Improving school attendance, inclusion and engagement
Programme aims
Consistent school attendance plays a vital role in the development of young people and is associated with better long-term life chances. School absence rates have increased substantially post-pandemic and they remain considerably higher than before it. Persistent absence is strongly linked to poorer outcomes, lower academic achievement, reduced wellbeing and an increased risk of disengagement later in life.
School suspensions and permanent exclusions have also been increasing, affecting certain demographic groups more than others, with ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status and those with special educational needs and disabilities being disproportionately affected. The factors leading to this are often complex and multifaceted, requiring targeted, inclusive, and evidence-informed responses.
Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust is offering funding to help charities, schools and education partners in Kent and Medway to improve pupil attendance and reduce persistent absence and exclusions. The evidence base for interventions to improve attendance remains limited. We hope that this programme will contribute to the understanding about what works in improving attendance rates and supporting pupils at risk of disengagement from education.
We are keen to hear about innovative projects that will offer early intervention and prevention strategies that will promote pupil-centred practices and build capacity in schools to manage the challenges of low attendance and poor behaviour. Funding will be available for pilot projects that address barriers to attendance, strengthen engagement with pupils and families and promote a positive culture of belonging and participation within schools. All funded projects must contain an element of evidence-based research, so that the learning from this programme can be disseminated.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to registered charities and charities that are exempt from registration working in Kent and Medway. Schools can apply if they are a registered charity or exempt from registration. If they are not, then a related registered charity, like a PTA or ‘friends of’ group, must apply on their behalf. We are particularly interested to hear from charities and schools working in partnership. However, one must be the lead applicant.
Please note: this programme is completely separate from CFCT’s other programmes. You will be eligible to apply even if you have a grant application in process or if you have a CFCT grant in progress under one of our other programmes.
Funds available
Grants between £50,000 and £150,000 will be available, paid as a one-off sum or over multiple years.
How to apply
The application process for this programme is two-stage. Initially, an expression of interest application should be made using our short online form. Shortlisted proposals will then be invited to submit a more detailed application. The strongest will be invited to present to our board of trustees in autumn 2026, before final grant decisions are made.
The expression of interest form is intentionally brief. It will ask for your contact details, headline information about your organisation and its finances and it will ask you to tell us about your project, whether you would be working in partnership with another charity and how much you would be requesting from us.
If you have any questions about this programme please send them to grantadmin@cfct.org.uk
Closing date expressions of interest: 30 June 2026
Submit your expression of interest here
