Teacher Development Fund 2026: Up to £165,000 for Arts-Based Learning in UK Schools

Overview

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) Teacher Development Fund supports collaborative partnerships between schools and arts or cultural organisations. The programme uses arts-based approaches to enhance professional learning, teaching practices, and equity for children in classrooms.

Successful projects receive up to £165,000 and run for a duration of two academic years.

Benefits

Funding of up to £165,000 per application over two academic years.
Support for professional learning and collaboration between teachers and artist practitioners.
Opportunities to build practical knowledge and evidence on how arts-based learning improves educational equity.
Long-term networking and community practice development across participating schools.

Eligibility

Lead Applicants: Can be either a primary school or an arts/cultural organisation, backed by a strong partnership.
School Requirements: Each project must involve a minimum of six and a maximum of ten state-sector schools working with primary-age children, including mainstream primary schools, specialist SEND settings, and Alternative Provision settings.
Personnel: At least two teachers and one senior leader must participate from each school.
Organisation Requirements: Eligible arts organisations include charities, community organisations, social enterprises, and not-for-profit companies active in the arts and culture sector.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their proposals through the Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s official application system. Interested participants should review the foundation's detailed eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions prior to submission.

Deadline

The application deadline is 11 November 2026 at 12 noon.

Overview

Successful projects receive up to £165,000 and run for a duration of two academic years.

Benefits

Funding of up to £165,000 per application over two academic years.

Support for professional learning and collaboration between teachers and artist practitioners.

Opportunities to build practical knowledge and evidence on how arts-based learning improves educational equity.

Long-term networking and community practice development across participating schools.

Eligibility

Lead Applicants: Can be either a primary school or an arts/cultural organisation, backed by a strong partnership.

School Requirements: Each project must involve a minimum of six and a maximum of ten state-sector schools working with primary-age children, including mainstream primary schools, specialist SEND settings, and Alternative Provision settings.

Personnel: At least two teachers and one senior leader must participate from each school.

Organisation Requirements: Eligible arts organisations include charities, community organisations, social enterprises, and not-for-profit companies active in the arts and culture sector.