The £450m cross-government funding has been targeted at improving the quality and breadth of physical education and sport provision across primary schools in England. It is paid directly to schools and is intended to encourage pupils to develop healthier lifestyles.

The two-year research study conducted by NatCen will combine a survey of schools with in-depth school interviews and focus groups with teachers and pupils.

Dr. Jane O’Brien, director of Children & Young People at NatCen, commented: “The Government is investing a lot of money to improve physical education and attitudes to healthy lifestyles in primary schools.

“The combination of approaches will tell us how the money has been used by schools, the impact teachers think the investment has made, and what children think about the changes in their school.”