How to Spend PE and Sport Premium in 2025 – 5 Sustainable Ideas for Primary Schools
✅ What Is the PE and Sport Premium?
The PE and Sport Premium is government funding provided to primary schools in England to improve the quality of physical education, sport, and physical activity (PESSPA). For 2025, the funding has been officially extended, giving schools another opportunity to embed sustainable, high-impact approaches to get children active every day.
Who is eligible?
- All primary schools with pupils in Years 1 to 6
- Most schools receive a set amount plus additional funding per eligible pupil
🎯 Key Aims of the PE and Sport Premium
To spend your PE and Sport Premium effectively in 2025, align your strategy with these core objectives:
- Increase daily physical activity in line with the Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation of 60 minutes per day
- Improve the engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity
- Raise the profile of PE and sport across the school
- Provide CPD and training for teachers to improve the quality of PE delivery
- Offer broader experiences in physical activities and sports
- Increase participation in competitive sport
💡 5 High-Impact Ways to Spend Your PE and Sport Premium in 2025
Here are five sustainable, results-driven ways to use your PE and Sport Premium funding this year:
1. Install Playground Markings or Fitness Trails
Transform your outdoor spaces into active learning zones.
Thermoplastic playground markings and structured fitness trails provide a year-round movement solution that integrates PE, play, and cross-curricular learning.
Benefits:
- Promotes daily physical activity
- Encourages self-directed movement at break and lunch
- Supports behaviour and focus in the classroom
🛠 Tip: Look for markings with built-in CPD and lesson plans to ensure long-term use.
2. Deliver CPD for Teachers and School Staff
One of the most effective ways to embed high-quality PE is by improving teacher confidence.
Use funding to provide:
- PE-specific CPD
- Active play training for midday staff
- Resources and support for non-specialist teachers
💡 Sustainable Impact: A well-trained teacher can impact hundreds of pupils over multiple years.
3. Create Active Learning Zones
Repurpose underused areas of the school (like corridors or small outdoor spaces) with movement-based learning tools — think balance circuits, maths trails, or active storytelling paths.
📚 These spaces combine physical activity with literacy or numeracy goals, supporting both health and academic progress.
4. Launch a Daily Movement Initiative
Whether it’s The Daily Mile, movement breaks, or a school-wide fitness challenge, embedding daily activity into your school culture supports:
- Physical health
- Emotional regulation
- Classroom focus and learning readiness
🏃 Consider pairing initiatives with school sports leaders or pupil voice groups for buy-in.
5. Use Data to Drive Improvement
Invest in tools that measure activity levels, pupil engagement, or fitness outcomes. This helps demonstrate impact and supports your reporting to Ofsted and stakeholders.
📊 Tools like fitness assessments, pupil surveys, and engagement trackers can help prove your spend is working.
🔁 What Not to Spend Your PE Premium On
According to DfE guidance, you cannot spend your funding on:
- Core curriculum PE staff salaries
- Capital expenditure (e.g. building work)
- Equipment not related to PE/sport outcomes
Always check the latest official DfE PE and Sport Premium guidance.
🔎 PE and Sport Premium 2025: A Missed Opportunity or a Lasting Legacy?
The best use of the PE and Sport Premium in 2025 isn’t about short-term fixes — it’s about creating a legacy of movement in your school.
Ask yourself:
- Will this still make an impact next year?
- Will staff and children know how to use it?
- Is it improving behaviour, learning, or well-being?
If the answer is yes — you’re spending it well.
📞 Need Help Planning Your Spend?
We’ve helped dozens of schools across the UK turn their PE and Sport Premium into something meaningful — from custom fitness trails and playground markings to CPD and movement resources.
Let’s build a plan that’s tailored to your space, your needs, and your goals.
👉 Book a free consultation call now
Or email us at: hello@inspiredschools.co.uk
📝 Final Checklist for Spending PE Premium 2025
✅ Aligned to DfE guidelines
✅ Long-term, sustainable impact
✅ Engages more pupils in daily physical activity
✅ Includes staff support and training
✅ Easy to evidence and report
How to Spend PE and Sport Premium in 2025 – 5 Sustainable Ideas for Primary Schools
