Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many state schools in the last ten years had grounds that were used for playing cricket; and what steps they are taking to increase access for state schools for participation in cricket.

The department does not collect data about which sports pupils participate in on school premises during the school day.

Schools can organise and deliver a diverse and challenging PE and school sport activities which best suits the needs of their pupils. Factors influencing that decision include the spaces available along with the available equipment.

Where schools provide specific sports such as cricket, the department encourages them to draw on support from the relevant national governing body. The England and Wales Cricket Board offer a wide range of resources and age appropriate guidance and advice for delivering cricket in schools.

On 8 March 2023, the department announced over £600 million across the next two academic years for the Primary PE and Sport Premium, and £57 million up to March 2025 for the Opening School Facilities programme. Schools in England can use funding from these programmes to increase provision and raise the quality of sports such as cricket.