Education Support Partnership
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educationsupport.org.ukAbout Education Support Partnership
Education Support Partnership, established in 1877 as the Teachers’ Benevolent Fund, is the UK’s only national charity focused exclusively on the mental health and wellbeing of education professionals. Its mission is to improve lives through empathy, respect, inclusivity, evidence-based practice, and collaboration, aiming to reduce stress, burnout, and attrition in the sector. The charity provides direct support, promotes mental health literacy, conducts research, and influences policy. Its funding character is needs-driven, prioritising early intervention, resilience, and reducing stigma. With a UK-wide reach, it serves as the evidence-led national expert in educator mental health, linking staff wellbeing to better outcomes for pupils and a healthier education system.
What Education Support Partnership funds
The Trust funds interventions that directly support the mental health and wellbeing of education staff. This includes confidential helplines, one-to-one therapy, counselling, professional supervision, peer support programmes, and digital resources. It also provides financial hardship grants to help individuals cover essential costs during times of crisis, illness, bereavement, or bullying. Priorities target high-stress groups such as early-career teachers and senior leaders. The work spans the whole of the UK, covering England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and is delivered to individuals working in schools, colleges, and universities.
Who can apply
Beneficiaries are individual education professionals in the UK who are in acute need. This includes teachers, leaders, lecturers, teaching assistants, and support staff across all educational settings. The charity prioritises those in high-stress roles, such as early-career teachers and senior leaders. There are no income or size rules, no geographic restrictions, and no religious barriers. Organisations and charities are not eligible for grants; support is directed solely to individuals. The focus is on those facing immediate challenges related to their mental health or financial hardship stemming from their professional circumstances.
What Education Support Partnership doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund general projects, capital works, or support for non-education staff. Organisations and charities are ineligible for grants, and there are no open rounds for unsolicited organisational applications. The charity’s focus is exclusively on individual education professionals, so it does not extend support to other sectors or to broader community initiatives.
How they like to fund
The Trust provides direct, needs-driven support to individuals, including financial hardship grants for essentials during crisis. It also funds services such as helplines, therapy, and peer support. The charity works by invitation and through strategic partnerships, rather than accepting unsolicited applications. Its approach is collaborative, aiming for systemic change through research and policy influence, while maintaining a focus on early intervention and resilience building.
How much does Education Support Partnership give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Education Support Partnership’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
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Good to know
How to apply to Education Support Partnership
Education Support Partnership does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Education Support Partnership.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
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Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Education Support Partnership provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Education Support Partnership directly for current funding levels.
Where does Education Support Partnership fund charities?
Education Support Partnership funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Education Support Partnership accept unsolicited applications?
Education Support Partnership does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Education Support Partnership?
Education Support Partnership does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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