Classroom refurbishments, alternative funding solutions
At Innova we recognise that this year’s spending review presents tough choices for education funding in England. With constrained public finances the education sector will probably need to make savings.
Working out exactly how and where is much easier said than done. Spiralling costs including energy seem likely to wipe out any opportunities for savings in the schools’ budget from falling pupil numbers.
The current education landscape
The government has allocated over £1 billion to assist schools with increased employer National Insurance contributions. However, school leaders report that this funding may not fully cover the additional costs, with shortfalls ranging from approximately 10% to 35%
College and sixth form budgets are already stretched and will need to cover the cost of rising student numbers. The inflation-linked rise in tuition fees only provided a brief reprieve for university finances, and further tuition fee rises seem likely.
How can Innova assist?
Securing funding for classroom improvements can be challenging. At Innova, we’ve assisted many schools in applying for grants from organisations like the Wolfson Foundation and the Savoy Educational Trust and If you’re exploring alternative financing methods, we’re here to support your funding bids.
1. The Wolfson Foundation: Funding for places and people
A more traditional form of funding, the Wolfson Foundation supports excellence in science & medicine, health & disability, education and the arts. The independent British charity raises funds for worthy causes, financing all manner of projects.
Since 1955, the Wolfson Foundation has awarded over £1 billion (£2 billion in real terms) to projects across the UK, from Cornwall to the Shetland Islands.
The Wolfson Foundation dedicates approximately 95% of its funding to UK capital projects, including new construction, refurbishments, and equipment purchases. It supports high-achieving state-funded secondary schools and sixth form colleges in enhancing GCSE and A-Level teaching for subjects requiring specialised facilities.
Grants are awarded for projects costing at least £25,000, aiming to improve teaching spaces, increase student participation, and enhance learning outcomes. Potential applicants have to follow a two stage application process, and full details can be found on the foundation’s How to Apply page. In 2025 the foundation is trialling a one-stage application process to make it simpler and more efficient, and the current funding round is open until 1st May 2025.
The Derby High School – Secured funding from the Wolfson Foundation & the Ogden Trust
After an extensive journey from initial inquiry to securing funding, the vision for new science laboratories at The Derby High School was realised, with Innova selected as the ideal partner.
Derby high school struggled with laboratory layouts that limited practical learning due to inefficient utility placement and restrictive table arrangements.
Innova reimagined the science laboratories at The Derby High School, using innovative designs with services positioned off the bench to create engaging and functional learning environments. This transformation was a key part of the new DISCOVERY facility, officially inaugurated by Sir Peter Ogden. Click here to read the full case study
“Innova was incredibly supportive and patient throughout the lengthy funding process. The design played a key role in generating interest and helping us secure the necessary capital for the project.”
Paul Kerr, Head of Science
2. The Savoy Educational Trust
The Savoy Educational Trust is an independent grant giving charitable trust whose main aim is the advancement and development of education, training and qualifications for the benefit the UK hospitality industry.
The trust seeks to support projects that are focused on enhancing the education of young people through the continued development of their individual capabilities, competencies, skills and understanding in subjects relating to the hospitality industry, such as food technology rooms, catering kitchens and more.
Although the Savoy Academy does not fund rebuilding projects, they do look at investing and refurbishing existing establishments. For more information on how you can benefit from this funding click here.
Kesteven and Sleaford High School Case Study
Due to the popularity of the new Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE syllabus among Key Stage 4 students and to inspire learners at all levels, Kesteven and Sleaford High planned to renovate their Food Technology room into a versatile facility designed to meet their needs.
Following a bid application led by Head of Technology Julie Pankhurst and Operations Manager Andy Allen, the school successfully secured the majority of the funding for the refurbishment from The
The initial brief to Innova was to design a modern, high-end Food Technology room that maximised space and provided a stimulating learning environment. The plan included practical cooking areas, a teacher demonstration zone, and a dedicated section for theory and written work, all while meeting regulatory requirements.
The final design featured a bay layout, with dedicated kitchen areas positioned around the perimeter and a central space reserved for theory lessons. A newly designed teacher demonstration area provided an engaging focal point to capture students’ interest. Once the plans were finalised and costed, Innova was awarded the turnkey contract based on both design quality and value for money, learn more.
“My thanks go to The Savoy Education Trust for their significant contribution to improving facilities for students at the High School. This refurbishment will benefit every Key Stage 3 student as they study Food Technology, inspire our GCSE option students and provide a great venue for some of our most popular extra-curricular clubs too.”
JOSEPHINE SMITH, HEAD OF SCHOOL
3. Garfield Weston Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation is a family founded grant-maker that gives money to support a wide range of charities across the UK. In total they donate around £100 million each year.
The funding is for organisations working in the areas of welfare, youth, community, arts, faith, environment, education, health, and museums and heritage.
Garfield Weston Foundation offers funding for various projects including capital costs for tangible assets such as building projects, repairs, and equipment. It also supports costs for specific initiatives or activities, covering all necessary expenses, including staff salaries and a reasonable share of overheads when applicable.
Eligible applicants include schools, universities, and registered educational charities that are either exempt under Charity Commission guidelines or officially registered as charities.
Education grants are available to support a wide range of initiatives, from small local programs like reading schemes and after-school clubs to large-scale projects at major institutions such as universities, find out more.
4. Severn Trent Community Fund
In January 2020, Severn Trent launched a £20 million Community Fund to support local projects within its service area over ten years. An independent Community Fund Customer Panel, comprising Severn Trent customers, reviews applications and determines funding allocations.
Eligible applicants include foundation schools, colleges, academy trusts, and local authorities proposing new projects that benefit communities served by Severn Trent. The project must be located within Severn Trent’s catchment area, which spans from the Bristol Channel to the Humber, and across the West and East Midlands.
Applications are reviewed quarterly, with specific submission deadlines outlined on Severn Trent’s website. Approved projects should commence within six months of the grant offer. Organisations may submit one application per year, learn more.
5. John Lyons Charity
John Lyon’s Charity provides grants to support children and young people up to 25 (or 30 for those with special educational needs/disabilities) in nine boroughs in North and West London: Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, and the Cities of London and Westminster.
Since 1991, the charity has invested over £219 million in education-focused initiatives, awarding around £15 million annually to enhance learning and development opportunities.
John Lyon’s Charity provides grants to a range of schools including Primary, Secondary, special schools, Sixth Form colleges and alternative provision settings within the beneficial area are all eligible to apply for funding, find out more here.
While we showcase some of the key alterative funding options for schools, here is a comprehensive A to Z list to support your school improvement plan.