Teacher Development Fund
The Teacher Development Fund, provided by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, supports the delivery of effective arts-based teaching and learning in UK primary schools by developing teachers’ and school leaders’ skills through equitable partnerships with arts and cultural organisations, with projects delivered over two academic years and a strong focus on educational equity.
Eligible Organisations
Primary schools or arts/cultural organisations in the UK may apply as lead applicants. All partnerships must include at least one arts/cultural organisation, involve a minimum of six and a maximum of ten state-sector primary schools, and require each participating school to commit at least two teachers and one senior leader (with flexibility for small, rural schools).
Suitable Projects
The fund supports arts-based projects focused on teacher development and improved classroom practice, using art forms such as music, visual arts, drama, dance, creative writing, digital arts and cross-arts approaches across any curriculum area, with a required emphasis on equity, anti-racism, sustainable partnerships, and a two-year professional learning programme for teachers.
Application Process
The Teacher Development Fund operates a two-stage application process, requiring submission of an initial online first-stage application followed by a full application for shortlisted projects, including a coaching call with a Grants Manager, budget details, and organisational governance documents.
Important Dates
Applications open annually from September to November. The 2025 application deadline has now passed, with final funding decisions typically made by the end of March following submission, and the next round expected to open in autumn 2026.
Funding Range
Around eight grants of up to £165,000 are awarded each year.
