loss of the PE and Sport Premium, combined with a smaller centrally commissioned replacement model, is widely seen as creating an immediate and unmanageable gap in funding.
Schools report that this gap cannot be absorbed without consequences, including:
- Redundancies and reduced staffing
- Cancellation of existing partnerships and coaching contracts
- Reduction in extracurricular and enrichment opportunities
- A narrowing of provision for pupils
In many cases, contracts worth £10,000–£20,000 have already been signed for the coming year, further compounding financial pressure.
Disproportionate impact on disadvantaged and SEND pupils
Schools are particularly concerned about the impact on disadvantaged children.
For many families in the North East, school is the primary route to accessing sport and physical activity. The PE and Sport Premium has enabled schools to provide transport, after-school clubs, swimming lessons, and specialist coaching that would otherwise be unaffordable or inaccessible.
There is also significant concern about SEND provision. Special schools and mainstream schools with high levels of additional needs have used the funding to provide tailored, therapy-based physical activity and specialist support.
Schools warn that a more centralised, demand-led model risks reducing flexibility and undermining provision that is carefully adapted to local needs.
Expected impact on provision and staffing
When asked about likely changes, schools reported significant concern about reductions across a range of areas.
- 65% expect to reduce coaching staff
- 46% expect reductions in clubs and teams
- 46% expect reductions in transport and minibuses
- 39% expect fewer competitive fixtures
- 33% expect reductions in SEND-inclusive provision
These figures suggest that the impact will be felt not only in budgets, but directly in the breadth and quality of opportunities available to children.
The human impact: What schools are saying
Alongside the data, schools have shared powerful reflections on what these changes could mean in practice.
One Head Teacher told us: “Achieving true inclusivity in schools is impossible if we reduce opportunities for sports and physical activity. In our schools, the Sport Premium is a critical resource; we allocate every penny to secure high-quality provision that directly targets our pupils’ physical health and SEMH needs.
“Any future policy must prioritise the children. Withdrawing this essential funding will have a severe, adverse impact on the future well-being of our students.”
This sentiment is starkly echoed across responses, with leaders consistently linking sport and physical activity to wellbeing, inclusion, and long-term outcomes.
Reflecting on the findings, Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, emphasised the strength and consistency of concern from across the region: “School leaders are sending a clear and consistent message: this decision risks taking opportunities away from the children who need them most.
“For many young people across the North East, particularly those growing up in disadvantaged communities, school provides their main access to sport, physical activity and enrichment experiences. These opportunities are not a luxury- they are fundamental to children’s health, wellbeing and development.”
Getting it right for the North East
Schools are not resistant to change, but they are asking for stability, clarity, and fairness in how decisions are made. This is one message that stood out clearly.
For the North East—where levels of deprivation are high and many children rely on school as their primary source of enrichment—the stakes are particularly significant. Sport and physical activity are not optional extras and absolutely should not be treated as such. They are central to health, wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity.
As the system evolves, our schools are clear: any replacement must protect not only funding levels, but also the flexibility, trust, and local expertise that have taken years to build.
Above all, it must work for children. And it must be right for the North East.
For every child, for every school, for the future of our region.