Strong STEM education often begins with real-world collaboration. The Royal Society Partnership Grants 2026 programme enables schools and colleges to work directly with STEM professionals on hands-on investigative projects. With funding of up to £3,000, this initiative helps young learners experience science beyond the classroom while building meaningful academic partnerships.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Study Level / Job Type: School STEM Project Grant (Ages 5–18)
- Funding Type: Grant (Up to £3,000)
- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom (Schools and Colleges)
- Deadline: 1 December 2026 (Multiple deadlines throughout the year)
About the Opportunity
The Royal Society Partnership Grants 2026 scheme provides up to £3,000 to UK schools and colleges to run investigative STEM projects in partnership with professionals from academia or industry.
Administered by the Royal Society, this programme encourages meaningful collaboration between educators and STEM experts. Projects must focus on a specific scientific question that students investigate through structured, hands-on research.
The annual funding round opens in February and offers three submission deadlines across the year:
- End of April
- Early July
- End of November
Schools are notified within three months of submission, with projects typically starting 2–3 months after funding approval.
Importantly, projects must be new to the school and cannot form part of a third-party competition or scheme.
“This opportunity is officially offered by the Royal Society, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.”
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Royal Society Partnership Grants 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
School/College Requirements
- Must support students aged 5–18
- Must be based in the United Kingdom
- The application must be started and submitted by the school or college
- The head teacher or principal must approve the application (Stage 2)
STEM Partner Requirements
- Must meet eligibility criteria as outlined by the Royal Society
- Must actively contribute to the project
- Must confirm support during Stage 2
Project Requirements
- Must focus on a clear scientific question (project title must be a question)
- Must be a new project for the school
- Cannot be a collection of unrelated STEM club activities
- Cannot investigate mental health or well-being topics
- Must show structured investigation and collaboration
Priority is given to schools new to the scheme and those with the greatest need.
Benefits
The Royal Society Partnership Grants 2026 provide:
- Up to £3,000 in project funding
- Support for purchasing essential STEM equipment
- Opportunity to collaborate with academic or industry professionals
- Enhanced STEM exposure for students
- Practical, research-based learning experience
- Structured project planning guidance and application support
- Access to exemplary successful applications
- Free online information sessions for teachers and STEM partners
Beyond financial support, the programme strengthens long-term relationships between schools and the STEM community.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for:
- UK primary and secondary schools seeking to expand STEM learning
- Teachers looking to introduce investigative, research-led projects
- Schools aiming to build sustainable partnerships with STEM professionals
- Institutions prioritizing inclusive participation and diverse student engagement
- Schools with limited STEM resources are seeking external collaboration
Schools that have not previously received a Partnership Grant are especially encouraged to apply. If you are interested in more STEM opportunities for young innovators, check out the Innovation Career & Venture Fellowship 2026.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through Flexi-Grant®, the Royal Society’s online grant management system.
Follow these steps:
- Start the application via Flexi-Grant®.
- Complete Stage 1, providing basic eligibility details.
- Await confirmation of eligibility.
- Complete Stage 2, including:
- Project timeline
- Budget breakdown
- Student selection plan
- Legacy plan
- STEM partner confirmation
- Submit before your selected deadline.
Stage 1 closes one week before each Stage 2 deadline. Both stages must be completed to be considered.
Applicants are notified within three months of the submission deadline.
How to Apply for Royal Society Partnership Grants 2026
If your school is ready to design a meaningful STEM investigation in partnership with an experienced professional, this grant offers structured financial and advisory support.
Because the scheme operates on multiple deadlines throughout the year, early preparation is recommended to allow time for planning and partner coordination.
