Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled the RAISE Active Schools Programme, a new multisport Physical Education scheme designed to improve attendance, enhance pupil wellbeing and support the strategic goals of raising achievement and aspiration through a community-based approach in RAISE areas.

The programme will provide a structured model of sessions delivered by four professional sporting organisations across 96 primary schools. Each participating school will receive a 10-week block in addition to existing PE provision.

Paul Givan said: "This new initiative will provide opportunities for up to 9,600 pupils in selected primary schools situated across the 18 RAISE localities to participate in structured sessions across a variety of sports lead by professional bodies. It will provide access to coaching that these pupils may not otherwise have access to, enhancing existing PE provision and building capacity in schools selected.

"Participation in sport provides opportunities for pupils that go far beyond physical benefits and skills. There is potential to contribute to pupils achieving their potential through greater engagement, attendance and wellbeing supported by opportunities to develop teamwork, confidence and leadership skills."

Developed in partnership with the Irish FA Foundation, Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA and Ulster Hockey, the Irish FA Foundation will act as lead partner for delivery of the programme. Welcoming the launch of the initiative, Francis Brennan, Schools Development Manager, Irish FA Foundation said: "I am delighted that the Irish FA Foundation will lead delivery of the RAISE Active Schools Programme. This initiative represents a significant investment in children's wellbeing and engagement, particularly in communities where the impact will be greatest. Working alongside Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA and Ulster Hockey, we will provide high‑quality coaching that builds confidence, strengthens attendance and supports pupils to reach their full potential. Together, we are creating lasting change in primary schools across Northern Ireland and giving thousands of children the opportunity to thrive through sport."

The Minister concluded: "I am delighted to have secured the invaluable expertise and support of the Irish FA Foundation, Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA and Ulster Hockey in developing and delivering this Programme. By building capacity within schools, we are ensuring sustainability beyond the life of the initiative, enabling long term improvements in Physical Education provision and creating the best possible opportunities to improve educational outcomes for children who face additional barriers."

The initiative is being delivered as part of the Department of Education's wider RAISE Programme and includes a further £0.5m investment to tackle educational disadvantage through this scheme.

The RAISE Programme is funded through the Shared Island Fund and represents an investment of £20million/€24million over two years from 2024–2026, with the potential for further funding.

Schools can find details on how to express an interest in taking part at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/raise-active-schools-programme-call-expressions-interest. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 8 May 2026 at 12noon.

Further information on RAISE Cross Cutting Initiatives is available at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/raise-cross-cutting-initiatives