Game On: Community and school sport

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 28 Nov 2024 Parliament page
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is to examine the health of sport in local communities and schools and whether more can be done to sustain and grow sporting opportunities for all. The inquiry will look at the funding available for sport in the community, how volunteers can be better … Read more
33 Recommendations
16 Conclusions
1 Report
5 Oral sessions
5 Letters
5 Events
Activity timeline 12 events
26 Jun
2026
Report published
3 Jun
2026
Correspondence
20 Apr
2026
Report published
16 Jul
2025
Oral evidence
8 Jul
2025
Correspondence
1 Jul
2025
Correspondence
17 Jun
2025
Correspondence
17 Jun
2025
Correspondence
3 Jun
2025
Oral evidence
22 Apr
2025
Oral evidence
25 Mar
2025
Oral evidence
25 Feb
2025
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
16 Jul 2025
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Adam Conant · Department for Culture, Media and Sport Catherine McKinnell MP · Department for Education Matthew Hopkinson · Department for Education Stephanie Peacock MP · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
3 Jun 2025
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Councillor Peter Mason · Local Government Association Huw Edwards · UKactive Robert Sullivan · Football Foundation Tim Hollingsworth OBE · Sport England
22 Apr 2025
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Jon Cockcroft · Bowls England Jordan Letts · Northampton Saints Foundation Kate Stephens · Chance to Shine Paige Cronje · SportCheer England Scott Lloyd · Lawn Tennis Association Stewart Kellett · Basketball England
25 Mar 2025
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Andy Taylor · Active Partnerships Anna Scott-Marshall · ParalympicsGB Emily Robinson · London Sport Lisa Wainwright MBE · Sport and Recreation Alliance Mark Lawrie · StreetGames Sarah Kaye · Sported Stephanie Hilborne OBE · Women in Sport
25 Feb 2025
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Ali Oliver MBE · Youth Sport Trust Alistair Patrick-Heselton Anna Hopkin MBE Montell Douglas
Title HC No. Published Items Response
4th Report - Game On: Community and school sport HC 593 20 Apr 2026 49 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
29 results
Clear
1 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
The evidence shows that funding community sport and physical activity is an investment with high...
The evidence shows that funding community sport and physical activity is an investment with high returns, including savings on healthcare costs, productivity gains, and wider wellbeing benefits. The consequences of under‑investment are costly. Ageing infrastructure, higher operating costs, and reduced … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterated its commitment to investing £400 million over four years for grassroots facilities, in addition to Sport England's annual £250 million funding, implying these actions address the need for investment.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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3 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
The Government has a role to play in attracting investment into sport from other sources.
The Government has a role to play in attracting investment into sport from other sources. It is important that public funding is used strategically to unlock additional investment, including private finance, pension funds, and innovative mechanisms such as crowdfunding and … Read more
Government Response
The government details the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, NBA match funding, a recently published philanthropy plan ('Our place to give'), and ongoing efforts including roundtables to explore and encourage further collaboration and leverage private finance for sport investment.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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4 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government play a more proactive role in convening and enabling alternative...
We recommend that the Government play a more proactive role in convening and enabling alternative sources of investment in grassroots sport and physical activity. This should include supporting models that leverage private and institutional finance, encouraging greater alignment between corporate … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights existing initiatives like the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, a new NBA partnership, and a philanthropy plan, stating they are already actively exploring further investment opportunities and encouraging collaboration.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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5 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Funding application processes can be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for volunteer‑run grassroots organisations...
Funding application processes can be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for volunteer‑run grassroots organisations with limited capacity and expertise. Lengthy, technical applications and fragmented funding routes act as barriers to access, despite recent efforts by Sport England to simplify … Read more
Government Response
The government recognizes the importance of accessible funding processes and states that Sport England is continuously improving its grant making, including introducing a new platform in 2026/27 to enhance the applicant experience.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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7 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
There is a lack of transparency and accountability around current funding arrangements for PE and...
