The quality of PE lessons in primary schools has improved since the launch of a new funding drive by the government last year, the government has revealed in a report.

Thanks to the initial £150 million PE and sport premium, nine out of ten schools in England have made notable progress in the delivery of PE classes.

Extra funding has been allocated to headteachers who are free to invest it in physical education related schemes.

For example, they may use the extra cash to boost staff – hire specialists or qualified sports coaches – develop after-school sports clubs and/or deliver additional training to the benefit of PE teachers.

The figures released by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport and the Department for Education indicate that schools are benefitting tremendously from the supplementary funding.

In turn, it is helping ensure that more youngsters at primary school are active and healthier than ever before, embedding in them skills and positive habits when it comes to exercising and eating well.

Some of the key findings include 96 per cent of schools reporting improvements in their pupils' physical fitness; a boost in the number of schools using specialist PE teachers; and a rise in the number of schools experiencing higher levels of pupil engagement with PE.

Commenting on the findings of the report, education secretary Nicky Morgan said that one of the main aims of the coalition government has been to develop a "world-class education system that gives children all the skills they need to succeed in modern Britain".

"Literacy and numeracy are part of that but confidence, discipline, and determination are equally important," she continued.

"Some of those things can be taught in the classroom but the lessons children learn while playing sport, such as the importance of teamwork and the satisfaction of achieving a goal, are invaluable."

Ms Morgan added that she was "delighted" that the PE and sport premium has so far proved to be a success, helping to bolster PE in primary schools.

Former Olympic cycling gold medallist Victoria Pendleton joined Ms Morgan at the launch of the study, which included a tour of Bacons College in Rotherhithe, which has been lauded for the quality of its PE and sports provision.

She remarked that developing a love of sport from an early age can have a transformative effect on youngsters, especially when it comes to boosting their confidence and competence levels.

"Whether it’s a netball tournament between a few local schools or being part of an after-school football club, competitive sport really helps children learn resilience, team work, and builds character - not to mention the clear benefits for their health," the sporting legend expanded.

"Sport at school shouldn’t be sidelined - which is why the extra funding primary schools are getting for sport will make such a valuable difference."

The government has committed a total of £450 million to improving the quality of PE and sport in primary schools between 2013 and 2016.

It is aimed specifically at special schools, academies and non-maintained special schools.

"While we welcome today's findings and the news that more young people are reaping the benefits of competitive sport, we would urge schools to choose carefully quality sports providers to ensure their pupils are getting the best possible sporting experience," said Wasim Khan, chief executive of the schools' cricket charity Chance to Shine.