Request for Proposals: John Watson’s Trust Grant Program (UK)

Deadline: 23-Jan-2026

The WS Society’s John Watson’s Trust Grant Program provides educational grants for children and young people aged 21 or under who have physical or learning disabilities or face social disadvantage. Grants support tuition, educational equipment, IT, and learning-related travel for eligible residents of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Applications for 2026 close on 23 January 2026.

Programme Overview

The WS Society invites applications for the John Watson’s Trust Grant Program, which provides financial support for educational purposes benefiting children and young people up to and including the age of 21.

The programme supports individuals facing physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or social disadvantage, helping remove financial barriers to education and learning development.

What the Grant Supports

The Trust awards grants for a wide range of education-related needs, including:

• Special or additional tuition for learning difficulties

• External tuition for young people who have missed part of their education

• Educational books and learning materials

• Educational equipment and assistive tools

• IT support, including laptops, iPads, readers, and software

• Educational travel for individual young people, usually within Scotland

Important restriction: Applications for IT equipment are currently not accepted for Looked After and Accommodated young people in Council care.

Additional Supported Expenses

The Trust may also support:

• School-related expenses linked to special educational needs

• Laptops where there is a demonstrated educational requirement

• School trips within the United Kingdom (applications must be made by schools, not individuals)

Funding is needs-based and assessed individually.

Grant Amounts

• Applicants may request grants of any amount

• Most individual grants range between £200 and £2,000

Awards are determined based on need, supporting evidence, and available funds.

Who Is Eligible?

The grant programme is open to:

• Children and young people aged 21 or under

• Individuals with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or social disadvantage

• Single applicants, siblings, or multiple young people supported by the same family or carers

• Young people in foster care or kinship care

• Refugees and asylum seekers

All beneficiaries must be resident in Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian, or East Lothian.

Eligible Applicants

Applications may be submitted by:

• Individual children or young people (or their parents/carers)

• Organisations supporting eligible young people

• Teachers or schools arranging school trips

Separate application forms are available for each applicant type.

Important Eligibility Restrictions

• Organisations cannot apply for general running costs, including salaries or wages

• School trip applications must be submitted by schools, not individuals

• School trip beneficiaries must reside in Edinburgh or the Lothians

• Applications outside the specified geographic area will not be considered

Why This Grant Matters

The John Watson’s Trust Grant Program plays a vital role in:

• Supporting inclusive education

• Reducing educational inequality

• Assisting young people with additional learning needs

• Improving access to essential educational resources

• Supporting vulnerable children and young people to reach their potential

How to Apply

Applicants must follow these steps carefully:

1. Download and complete the relevant application form (individual, organisation, or school trip)

2. Provide two written supporting references from professionals such as:

   • Teachers

   • Social workers

   • General practitioners (GPs)

3. Attach two copies of evidence of income, such as:

   • Wage slips

   • Benefit award letters

4. Submit the completed application and documents:

   • Electronically, or

   • By post or email, using the contact details provided on the form

Do not send original documents.

Application Deadline

• Closing date for 2026 applications: 23 January 2026

Late applications may not be accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for non-educational or ineligible expenses

• Submitting applications without professional references

• Sending original income documents instead of copies

• Applying from outside the eligible geographic area

• Using the wrong application form type

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can benefit from the John Watson’s Trust Grant?

Children and young people aged 21 or under with disabilities or social disadvantage living in Edinburgh or the Lothians.

2. What is the typical grant size?

Most grants to individuals range from £200 to £2,000.

3. Can organisations apply for funding?

Yes, provided the funding directly benefits eligible young people and does not cover running costs.

4. Are school trips eligible for funding?

Yes, but only UK-based trips and applications must be submitted by schools.

5. Can refugees or asylum seekers apply?

Yes, if they meet the age, residency, and eligibility criteria.

6. Are IT devices always eligible for funding?

IT support is eligible in many cases, except for Looked After and Accommodated young people in Council care.

7. How can applications be submitted?

Applications can be submitted electronically or via post or email using the details provided on the form.

Conclusion

The WS Society’s John Watson’s Trust Grant Program 2026 offers essential educational support to children and young people facing disability or social disadvantage across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Eligible applicants are encouraged to prepare complete applications with supporting references and income evidence and submit them by 23 January 2026 to access this valuable educational funding opportunity.

For more information, visit The WS Society.