There is a lack of transparency and accountability around current funding arrangements for PE and school sport. While the PE and Sport Premium has provided valuable, ring‑fenced support for primary schools, inconsistent assessment, limited benchmarking and weak scrutiny by Ofsted … Read more
Government Response
The government is investing over £1 billion in school sport, including £580 million for a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network that will replace the existing premium by Spring 2027 to improve funding effectiveness. Ofsted will also consider a school's enrichment offer, and new 'school profiles' will provide transparency on school offerings.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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8 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government strengthen accountability for the PE and Sport Premium by introducing...
We recommend that the Government strengthen accountability for the PE and Sport Premium by introducing clearer national reporting requirements, consistent benchmarking and more robust scrutiny through Ofsted. As a first step, we invite the Government to set out, in its … Read more
Government Response
The government committed over £1 billion to school sport over three years, including £580 million for a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network to replace the Premium and £132.5 million for the ‘Every Child Can’ programme, with Ofsted considering enrichment offers.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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9 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We were concerned about reports that the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) had...
We were concerned about reports that the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) had sought to renege on commitments to provide funding for physical education. Given the importance of PE and sport to improving health outcomes, and the potential … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming that DHSC has committed to providing a significant funding contribution as part of a wider £1 billion investment in school sport over the next three years.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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10 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We are concerned that gaps in understanding of England’s sports facility stock continue to hinder...
We are concerned that gaps in understanding of England’s sports facility stock continue to hinder effective planning and investment. While Sport England’s Active Places database provides a useful starting point, it does not offer a sufficiently complete or consistent picture … Read more
Government Response
The government recognises the importance of comprehensive data and is working with Sport England to improve data collection, including building on existing systems like Active Places, OpenActive, and Moving Communities, to develop a greater real-time understanding of facility utilisation.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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11 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that within six months of this report being published the Government commission a...
We recommend that within six months of this report being published the Government commission a comprehensive national audit of sports and physical activity facilities, working with Sport England and sector partners. The Government should publish a timetable for the audit … Read more
Government Response
The government refers to Sport England's existing Active Places database as a comprehensive national facility database and states they are working to improve its data collection and understanding of utilisation.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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12 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Access to appropriate, safe, inclusive and affordable sports facilities is closely linked to participation.
Access to appropriate, safe, inclusive and affordable sports facilities is closely linked to participation. Yet while demand, particularly from women and girls, is rising, facility provision is declining due to closures, ageing infrastructure and uneven availability. Smaller sports, grassroots organisations … Read more
Government Response
The government agreed on the importance of investing in sport, outlining commitments of £400 million for facilities over four years and Sport England's £250 million investment through 2028, to address concerns about declining facility provision and ensure inclusive access.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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14 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Whilst at this stage it is not possible to evaluate the scale of the impact...
Whilst at this stage it is not possible to evaluate the scale of the impact of business rate changes on the grassroots sport sector as a whole, it is important that any negative effects on sports clubs and facilities are … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines existing measures, including a £4.3 billion support package and new permanent lower multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties, to mitigate negative impacts of business rate changes on sporting venues.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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21 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We heard mixed views about the merits of the Opening School Facilities Fund.
We heard mixed views about the merits of the Opening School Facilities Fund. We are concerned, however, that the closure of the fund, without a replacement, has left facilities underused despite clear demand from young people. (Conclusion, Paragraph 62) Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the concern about underused facilities and committed almost £200 million towards improving school sporting facilities, alongside new PE and School Sport Partnerships, which will replace and build on previous initiatives.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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22 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government reinstate support for opening school sports facilities to communities, but...
We recommend that the Government reinstate support for opening school sports facilities to communities, but that it do so through a long‑term, place‑based funding model, learning lessons from the experience of the Opening School Facilities Fund. The new programme should … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to opening school sports facilities as a key aspect of the new PE and School Sport Partnership Network, announcing a further almost £200 million for facility improvements and a £100 million PE premium payment, and will work with Sport England to develop targeted funding.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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24 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government strengthen the national curriculum by confirming that as part of...
