TeamMCR Statement for Schools and Partners: PE and School Sport Transition 2026/27 

Manchester schools and key partners will be aware of the recent Department for Education announcement on the introduction of a new national structure for PE and school sport, which the government expects to have fully in place in 2027. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/1bn-boost-to-pe-and-school-sport-to-end-fitness-postcode-lottery. This new approach is backed by £580 million of national funding. To support the transition, it has also been confirmed that primary schools will receive one term’s PE and Sport Premium funding in autumn 2026, which can be used across the full academic year. 

Whilst TeamMCR (registered name:  Manchester Schools PE Association) welcomes this investment in the sector and the move towards a more coordinated national and local approach, we recognise that there is still some uncertainty around how the new arrangements will be funded and implemented locally and the timescales associated with this. We also recognise that any transition period doesn’t just present challenges for TeamMCR but also to the schools, partners and providers we work with. We are therefore continuing to engage in national consultation and seeking further clarification on the timescales and process for change. 

This direction also aligns closely with the Department for Education’s new enrichment framework for schools and colleges, which highlights the importance of a broad, inclusive and well-planned enrichment offer alongside the curriculum. The framework emphasises strategic leadership, strong partnerships, accessibility and continuous improvement to ensure all children and young people can benefit from high-quality opportunities that support belonging, wellbeing, skills and aspiration. 

Over a 25-year period, Manchester has built a very strong existing infrastructure. TeamMCR is a charitable incorporated organisation that works across the city and has strong governance from the education sector. This enables a strategic approach to be implemented for our schools and with our key partners. This structure maximises positive outcomes for young people through a coordinated delivery approach. We believe this places us in a strong position to be a partner within the new system. 

For the 2026/27 academic year, TeamMCR remains fully committed to delivering its services across the full academic year, with as little disruption as possible for the schools, staff and children we serve. Our competitions, events, CPD programme and leagues will continue as planned, and we are investing in the staff, resources and infrastructure needed to provide consistency and stability throughout this transition period.  

To help maintain continuity and avoid unnecessary disruption, we ask schools and partners to continue engaging with and supporting TeamMCR throughout 2026/27, helping us sustain the high-quality provision, trusted relationships and local infrastructure which schools and children rely on, while enabling a smooth transition as the national system develops. To sign up to our primary membership package please https://teammcr.co.uk/membership/primary-schools-membership/  

We will share further updates as we have them. However, if you have any queries, please contact us via [email protected].