School Playing Fields

Playing fields are protected under section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and this empowers the Secretary of State to protect school playing fields in England from disposal or change of use.

Playing fields are defined as land in the open air which is provided for the purposes of physical education or recreation.

LA, governing bodies and foundation bodies wishing to dispose, or change the use of, school playing fields will require the prior consent of the Secretary of State.  The Secretary of State may give approval if the remaining playing fields and sports facilities meet the needs of local schools and the communities that use them.

Disposals that make all-round sense are permitted, for example, when they will be replaced with even better facilities such as an all-weather, flood-lit surface which would better facilitate out-of-hours community use and more school use in winter.  It is often conditional that all proceeds from sales are ploughed back into sports provision or education.

You can download and view a copy of the DfES guidance on the disposal of playing fields from the Related Documents panel below.

Related Documents

• Protection of School Playing Fields & Land for Academies

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