In brief
- DfE awards Empowering Education up to £1.05bn PE and sport network contract
- Largest DfE contract since 2020 in GovMarket records
- Term 17 November 2026 to 31 March 2029, 28 months
The Department for Education has awarded Empowering Education International a contract worth up to £1.05 billion to establish and run a PE and School Sport Partnerships Network for 28 months, according to a notice published on 5 November.
The supplier, as National Delivery Partner, will set up and manage a network of national, regional and local partners. It will offer schools universal and targeted support and additional services including engagement and needs assessment, coordination of local and regional provision, workforce development and continuing professional development, support for inclusive PE and school sport, and swimming.
It is the department's largest contract since 2020 in GovMarket records. The largest other award is £360 million to WPP 650 in 2026.
Empowering Education International has three public sector contracts worth £15.0 million in GovMarket records since 2024. The Department for Education is its top buyer. The two have previously agreed two contracts worth £15.0 million since 2024.
The contract runs from 17 November 2026 to 31 March 2029.
Key facts
* 2026 so far
| Year | Value | Contracts |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | £861.6m | 362 |
| 2022 | £951.6m | 274 |
| 2023 | £746.9m | 252 |
| 2024 | £663.5m | 228 |
| 2025 | £2.78bn | 419 |
| 2026 | £1.80bn | 337 |
* 2026 so far
| Year | Value | Contracts |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £15.0m | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 | 2 |
Written from published notices and GovMarket contract records. Totals cover GovMarket records, which start at different dates for each source.