We recommend that the Government strengthen the national curriculum by confirming that as part of the new approach to school sport announced in June 2025, a minimum of two hours of high‑quality PE each week will be mandatory. (Recommendation, Paragraph … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, stating it is strengthening the PE curriculum across all key stages so that schools recognize the need to protect two hours of PE time for all pupils weekly.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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27 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Embedding physical activity throughout the school week to improve children’s health, wellbeing, and educational attainment...
Embedding physical activity throughout the school week to improve children’s health, wellbeing, and educational attainment ultimately depends on the expertise of the nation’s teachers. While we welcome schools working with local clubs and organisations, it remains essential that qualified teachers … Read more
Government Response
The government states that supporting high-quality PE teaching is a core aspect of the new PE and School Sport Partnership Network and that the ITTECF includes PE content. It also commits to legislative action via the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 to ensure external coaches are supervised by qualified teachers from September 2027.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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29 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government issue guidance making clear that schools are expected to adopt...
We recommend that the Government issue guidance making clear that schools are expected to adopt PE kit and uniform policies that prioritise comfort, inclusivity and dignity—particularly for girls and pupils with protected characteristics. Schools should work directly with students to … Read more
Government Response
The government updated its non-statutory 'Developing school uniform policy guidance' on 7 November 2025 to include content on comfort, inclusivity, student engagement, practical PE kit, and promoting sports bras, directly implementing the recommendation.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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30 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Evidence shows that a narrow, traditional PE curriculum often alienates pupils who feel less confident...
Evidence shows that a narrow, traditional PE curriculum often alienates pupils who feel less confident or “sporty”, particularly girls and children with SEND. Broadening the offer to include non‑traditional sports, dance and outdoor activities helps make PE more enjoyable and … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees PE should support enjoyment for all pupils and has accepted recommendations to strengthen and broaden the PE curriculum across all key stages to be more inclusive, while retaining competition.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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31 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government require and support schools to deliver a broader and more...
We recommend that the Government require and support schools to deliver a broader and more inclusive PE curriculum that prioritises enjoyment, comfort and a welcoming environment for all pupils. Alongside a wider range of activities, we recommend that schools should … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that PE should support enjoyment, participation and progression, accepting recommendations to strengthen the curriculum to be broader, clearer and more inclusive while retaining competition.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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32 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend the Government build on the success of the School Games Organiser network with...
We recommend the Government build on the success of the School Games Organiser network with its new School Sport Partnership by increasing capacity and ensuring consistent national coverage. We invite the Government in responding to our report to set out … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed £1 billion in funding for school sport, including for the SGO network, and outlined a plan to procure a National Delivery Partner to review and establish the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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34 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government should provide national funding and guidance to enable local authorities,...
We recommend that the Government should provide national funding and guidance to enable local authorities, clubs and community organisations to expand inclusive initiatives, (such as Play Streets, walking sports and evidence‑backed programmes like Big Sister), prioritising those that engage older … Read more
Government Response
The government states local authorities receive core funding via the Public Health Grant to fund relevant services and highlights Sport England's existing strategy to increase participation for under-represented groups and its Buddle website for guidance.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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35 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We support a place‑based approach to ensure that community needs are understood and met in...
We support a place‑based approach to ensure that community needs are understood and met in order to achieve the largest increase in activity levels. Every community is different, and by tailoring initiatives to the particular characteristics of an area, the … Read more
Government Response
The government is developing a National Plan for Physical Activity, which will outline a shift to a place-based approach to tackling inactivity through local delivery, investment, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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39 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Sport and physical activity remain underrecognised within national health policy, despite strong evidence of their...
Sport and physical activity remain underrecognised within national health policy, despite strong evidence of their value for prevention, wellbeing and the management of longterm conditions, and despite the Government’s stated support. While England is regarded as a leader in social … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the importance of movement for long-term conditions but primarily highlights existing NICE guidance, local authority and NHS services, national digital support, and campaigns like 'We are Undefeatable' as current integration efforts.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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40 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government provide clearer national guidance and sustained funding to health, sport...
