Grants were awarded following round 5 of applications.

Trustees of the Achieve Equity Foundation approved funding in May 2026 for grant applications in the fifth round that totalled over £17,900 and will benefit six schools. The trustees were delighted with the range of applications and the different ways that the funding is aiming to be used to benefit disadvantaged learners.

Some of the successful grant projects included;

  • Gardening intervention for disadvantaged pupils, transforming a disused pre-school building into a dedicated intervention space and mini greenhouse. The project aims to improve wellbeing, behaviour, attendance and engagement, helping more pupils feel ready to learn.
  • Support for around 55 disadvantaged Year 6 learners with Home Visit Packs and targeted home visits before they transition to secondary school. Providing essential equipment and early support to help remove barriers, build positive relationships and ensure learners feel welcomed, confident and ready for their next step.
  • A child-led outdoor STEM environment for KS2 pupils, creating opportunities for disadvantaged children to explore, build, experiment and solve problems. The project will support an after-school STEM Club and Junior Duke Club while developing creativity, physical activity, STEM knowledge and future aspirations.
  • “Start Strong” for 12 disadvantaged learners, combining breakfast provision with high-quality literacy, numeracy and oracy teaching. Practical cooking, shopping and budgeting activities will develop essential life skills, confidence and independence while supporting improved attainment and raising aspirations.
  • Targeted support through lunchtime clubs, after-school revision sessions and personalised hygiene packs. The project aims to strengthen belonging, wellbeing and engagement while removing practical, social and emotional barriers that can affect attendance, confidence and access to learning for disadvantaged learners.
  • Bringing Year 5 and 6 learners and staff together from the high school and four feeder primary schools for a collaborative Reading Workshops Day. The project will strengthen reading skills, confidence and enjoyment while developing a consistent, equitable approach to literacy across the school cluster.