The government today announced £150 million in new funding for school sport, with a focus on primary schools. This funding will help the development of gymnastics in primary schools, targeting the core of British Gymnastics membership - children aged 6-11 years old.

Primary schools will typically receive £9,250 per year for the next two years and will be able to pay for extra coaching sessions to improve both sport and physical education provision. Funding is also being provided to the County Sports Partnerships to assist schools link with coaches, clubs and national governing bodies. A new teacher training scheme will also be introduced to increase the number of specialist primary school physical education teachers.

The anticipated funding for schools comes off the back of funding announcements in late 2012 from Sport England to increase participation in gymnastics in 11-25 year olds and from UK Sport for high performance development, all helping to build on the legacy from London 2012.

Jane Allen, Chief Executive of British Gymnastics, summarised what the news means for the sport, "Today's announcement is great news for sport and gymnastics in the UK. Physical eduction and sport should play a key role in every child’s school experience and will equip them with a range of skills for future sporting and life endeavours. A stronger school sport environment will enable more young people to experience the benefits of gymnastics and will no doubt inspire them to seek additional participation opportunities in our affiliated clubs and leisure centres".

British Gymnastics will be working closely with Sport England and other school sport stakeholders to ensure the benefits of this funding are maximised. The funding will help build partnerships and assist the dedicated workforce within clubs and the community to increase participation.