A Twickenham Primary School played host to the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan and Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson yesterday afternoon, as a new government package was announced to provide greater funding for schools to ensure equal access to PE.

The announcement, which was officially announced today, was celebrated by Ms Keegan and Ms Wilson's visit to Heathfield Junior School which is well-established as a leader in promoting girls' participation in sport.

Local MP, Munira Wilson, also enjoyed a kick about with pupils following a tour of the school.

Heathfield students being interviewed following the major announcement (Image supplied)

Today's landmark announcement follows months of campaigning by the England Women's football team who have campaigned tirelessly since their historic triumph during the 2022 European Championship.

An open letter was addressed to former prime ministerial contenders Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss signed by all 23 Lionesses in the Euro winning squad days after their historic win at Wembley stadium on 31 July 2022.

The letter voiced their collective belief on how school sport should change and how equal access should be created for every schoolgirl. Currently only 67% of all schools and 41% of secondary schools offer football equally to girls in PE lessons and only 46% of schools provide the same extracurricular opportunities as boys.

Amongst the new measures announced today is a refreshed School Sport Action Plan, which aims to deliver the commitment of equal opportunities for all, including a new standard for school sports to ensure girls and boys have access to the same team games and disciplines.

Ms Wilson, who is also the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education, has been a central voice in Parliament calling on the Prime Minister to make good on his promise to the Lionesses that every child, no matter their gender or background, should have access to two hours of school sport each week.

Following the event at Heathfield Junior School, the Twickenham MP said: "This overdue announcement is welcome. The Lionesses united the nation with their historic victory last year, and they've worked tirelessly to promote equal access not only to the beautiful game, but across the PE curriculum. 

"Schools will now have the promise of PE funding allowing them to plan for the next two years so they can provide for every child, including all girls, to experience the joy of sport. We know how important team games and exercise are for children's learning and their mental and physical health. 

"Having championed these measures in Parliament, I'm delighted the Lionesses have secured this victory. It was a joy to join the girls at Heathfield Juniors to celebrate."

Heathfield School's Headteacher, Paul Clayton, added: "The Heathfield girls football club were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Education and Baroness Sue Campbell from the FA, along with our local MP and really enjoyed their kick about. 

"The girls completely support the Lionesses' calls for equal access to football and levelling the playing field so every child can enjoy varied and enriching PE lessons at school. 

"Heathfield is already a leader in its sports offer, especially for girls and this announcement gives us some long overdue certainty on PE funding."