A new report from the Department of Education claims that 90 per cent of schools have improved their PE and sport offering since the introduction of enhanced government funding in 2013.

The PE and Sport Premium grants, introduced last year, have distributed £150m directly to school headteachers, who in turn have been able to decide independently how best to use it to provide PE and sporting activities for pupils.

The amount of funding received by schools is based on the number of pupils. In 2013-14 all primary schools in England with 17 or more primary-aged pupils received a lump sum of £8,000 plus a premium of £5 per pupil. Smaller schools with fewer than 17 pupils received £500 per pupil.

The PE and sport premium: an investigation in primary schools report shows that most of the funding has gone into buying new equipment, recruiting more PE teachers – and sports specialists – to improve the quality of lessons and after-school clubs as well as expanding the range of sports available during lessons.

According to the report, 91 per cent of schools reported an increase in the quality of PE teaching thanks to the funding, while 96 per cent of schools reported improvements in pupils’ physical fitness.

Overall, 96 per cent of schools thought the funding had contributed to a healthier lifestyle for their pupils.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: “The PE and sport premium is having a positive effect on sports in our schools. We want to create a world-class education system that gives children all the skills they need to succeed in modern Britain.”

• To read the full PE and sport premium: an investigation in primary schools report, click here.