DfE Character Education Grants 2015

As part of the national focus on character education, schools can now apply for a grant from the DfE Character Education grant fund. It aims to help schools support children in developing a set of character traits, attributes and behaviours that underpin success in education and work.

There is a total of £3.5 million to give away to worthy projects.

What can be funded?

Projects that support the development of the following character attributes will be considered:

perseverance, resilience and grit
confidence and optimism
motivation, drive and ambition
neighbourliness and community spirit
tolerance and respect
honesty, integrity and dignity
conscientiousness, curiosity and focus.

Proposals should develop new innovations or expand existing evidence-based practice in some, or all, of the areas below:

building a range of schools’ or colleges’ capacity to improve character education by developing the knowledge and skills of staff
trialling school- or college-based initiatives, for example:
- classroom-based initiatives linked to school/college subjects
- teaching and learning strategies
- whole-school/-college practical approaches to ethos and discipline
- bespoke activities with groups of pupils on character development
providing extra-curricular activities after school or college – this could include competitive sports, music, debating, outdoor activities or survival weekends
providing community volunteering activities/projects and work experience by making links with the local charities, employers and major industries
peer-to-peer support and mentoring through dialogue and role modelling with successful students or professionals in the community
developing a practical suite of tools and/or accessible educational materials and techniques that support schools in developing character
establishing effective ways to track the progress of pupils throughout their educational journey through to employment
establishing innovative ways to build character in children with high-risk factors, such as special educational needs or a disability, poor family functioning, maltreatment and poverty.

There is no pre-determined level of grant award, but as a guide, grant awards are expected to be in the region of £50,000 to £750,000.

Who can apply?

Applications are accepted from schools, colleges, universities, local authorities, voluntary and community groups and other profit or non-profit organisations.

Projects must take place in England.