Eligible Organisations

The school or college must be based in the UK, state-funded, be rated at least ‘good’ by Ofsted, Estyn, HMIE or ETI, must have at least two years of exam results available, and be able to demonstrate an achieved level of excellence, or demonstrate they are making progress to achieving excellence. If the applicant is a faith-based school, they must have a non-discriminatory entry policy and at least 10% must be of other denominations. 

Suitable Projects

Grants are generally awarded for capital projects such as new builds, refurbishments, or technical equipment and must cost at least £25,000. The project should aim to achieve a higher quality of teaching space, a higher number of pupils taking the subject, and improved learning outcomes. Funding does not support general IT, libraries, sports facilities, musical instruments, running costs, or projects already completed.

Application Process

For 2025, the Foundation is trialling a one-stage online application process. Applications must be submitted by the school, college, or the relevant multi-academy trust (MAT), with MATs limited to one application per round.

Important Dates

The 2025 funding round is now closed, with funding decisions expected in autumn 2025. Details of the next funding round are expected to be published in spring 2026.

Funding Range

The usual grant range is £15,000 – £50,000 for equipment and £15,000 – £100,000 for new build and refurbishment. 

Match funding is not required for projects under £50,000, some match funding is expected for projects between £50,000 and £1 million, and projects over £1 million require 25% match funding.