Enthuse Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 1126965

Annual Expenditure: £2.3M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £2.7 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Bursary payment 6 weeks post-course
  • Grant Range: £170 - £25,000
  • Geographic Focus: UK-wide (state-funded schools only)
  • Total Impact: Over 17,000 bursaries awarded since 2008

Contact Details

Website: https://www.stem.org.uk/project-enthuse

Email: enquiries@stem.org.uk

Phone: 01904 328381

Address: STEM Learning, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD

Applications are administered through STEM Learning at the above contact details.

Overview

ENTHUSE CHARITABLE TRUST (registered charity 1126965) was established in 2008 as part of Project ENTHUSE, a landmark £30 million partnership between government, charities, and industry. The Trust advances education by fostering and promoting continuing professional development (CPD) of STEM educators through grants and bursaries. With annual income of approximately £2.7 million and expenditure of £2.3 million (2023), ENTHUSE has supported over 17,000 science teachers and technicians from 7,000 schools and colleges across the UK. The initiative represents a collaborative effort led by founding partners including the Wellcome Trust, Department for Education, and bp, alongside other industrial partners, learned societies, and professional institutions. ENTHUSE operates through STEM Learning, the UK's largest provider of STEM education and careers support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. ENTHUSE Bursaries (£170 per day)

  • Open to all state-funded schools and colleges across the UK
  • Covers course fees, accommodation, resources, and meals for CPD attendance
  • Available for teachers, technicians, teaching assistants, and support staff
  • No limit on how many times educators can apply
  • Courses run for minimum 2 days, delivered in one or more parts
  • Application method: Rolling basis through STEM Learning's CPD booking system

2. DfE Bursaries (£150 per day cash)

  • Open to state schools in England only
  • Covers CPD costs plus additional £150 per day cash bursary
  • Can be used for travel, supply cover, science equipment, or further local CPD
  • Available alongside ENTHUSE bursary support
  • Application method: Rolling basis through STEM Learning

3. ENTHUSE Partnerships (£25,000 over 2 years)

  • For groups of 6-10 schools or colleges working collaboratively
  • Includes tailored action plan, teacher CPD (residential, local, and online), STEM Ambassador support, and resources
  • Projected reach: 64 teachers and 6,400 young people per partnership
  • Application method: Expression of interest form when funding rounds open
  • Schools selected according to set criteria

4. Science Equipment Grants (£450)

  • Available to primary schools in selected ENTHUSE Partnerships
  • One-off grant for science equipment
  • Geographic availability: Northern Ireland, Wales, and England (selected partnerships)

Priority Areas

The Trust exclusively funds CPD for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, with focus on:

  • Subject-specific professional development for science teachers
  • Technical staff development (laboratory technicians)
  • Computing and digital skills education
  • Cross-phase STEM education improvement
  • Teacher retention through quality CPD
  • Schools serving disadvantaged communities (via partnerships)
  • Developing STEM career awareness among young people

What They Don't Fund

  • Independent schools (not eligible for ENTHUSE funding)
  • Individual student support or student bursaries
  • Capital projects or building works (except small equipment grants in partnerships)
  • Retrospective funding for courses already attended without prior approval
  • Non-STEM subjects or general educational support
  • International schools outside the UK
  • Organizations not directly involved in STEM teacher CPD
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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The ENTHUSE Charitable Trust is governed by six trustees who serve without remuneration:

Professor Dudley Shallcross OBE (Chair)

Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at Bristol University and former CEO of Primary Science Teaching Trust. Awarded OBE in 2024 for contributions to science education.

Anna Gawthorp (Independent Trustee)

20-year veteran in STEM education, part of the founding team of the National Network of Science Learning Centres, and involved in creating ENTHUSE Charitable Trust in 2008.

Francesca MacLennan (Independent Trustee)

Director of Science Education at Oxford Trust, Fellow of Primary Science Teaching Trust, and former primary science specialist teacher.

Katherine Mathieson (Independent Trustee)

Director of the Royal Institution, previously led British Science Association, and trustee for multiple organizations focused on science communication.

Riffat Wall (Trustee)

Headteacher of Urmston Grammar with focus on promoting STEM subject enjoyment and uptake among students.

Mark Whitby (Trustee)

Provides board-level support to technology companies, Chairman of multiple organizations, and volunteer coach for Teach First program.

Operational Management

The Trust operates through STEM Learning, currently led by Séverine Trouillet (Chief Executive Officer since July 2023). Her predecessor, Yvonne Baker OBE, grew the organization significantly during her 12-year tenure (2010-2023) and was awarded OBE for services to STEM education in 2022.

