The future of PE and school sport is changing – and we are excited about what this could mean for schools and children across Gloucester.
The Government has announced a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, which will provide a new national approach to supporting PE, school sport and physical activity in schools.
The new network is expected to be operational from Spring 2027 and is backed by £580 million of Government funding over three years. This is a significant investment in the future of school sport and represents a clear recognition of the important role that PE, sport and physical activity play in children's health, confidence, wellbeing and development.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR GSSN?
For GSSN, this is an opportunity to build on the strong foundations that have been developed over many years.
Our work has always been about partnership – bringing schools together, creating opportunities for children and supporting schools to provide experiences that may not be possible to deliver individually.
Through GSSN, schools have access to competitions, festivals, SEND opportunities, leadership programmes, professional development and a wide range of sporting experiences.
These relationships, experiences and expertise provide a strong foundation as we look towards the next chapter of school sport in Gloucester.
EXPLORING THE NEW PARTNERSHIP MODEL
As the national programme develops, we are actively exploring how GSSN could transition into and contribute to the new partnership model.
The Government's plans place a strong emphasis on collaboration between schools, local sporting organisations, clubs and National Governing Bodies. The aim is to create stronger local partnerships and more consistent opportunities for children to take part in PE, sport and physical activity.
This direction is closely aligned with the way GSSN has operated for many years.
We are therefore approaching this period of change positively, with a clear ambition to build on what already works and ensure that the needs of Gloucester schools remain at the heart of our future.
WHAT WILL REMAIN IMPORTANT?
While the national structure may change, our commitment to children and schools will remain at the centre of what we do.
Our ambition is to continue providing opportunities for children to:
• Take part in high-quality competitions and festivals
• Experience a wide range of sports and physical activities
• Develop confidence, teamwork and leadership skills
• Access inclusive and meaningful SEND opportunities
• Represent their schools and celebrate their achievements
• Develop a positive and lifelong relationship with physical activity
• Benefit from strong links between schools, teachers and sporting partners
A POSITIVE FUTURE FOR SCHOOL SPORT
We recognise that any change to a national funding and delivery model naturally brings questions.
There is still further detail to be confirmed about how the new Partnerships Network will operate locally. However, the direction from Government is clear: PE, school sport and physical activity are being given renewed national importance, with significant investment and a strong focus on local partnership working.
For GSSN, this represents an opportunity rather than an ending.
We are proud of what has been achieved alongside schools and partners across Gloucester, and we are committed to working positively with schools and partners as the new national approach develops.
Our ambition is simple:
To continue creating high-quality, inclusive and accessible opportunities for children across Gloucester – now and for many years to come.
LOOKING AHEAD
As more information becomes available, we will keep our schools informed about what the changes mean locally.
We will continue to listen to our schools, work with our partners and ensure that the strengths of our existing network are carried forward into the future.
The structure may evolve.
The opportunities may grow.
But our purpose remains the same:
Bringing schools together. Creating opportunities. Inspiring children through sport.
THE FUTURE OF SCHOOL SPORT IN GLOUCESTER IS ONE WE ARE EXCITED TO BUILD TOGETHER.
