Funding Opportunity: UK Service Pupil Support Fund 2026

Organisations working with children from Armed Forces families will know the unique challenges these young people can face—from frequent school moves to the emotional impact of parental deployment.

The UK Service Pupil Support Fund is now open for applications, offering a valuable opportunity to strengthen support for this group.

 What’s available?

Grants of £5,000 to £150,000 are available for stand-alone projects delivered over up to two years.

The fund is designed to support pupils aged 4 to 18 in full-time statutory education who have parents currently serving in the Armed Forces, including those on Full-Time Reserve Service (FTRS).

 What can be funded?

Projects must address at least one of the following priority outcomes:

•  Closing the academic attainment gap
•  Support for pupils with SEN/D, ASN, or ALN
•  Challenges linked to mobility, deployment, and separation
•  Support for schools with low numbers of service pupils

This provides flexibility for schools and partners to design interventions that reflect the realities of their local context.

 Who can apply?

• Eligible lead applicants include:
•  Maintained schools
•  Academies and free schools
•  Sixth form and further education colleges
•  Local authorities
•  Multi-academy trusts

VCSE organisations and specialist providers can play a key role in delivery, but must be part of a partnership and cannot be the lead applicant.

 Key dates

•  Application deadline: 30 September 2026 (12:00 midday)
•  Decisions expected: by the end of November 2026

Further information, guidance, and application details are available here:

 Why this matters for the VCSE sector

While VCSE organisations cannot lead applications, this fund presents a strong opportunity to:

•  Partner with schools and MATs
•  Bring specialist expertise in areas such as mental health, SEND support, or youth engagement
•  Co-design projects that respond to the lived experiences of service families

If you’re already working in collaboration with education settings—or looking to build those relationships—this fund can be a catalyst for deeper, funded partnership working.

For VCSE organisations supporting children and young people, particularly those navigating complex life circumstances, this is a chance to connect your expertise with education partners and deliver meaningful, funded impact.