Funding Partners

Project ENTHUSE is supported by a unique partnership including:

  • Wellcome Trust (major charitable funder since 2008)
  • bp (founding corporate sponsor since 2008)
  • Department for Education (government support)
  • Corporate partners: BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, General Electric Foundation, Vodafone
  • Professional institutions: Royal Society of Chemistry, Institution of Engineering and Technology, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Biochemical Society, Royal Commission for the 1851 Exhibition

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For CPD Bursaries:

  1. Browse available courses on STEM Learning's CPD pages (www.stem.org.uk)
  2. Apply to attend the course through STEM Learning's booking system
  3. Shortly after application, receive email link to electronic Impact Identifier and ENTHUSE Award application form
  4. Complete the form to apply for bursary funding
  5. Attend the course
  6. Complete Action Plan before end of Part 1 of course (mandatory for payment)
  7. Implement learning in your school/college

For ENTHUSE Partnerships:

  1. Monitor STEM Learning website for funding availability announcements (varies by region and time)
  2. Complete expression of interest form when funding rounds open
  3. Schools selected according to set criteria (not specified publicly)
  4. Develop tailored two-year action plan with STEM Learning support
  5. Implement partnership activities over 24 months

Decision Timeline

CPD Bursaries:

  • Application approval: Generally processed quickly upon course booking (specific timeframe not published)
  • Course attendance: Varies (courses run throughout the year)
  • Payment: 6 weeks after course completion via BACS transfer

ENTHUSE Partnerships:

  • Selection timeline: Varies depending on funding round
  • Partnership duration: 2 years once approved
  • Note: Funding availability announced at different times for different regions

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, key statistics indicate:

  • Over 17,000 bursaries awarded since 2008 (to 2016+)
  • 7,000 schools and colleges have participated
  • Multiple applications per educator are permitted with no stated limit

Reapplication Policy

CPD Bursaries: No restrictions. Teachers can apply multiple times for different courses. The Trust explicitly states "there's no limit on how many times you can apply to both bursaries."

ENTHUSE Partnerships: Not specified, but given the 2-year duration and limited funding rounds, schools would likely need to wait for new funding availability and meet selection criteria again.

Application Success Factors

Critical Requirements

  1. State-funded status is mandatory: Independent schools are explicitly excluded from ENTHUSE funding
  2. Complete the Action Plan: Failure to complete the Action Plan before end of Part 1 guarantees bursary will not be paid
  3. Geographic eligibility matters: DfE bursaries are England-only; ENTHUSE bursaries cover all UK
  4. Schools cover costs upfront: Schools must pay initially; bursary is reimbursement post-completion

What ENTHUSE Values

From award winners and success stories:

  • Sustained implementation: Award winners demonstrated they used CPD learning to create lasting change, not one-off activities
  • Whole-school impact: Teachers who shared learning with colleagues and built STEM culture across the school
  • Student engagement focus: Projects that increased student participation, particularly among underrepresented groups
  • External partnerships: Building links with STEM Ambassadors, museums, universities, and industry
  • Innovation and creativity: Finding new ways to engage students (e.g., Kate Penarski linked her school with NASA)
  • Supporting struggling students: Mike Jackson's work introducing new courses for struggling students was recognized
  • Cross-phase collaboration: Working with both primary and secondary students (like Angie Ridout's STEM clubs)

Language and Approach

ENTHUSE emphasizes:

  • “Inspired STEM teaching” through professional development
  • “Improving outcomes” for teachers and students
  • “Continuing professional development” (always use CPD terminology)
  • “State-funded schools” (not “state schools” or “public schools”)
  • Focus on “attainment and engagement in STEM subjects”
  • “Awareness and understanding of STEM careers”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Applying from independent/private schools
  • Failing to complete the Action Plan before the deadline
  • Not implementing learning back in school/college
  • Assuming funding is available for partnership programs (check availability first)
  • Expecting instant decisions (allow 6 weeks post-course for payment)

Strategic Advice

  1. Build a CPD portfolio: With no limit on applications, strategically plan multiple CPD experiences over time
  2. Leverage both bursaries: England-based schools should apply for both ENTHUSE and DfE bursaries simultaneously
  3. Consider partnerships for greater impact: The £25,000 partnership funding offers significantly more support than individual bursaries
  4. Document and share impact: Award winners demonstrated clear impact measurement and knowledge sharing
  5. Connect with the ENTHUSE community: Engage with other award winners and partnerships to learn best practices

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Eligibility is binary: If you're not from a state-funded UK school/college, don't apply. ENTHUSE is exceptionally clear on this requirement.
  • Think strategically about CPD: With unlimited applications allowed, plan a long-term professional development journey rather than one-off courses. Multiple applications over time can build significant capability.
  • Completion requirements are non-negotiable: The Action Plan must be completed before Part 1 ends or funding will not be paid. Build this into your planning timeline.
  • Partnership funding offers best value: £25,000 over 2 years reaches approximately 64 teachers and 6,400 students. For schools able to collaborate in groups of 6-10, this offers far greater impact than individual bursaries.
  • England-based schools have double opportunity: Apply for both ENTHUSE (£170/day) and DfE (£150/day cash) bursaries simultaneously to maximize support.
  • Implementation and impact matter most: Award winners distinguished themselves by demonstrating sustained implementation, whole-school impact, and measurable outcomes for students, particularly underrepresented groups.
  • Be patient with partnership timing: ENTHUSE Partnership funding becomes available “at different times and in different areas.” Register interest early and monitor announcements regularly.

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