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Funding for Secondary Schools and Sixth Form Colleges (UK)

Deadline: 01-May-2026

The Wolfson Foundation provides grants of £15,000–£100,000 to high-achieving state-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges in the UK. The funding supports capital projects that improve specialist teaching facilities and equipment for subjects including science, computer science, design & technology, art, languages, music, and performing arts.

Programme Overview

The Wolfson Foundation Specialist School Facilities Grant aims to enhance teaching and learning environments in state-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges across the UK. By funding specialist facilities and technical equipment, the initiative seeks to:

  • Improve the quality of teaching spaces for key subjects
  • Increase the number of students taking GCSE and A-Level subjects like science, computer science, design & technology, art, languages, music, and performing arts
  • Enhance learning outcomes through improved facilities and equipment

Background

The grant is focused exclusively on capital costs, including new builds, refurbishments, and technical equipment. It supports projects that directly improve subject-specific teaching and learning environments.

Funding Details

  • Minimum grant: £15,000
  • Maximum grant: £100,000
  • Typical awards: £15,000–£50,000 for equipment; up to £100,000 for new builds or refurbishments
  • Eligible costs:
    • New build projects
    • Refurbishment of specialist teaching spaces
    • Purchase of technical equipment necessary for subject teaching
  • Ineligible costs:
    • General infrastructure, library or sports facilities
    • Salaries, operational or maintenance costs
    • Musical instruments (general, non-technical)
    • Land or building purchases
    • Promotional materials
    • Projects already completed

Projects must have a minimum total cost of £25,000 and must not have been completed prior to the award.

Who is Eligible?

  • State-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges in the UK
  • Schools must have at least two years of exam results available
  • Inspection rating of ‘Good’ or above, or equivalent, from relevant inspection bodies
  • Schools must demonstrate either achieved excellence or significant progress toward excellence through inspection reports and student outcomes
  • Faith-based schools must have a non-discriminatory admissions policy, with at least 10% of pupils from other or no religious backgrounds

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Check school type, inspection ratings, and student performance history.
  2. Project Planning: Identify specialist subject facilities or equipment that require improvement or refurbishment.
  3. Budget Preparation: Prepare detailed capital cost estimates for new builds, refurbishment, or technical equipment.
  4. Submit Application: Apply through the Wolfson Foundation grants portal, including project description, budget, and justification of impact.
  5. Evaluation & Selection: Applications are assessed based on impact on student learning, quality of facilities, and alignment with programme objectives.
  6. Project Implementation: Awarded funds must be used for capital projects directly improving subject-specific teaching environments.

Why This Grant Matters

  • Provides specialist facilities for high-priority subjects, supporting GCSE and A-Level student outcomes
  • Enhances teaching and learning quality through modern, well-equipped environments
  • Encourages more students to take key subjects and engage in STEM, arts, and creative disciplines
  • Supports long-term educational excellence and equity in state-funded schools

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying for non-specialist or general infrastructure projects
  • Requesting funds for completed projects or operational costs
  • Omitting inspection reports or exam results to demonstrate school performance
  • Failing to demonstrate alignment between funding request and subject-specific learning outcomes
  • Overlooking non-discriminatory policies for denominational or faith-based schools

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this grant?
State-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges in the UK with at least two years of exam results and a ‘Good’ or higher inspection rating.

2. What types of projects are funded?
New builds, refurbishments, and purchase of technical equipment for specialist subject teaching spaces.

3. What is the funding range?

  • Minimum: £15,000
  • Maximum: £100,000
  • Typical awards: £15,000–£50,000 for equipment; up to £100,000 for building/refurbishment projects

4. Can the grant be used for salaries or operational costs?
No, the grant is strictly for capital projects.

5. Are completed projects eligible?
No, projects must not have been completed prior to the award.

6. What subjects are prioritised?
Science, computer science, design & technology, art, languages, music, and performing arts.

7. Are faith-based schools eligible?
Yes, if they maintain a non-discriminatory admissions policy with at least 10% of pupils from other or no religious backgrounds.

Conclusion

The Wolfson Foundation Specialist School Facilities Grant empowers high-achieving UK state-funded schools to upgrade specialist teaching spaces, provide essential technical equipment, and improve learning outcomes. By investing in capital projects that enhance subject-specific learning environments, the programme strengthens student engagement, fosters academic excellence, and supports long-term educational development.

For more information, visit The Wolfson Foundation.