Aims/priorities: The British Science Association, a charity, is offering the new Curiosity Grant and Explore Kit Boxes in 2027 as part of a wider six year programme - funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - to engage the public with research and innovation across the UK. During this first year (2027), some activity for this new programme will be delivered through the established annual British Science Week campaign taking place from 5-14 March 2027.
The funding aims to support schools in challenging circumstances to create opportunities for young people to engage with the skills, concepts, stories and people behind research and innovation, and to build the school capacity to embed these experiences in everyday learning.
This may include helping students to:
- Explore how new knowledge is created (research), in any discipline
- Experience how existing science and tech is used to solve real-world problems (innovation)
- Learn about the people and careers in science and technology.
Although the funding is for young people approximately aged 5 to 19 years, it is more likely that the funding priorities will be met by schools working with older students (aged 11+ or working at that level).
Who can apply: Applications will be accepted from schools, colleges, and registered alternative provision settings from across the UK. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Be a state-funded school. Registered independent special schools that receive local authority funding for pupil places are also eligible.
- Not be academically selective.
- Meet at least one of the following additional eligibility criteria:
- A minimum of 30% of students are from ethnic minority backgrounds*
- A minimum of 30% of students are experiencing economic deprivation.
- In England eligible for free school meals (FSM)
- In Scotland living in the top 20% most deprived areas according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation
- In Wales and Northern Irelands eligible for free school meals (FSM)
- The school is located in a designated area classified as rural.
*Ethnic minority backgrounds include all pupils who do not self-describe as White British. Irish is included as an ethnic minority except in Northern Ireland.
Grant amount: Grants of £600 are available. It is expected that around 160 Curiosity Grants will be awarded in 2026/2027.Activities/events can commence once funding is received (by 22 January 2027) and need to be completed by 31 July 2027.
Application process: Applications open 21 September 2026 (noon) and close 4 November 2026 (17:00) with notification of decisions by 14 December 2026. The funding is expected to be issued by 22 January 2027 (subject to financial due diligence checks). Full details can be found on the British Science Association website. Applications are to be made using the online platform on the BSA website: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/grants/new-school-funding-2027/curiosity-grant/
Priority will be given to applications from schools that have not previously been supported by the British Science Association.
Deadline: 4 November 2026 (17:00)
Contact: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/contact-us/
Website: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/grants/new-school-funding-2027/curiosity-grant/