Schools often want to do exciting science projects but funding can be a barrier. This page brings together grants and funding opportunities that can help your school run STEM activities, buy equipment, or take part in new learning experiences.
These opportunities are aimed at UK and Ireland schools. Some have deadlines or special rules, so please check the funder websites for the latest details.
If you have questions or need help using The Schools’ Observatory in your project, please contact us at SchoolsObs@ljmu.ac.uk. We hope these grants help you bring more space and science into your school!
- Royal Society – Partnership Grants
Who it’s for: UK schools and colleges working with a STEM partner (e.g. university, industry).
Good for: Real research projects, data-led investigations, long-form class projects.
Funds: Equipment and materials to support a student-led STEM investigation up to ~£3,000.
How to apply: School + STEM partner submit a short proposal outlining aims, methods, and budget.
Read more on the Royal Society site.
- British Science Week (BSW) – Kick Start Grants
Who it’s for: UK schools in specific circumstances (e.g., higher indices of deprivation).
Good for: Science Week events, visitors, activities, and materials.
Funds: Small grants to run BSW activities in school.
How to apply: Simple form; check eligibility and guidance.
Read more on the British Science Association site.
- Royal Institution (RI) – Science in Schools Grant Scheme
Who it’s for: UK state-funded primary or secondary schools, academies or maintained schools.
Good for: A fully-funded visit from professional science presenters under the scheme; often includes student shows, teacher CPD and a community engagement element.
Funds: Free interactive science show visits valued at around £800 by the RI's team of science presenters.
How to apply: Register interest and complete online form when applications open. Priority given to schools that would not otherwise access this kind of enrichment.
Read more on the Royal Institution website.
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) – Outreach Fund
Who it’s for: UK organisations including schools running chemistry-linked engagement.
Good for: Hands-on chemistry, cross-curricular STEM with a chemistry link (materials, spectroscopy, atmospheres).
Funds: Activity costs, materials, evaluation.
How to apply: Pick Small or Medium stream; show inclusion, need, and impact.
Read more on the RSC site.
- Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) – Education & Outreach Grants
Who it’s for: Projects that promote astronomy/space and geophysics education in the UK. Schools often partner with local groups, HE, or museums.
Good for: Astronomy weeks, community nights, equipment for outreach, teacher-led projects.
Funds: Small/medium grants for resources, events, and engagement.
How to apply: Online form; clear outcomes and reach are key.
Read more on the RAS site.
- The Ogden Trust – Physics Education Grants (England only)
Who it’s for: State-funded schools and education organisations in England supporting physics learning.
Good for: Physics enrichment clubs, classroom physics resources and teacher CPD, projects supporting pupils from under-represented groups.
Funds: Up to £5,000 per project (must be free for students).
How to apply: Applications are made online through the Ogden Trust’s Flexi-Grant system. You’ll need a short project plan and expected impact. Final grant round opens in January 2026.
Read more on The Ogden Trust website.
- Wolfson Foundation – Funding for secondary schools & sixth form colleges
Who it’s for: UK state secondary schools and sixth form colleges.
Good for: Major lab refurbishments and specialist science spaces.
Funds: Capital grants for high-quality science facilities.
How to apply: Multi-stage process; strong case for need and impact required.
Read more on the Wolfson site.
- London Mathematical Society (LMS) – Education Grants
Who it’s for: UK schools wanting to boost maths enrichment.
Good for: Maths clubs, visits, speakers, competition entry fees, small equipment.
Funds: Modest costs to widen participation and enrichment in mathematics.
How to apply: Short application; clear plan and student benefit help.
Read more on the LMS site.
- Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) - Opportunistic Funding Mechanism
Who it’s for: Schools, charities, universities, cultural centres, science events, community groups, and organisations supporting STEM engagement in Ireland.
Good for: Creative STEM education or public engagement projects that cannot wait for normal annual funding rounds.
Funds: Project-based support (typically 1 year).
How to apply: Submit an Expression of Interest explaining the need for flexible timing and expected impact.
Read more on the SFI Discover Programme page.