Let Teachers SHINE

Let Teachers SHINE is our flagship funding opportunity.

Each year, from October to January, we invite practising teachers from across England to submit their innovative ideas through a simple application process.

Winners receive up to £25,000 in funding over two years, along with tailored training and support.

The award is aimed at empowering teachers to develop and refine creative classroom projects that improve outcomes in core subjects for disadvantaged children in the North of England.

Applications are currently closed. The next chance to apply will be in October 2026. Please check this page for updates. You can also click the link below to receive updates by email.

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If you're interested in applying, we'll send you email updates about the opportunity.

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How to apply

We have designed the application process to be as simple and stress-free as possible. Here's how it works:

  • Firstly, click here to read our application guidelines and to find out the kinds of projects we will and won’t fund.
  • Once you’re ready to begin your application, open our application form (live from October 2026). Don’t worry, it’s straightforward, and if you hover over the questions, you’ll find extra information to help you complete it.
  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited to explain their idea, via video conferencing, to a small panel of people.
  • We are unable to give individual written feedback to unsuccessful applicants. However, applicants will be given the opportunity to call a member of our programme team at a specified time to receive verbal feedback on their application.
  • Keep checking this website for tips and further information.
  • Applications open in October 2026.

Application Guidelines

What we will and won't fund

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Let Teachers SHINE

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Top Tips

Useful advice for anyone applying to Let Teachers SHINE

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Shining stars

Some of the inspirational SHINE teachers delivering impact across the North

Lucy Huelin

Vocabulous

Studies show that 43% of Year 7 students arrive at secondary school with a poor vocabulary that limits their learning. During lockdown, York teacher Lucy Huelin conceived an innovative way of tackling the problem.

While creating her own online-teaching materials, Lucy began to envisage a fun and engaging online resource, for 10-13-year-olds, that would bring some of the benefits of learning Latin and Ancient Greek root words to all students, not just those in schools where classical subjects are offered.

Find out more

Evie Keough

Boromi

Evie is passionate about making play the cornerstone of early learning. She created Boromi to help young children and their families thrive through purposeful and meaningful play experiences.

With SHINE's support, Evie has created a nationwide community of in-school play libraries that help parents to support and nurture their child’s early development through powerful, purposeful play together at home.

Find out more

Olivia Richards

The Story Project

Following an insightful trip to America, Olivia became passionate about harnessing the magic of children’s stories to inspire lifelong wellbeing.

With the support of SHINE, The Story Project has grown from a germ of an idea to a successful social enterprise committed to helping schools deliver meaningful and impactful emotional literacy outcomes.

Find out more

Ebrahim Tafti

Arithmagicians

Maths teacher Ebrahim Tafti was inspired by the creator of Times Tables Rock Stars, Bruno Reddy, to develop an online programme to improve pupils’ confidence in arithmetic skills.

Ebrahim created a website to help children develop mental maths, a life skill he passionately believes can help people throughout their school journey and their adult lives.

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Amy How

One Tool, All of the Facts

Halifax-based Amy How has developed engaging ways children can use the rekenrek – a Dutch counting frame – to transform their number sense.

With support from SHINE, Amy has trained many teachers across Yorkshire in how best to use the rekenrek to help children to better understand mathematical concepts.

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Richard Cowie

Reading on Your Head

As an avid reader, Doncaster teacher Richard Cowie has always believed in the power of reading as a tool to elevate pupils’ potential and enable them to achieve their very best.

Support from SHINE is enabling Richard to develop Reading on Your Head, web-based reading support that children are able to access at home and in the classroom.

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Chris Williams

Chatta

In 2015, primary school teacher Chris Williams used his expertise in visual and language-based teaching to create Chatta, an online whole-class teaching method that incorporates pictures and storyboards to support spoken language and learning.

SHINE's backing means Chatta is being expanded to 50 schools across the North of England.

Let Teachers SHINE winners 2026

The latest recipients of funding from SHINE

Find out about this year's winning teachers and their exciting projects.

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Let Teachers SHINE Project updates

Let Teachers SHINE winners 2026

Eight innovative teacher-led projects win share of £170,000 from SHINE.

Let Teachers SHINE, News

Let Teachers SHINE Winner 2026: Sean Harris – Right To Rest

A transformative initiative tackling sleep inequality – a hidden barrier preventing thousands of children from reaching their full potential at school.

Let Teachers SHINE, News

Let Teachers SHINE Winner 2026: Matt Revill – AI For Access

Primary school headteacher is pioneering the use of AI to speed up planning, create resources and make classrooms more responsive to learners' needs.

Let Teachers SHINE, News

Let Teachers SHINE 2026 Winner: Sarah Featherstone – Ready To Thrive

Early years teacher is launching a targeted intervention to help nursery age children from disadvantaged backgrounds arrive at primary school with the skills they need to succeed.

Let Teachers SHINE, News
Read more Let Teachers SHINE project updates