Can You Spend Sports Premium on Playground Markings?

Update for 2026 to 2027: DfE rules now say the PE and sport premium must not be used for capital spending such as new multi-use games areas or mile tracks, and funding for schools with 17 or more eligible pupils is £6,240 plus £10 per pupil. Refreshing existing playground lines can count as maintenance. See our up-to-date Sport Premium guide.

Managing a school budget is no small task, especially when it comes to making the most of ring-fenced funds like the PE and Sport Premium. One question we’re often asked by school staff is: “Can I spend Sports Premium on playground markings?”

For 2026 to 2027 the answer depends on the work. New markings count as capital spending, which the premium must not be used for, so they are usually funded from a capital or premises budget, PTA fundraising or a grant. Refreshing the lines you already have can count as maintenance under the premium.

In this guide, we’ll explore why thermoplastic playground markings are a smart, long-lasting investment, how they support the DfE’s aims for PE and sport, and which funding routes can pay for them.

What Is the PE and Sport Premium?

The PE and Sport Premium is a government grant given to primary schools across England to improve the quality of PE, sport, and physical activity. Schools must use it to develop or add to their PE provision and build capacity for long-term improvements.

Spending must meet one or more of these key outcomes:

• Increased engagement in physical activity
• Raising the profile of PE and sport
• Enhanced staff knowledge and delivery of PE
• Broader experience of a range of sports
• Increased participation in competitive sport

How Playground Markings Support the Sports Premium Goals

Thermoplastic playground markings align directly with the goals of the Sports Premium. Here’s how:

• Boost physical activity: Markings such as fitness trails, running tracks, and multi-sport courts encourage daily movement even outside of PE lessons.
• Support varied experiences: With options like basketball courts, circuit paths, and agility courses, children access a wider range of physical activities.
• Sustain long-term impact: Our thermoplastic markings carry a manufacturer’s warranty of up to 4 years, subject to ground condition, and we have seen them last for over 10 years. This supports the Sports Premium’s goal of sustainable improvement.
• Promote inclusive participation: Markings can be designed to include sensory trails and adaptable games for pupils with SEND, encouraging whole-school involvement.

By investing in playground markings, schools provide an engaging, active environment all day.

Examples of Playground Markings That Support PE and Sport

We’ve worked with hundreds of schools across the UK to create custom designs that support physical education. New installs like these are usually funded from a capital or premises budget, PTA fundraising or a grant. Popular options include:

• Multi-use games areas (MUGAs): For football, netball, basketball and more.
• Daily Mile tracks: Encourage regular, manageable fitness sessions.
• Agility or fitness circuits: Great for warm-ups and breaktime activity.
• Balance and coordination trails: Develop gross motor skills in younger pupils.
• Sport-specific court lines: Markings for tennis, rounders, or athletics to support curriculum PE.

Our team offers site surveys and bespoke design services to help schools get the most from their outdoor space and their funding.

Funding Sources for New Playground Markings

Because new markings count as capital spending, most schools fund them from a capital or premises budget, and there are other options worth exploring too:

• PTA fundraising: Many schools combine PTA-raised funds with their capital budget to deliver larger playground projects.
• Local authority grants: Depending on your borough, funding may be available for improving outdoor learning or wellbeing.
• National Lottery and charity grants: Organisations like Sport England and Awards for All offer grants that support active and healthy school environments.

Combining funding sources can help you create a richer, more inclusive play and learning space.

Make Every Penny Count

So, can you spend Sports Premium on playground markings? From 2026 to 2027, only on refreshing the markings you already have, which can count as maintenance. New markings are usually funded from a capital or premises budget, PTA fundraising or a grant, and they remain one of the most effective ways to promote long-term physical activity and wellbeing for all pupils.

With our durable, curriculum-linked designs, you can make every penny count while creating a safe, inclusive, and educational playground.