School Essentials Grant 2026

Today, we are launching our new ‘School Essentials Grant’ for actors and stage managers with one or more children of school age.

This programme is designed to assist those facing unexpected financial pressures, helping to ease the additional costs that often arise over the summer holidays and in preparation for the new school year.

 

20 July 2026

We know from our Spotlights and Shadows research that 69% of actors and stage management with one or more child dependent face challenges in relation to day to day living costs, including household bills. Over the summer holidays and as the new school year approaches, parents face additional costs for holiday clubs, uniforms and other school essentials which can make an already difficult financial picture even tougher to manage.

This is why we have introduced a School Essentials Grant for Summer 2026. Actors and stage management can apply for a one-off grant to help with these costs and make the summer period a little bit easier.

To apply, please review the application guidance and then complete this short enquiry form. We will review your enquiry and, if you meet our initial eligibility criteria, send you a short application form to help us understand your current financial situation.