Introduction
The Department of Education and Youth introduced a pilot programme in April 2025 to support the integration of physical activity into teaching and learning. The pilot programme was first launched in 2024, with 24 schools participating in year 1 of the pilot programme. As part of Budget 2025, funding of €300k is being provided for an extension of the pilot for a second year. Schools participating in year 1 of the pilot are not eligible to apply for year 2.
Grant Funding
Schools may apply for a grant of up to €10,000.00 maximum. Closing date for receipt of applications was 27th May 2025. Grants will be paid on a once off basis at the start of the 2025/2026 school year. There will be no facility to provide additional funding over the course of the pilot programme or in subsequent years.
The grant funding may be used for:
- Professional Learning for teachers that will support them in integrating physical activity into teaching and learning
- Payment of transportation to engage in a new physical activity area in teaching and learning off-site
- Payment for external expertise to support the teacher(s) and inform long-term pedagogical planning and sustainable implementation of a new physical activity area in teaching and learning. Consideration must be given to Circular 42/2018 and Circular 43/2018 in relation to external facilitators in schools
- Substitution for planning time to research and plan the unit of learning
- Grants can be used to purchase equipment if required to support the physical activity chosen. The equipment must provide for sustained use and promotion of physical activity over time.
- Grants are not intended for use on capital expenditure such as structural or building costs
Accounting treatment
The nominal codes to be used to account for the grant received, the expenditure of the grant and any unspent balance are set out below.
- Grant income code 3290 Other non-capital DE grant income
- Expense code 4914 Other non-capital DE grant expense
Grants can be used to purchase equipment if required to support the physical activity chosen.
Accounting treatment for the purchase of equipment:
The nominal codes to be used to account for the grant received, the expenditure of the grant and any unspent balance are set out below.
- Grant income code 1421 Capital: Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment Additions
- Expense code 3920 DE Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment Grant Income
The Physical Activity grant is ring-fenced grant and the balance unspent at the yearend must be reconciled and accounted for either nominal code
- 2171 Other non-Capital Ringfenced Grants/Income Unspent or
- 2173 Other Capital Ringfenced Grants/Income Unspent
Further Guidance
> Guidelines for Physical Activity in Teaching and Learning
If you have queries in relation to the application process, please email PhysicalActivity@education.gov.ie