Mo Farah and Sporting Bodies Oppose Potential £120m Cuts to School Sports Funding
Mo Farah, the Olympic gold medal-winning long-distance runner, has joined more than 70 leading UK sporting organisations in urging the government to reconsider proposed cuts totaling £120 million to school sports funding in England. The proposed reductions come amid conflicting plans from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education, each suggesting £60 million in cuts.
Concerns Over Impact of Funding Cuts on School Sports
The Department of Health and Social Care initially planned to eliminate its entire £60 million contribution to school sports, though ministers have indicated they may revise this decision. Meanwhile, the Department for Education proposed a further £60 million reduction, which it said would be achieved through efficiencies in a new partnership model for physical education (PE) and school sports.
Mo Farah expressed his concern about the rumours of funding cuts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining investment in school sports. He highlighted the optimism surrounding the new partnership structure and warned that short-term savings could harm children’s long-term health and happiness. Farah called on the government to maintain current spending levels on PE and school sport.
Sporting Organisations Call for Clarity and Continued Investment
A coalition of 76 sporting bodies, including ParalympicsGB, British Rowing, Aquatics GB, British Cycling, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Lawn Tennis Association, and British Gymnastics, sent a joint letter to the health and education secretaries. Coordinated by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the letter expressed “deep concern” about the proposed cuts and the uncertainty surrounding the new partnership model.
The letter stressed that quality, inclusive PE and school sport are vital for children’s health, wellbeing, academic success, and sense of belonging. It warned that funding reductions could have a “hugely detrimental effect” on children’s opportunities and wellbeing. The signatories supported the new PE partnerships model but insisted it must be fully funded to succeed.
Lisa Wainwright, chief executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, emphasized the importance of maintaining investment in PE and school sport, especially given the current challenges to children’s physical and mental wellbeing. She urged ministers to provide clear assurances that funding will not be cut, ensuring all children have access to physical activity regardless of their background.
Proposed Changes to PE and School Sports Structure
The Department for Education plans to replace the existing sports premium with a PE and school sports partnership network starting from the next academic year. This new model mandates two hours of physical activity per week and encourages schools to build partnerships with local sports clubs. Schools will also be required to publicly advertise their sports offerings to parents. The initiative aims to reduce regional disparities in sports provision.
Despite these plans, concerns remain about the potential negative effects of funding cuts amid growing inactivity among children. Reports indicate that fewer than half of children meet recommended physical activity guidelines, and government data shows a significant decline in PE hours in secondary schools, particularly among 11-14-year-olds—a group experiencing rising obesity rates.
Government Response
A government spokesperson stated that no final decisions on funding have been made. They reiterated the government’s commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring every child benefits from high-quality PE and sports education. The spokesperson highlighted the goal of creating partnerships between schools, local clubs, and sports experts to target funding and support where it is most needed, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The government aims to bring elite sporting expertise into schools across the country to address inconsistencies in access to sporting opportunities and improve outcomes for young people.