Remote Sporting Schools
Remote Sporting Schools launches nationally in 2026, building on a successful pilot to support eligible remote and very remote schools (Prep - Year 12) across Australia. The program is designed to reduce barriers, increase flexibility, and create more opportunities for students to participate in sport and physical activity—recognising the unique challenges faced by remote communities.
Important Update for Remote Sporting Schools – Term 1, 2026 Grants
Unlike previous years, remote schools won’t apply in October 2025 for Term 1, 2026 grants. Instead, applications will open in February 2026 through a new Sporting Schools program designed to make the process smoother for remote schools.
What’s changing for remote schools?
Starting February 2026, remote schools will be able to apply for grants through a new program designed specifically to better support their needs, including:
- Greater funding autonomy – with the option to use grant funding beyond the per-term cycle
- Year-round flexibility – plan and book activities across the whole school year, not just one term.
- Broader options – you're no longer limited to the 42 approved sports in the current Sporting Schools program.
Note: More information and application guidance will be shared via email and updated on this website towards the end of 2025.
How do you know if your school is in a remote or very remote area?
We use the Australian Bureau of Statistics Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia Plus (ARIA+, opens in a new tab).
Part of the pilot for Remote Sporting Schools?
Follow this link for funding information and resources.
Take advantage of your environment
Embrace your surroundings by offering non-traditional sports and physical activities tailored to student interests and the local environment. From skateboarding and fishing to horse riding, schools can deliver engaging experiences that resonate with students and utilise local resources effectively.
Combine with other schools to run multi-sport gala days
Schools can pool their grants together, to organise multi-sport gala days, centralising sports sessions in a larger town and serving multiple schools. This approach reduces costs, enhances efficiency, and boosts community engagement. The events can feature a variety of sports delivered over a half or a full day, providing students with exposure to a range of activities, coaching, and interschool competition throughout the semester.
No deliverer, no worries!
The grant can be used for self-delivered sports programs with over 30 sports available. Sports can send the school an equipment pack and offer basic training, along with guidance on safe usage. This gives schools confidence to lead 'free play' sports activities and games with minimal training. This gives students the opportunity to try different sports and the school even gets to keep the equipment for future use.
Intensive delivery and upskilling of communities
In very remote areas like islands and outback locations, schools can utilise their grants to cover travel and accommodation costs for deliverers. These deliverers can run intensive programs over several days, residing within the local community. Alongside delivering sport sessions, they have the opportunity to offer professional development to older students and community members, to ensure legacy remains in the school.
Have any questions about Sporting Schools?
Visit our Help Centre, opens in a new tab Email: support@sportingschools.gov.au Phone: 1300 785 707