We recommend that the Government provide clearer national guidance and sustained funding to health, sport and local partners so that proven models can expand and more people, especially those with long‑term conditions, poor mental health or at risk of inactivity, … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights existing NICE guidance, current local authority and NHS initiatives for physical activity referrals and social prescribing, and national digital resources like NHS Couch to 5k and the 'We are Undefeatable' campaign.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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41 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Volunteers are essential to the delivery of community sport.
Volunteers are essential to the delivery of community sport. Across the country, thousands of people give their time to coach, officiate and support grassroots clubs, often sustaining provision that would not otherwise exist. We want everyone to have the chance … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomed the focus on volunteers, highlighting Sport England's strategy to improve volunteer experience and diversify the workforce, and committed to developing a new national workforce register and exploring an open data standard to streamline volunteer administration.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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44 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government work with Sport England to identify steps that can be...
We recommend that the Government work with Sport England to identify steps that can be taken to streamline volunteer administration. This might include establishing a central register so that qualifications and DBS checks can be carried between sports and activity … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees to streamline volunteer administration and is working with Sport England and partners on initiatives including developing an open data standard for volunteering opportunities and establishing a new national workforce register, aligning with the recommendation.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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45 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
The benefits of sport and physical activity—improved health, stronger communities, reduced inequalities, and enhanced educational...
The benefits of sport and physical activity—improved health, stronger communities, reduced inequalities, and enhanced educational and economic outcomes—span multiple departments, yet responsibility for delivering them remains disconnected. Without a unifying national framework to align funding, planning, education, health policy and … Read more
Government Response
The government is developing a National Plan for Physical Activity, which aims to provide a unifying cross-government framework to tackle inactivity, demonstrating departmental steps and setting consistent targets to reduce fragmentation.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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46 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
What is required is a decisive shift: a coherent, cross‑government strategy that addresses the recommendations...
What is required is a decisive shift: a coherent, cross‑government strategy that addresses the recommendations we have made in this report and sets a clear, long‑term plan for building a more active nation through community and school‑based sport and physical … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is currently working on a National Plan for Physical Activity, which will outline a cross-government, place-based approach to increasing physical activity and will set consistent targets, directly addressing the need for a coherent strategy.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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47 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
‘Movement for Health’ reflects the full breadth of what is needed: more movement in all...
‘Movement for Health’ reflects the full breadth of what is needed: more movement in all its forms, and better health in its widest sense. “Movement” captures not only structured physical exercise and sport, but the everyday activity, walking to school, … Read more
Government Response
The government is developing a National Plan for Physical Activity, which will outline a cross-departmental, place-based approach to tackling inactivity, demonstrating how various departments and bodies will contribute and setting consistent targets.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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48 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government publish a cross‑government ‘Movement for Health’ strategy by 31 December...
We recommend that the Government publish a cross‑government ‘Movement for Health’ strategy by 31 December 2026. This strategy should establish clear national objectives to 2030, set out departmental responsibilities, and define the mechanisms through which health, education, planning, transport and … Read more
Government Response
The government is developing a National Plan for Physical Activity as part of its 10 Year Health Plan, which will outline a cross-government, place-based approach to tackling inactivity, defining departmental responsibilities and setting targets.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Government Response AI assessment · 49 of 33 classified
Accepted 29
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 6
Deferred 3
Not Addressed 2
Rejected 5
Total 33 recs + 16 conclusions
Correspondence 5 letters
3 Jun 2026 To committee Letter from Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, relating to PE and School Sport Partnerships, 22 May 2026
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8 Jul 2025 To committee Letter from Huw Edwards, Chief Executive, ukactive, regarding oral evidence follow-up, dated 26 June 2025
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1 Jul 2025 To committee Letter from Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive, Sport England, regarding oral evidence follow-up, dated 25 June 2025
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17 Jun 2025 To committee Letter from Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive, Football Foundation, regarding oral evidence follow-up , dated 5 June 2025
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17 Jun 2025 To committee Letter from Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, regarding the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, dated 9 June 2025
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