Please note this fund closed for applications on Friday 26 June 2026. We are now processing a significant number of requests and will notify applicants between 13 and 17 July. If you are waiting for a decision and haven't received an email please don't contact us until 20 July at the earliest as we may not be able to respond.

Unfortunately the fund was oversubscribed this year so we are unable to accept any applications after 26 June.

 

Uniform grants of up to £1o0 are available for students moving  from primary to secondary school in September 2026 within the former area of Taunton Deane. 

Qualifying secondary schools are: 

 

• Bishop Fox’s School
• The Castle School
• Pyrland School
• Monkton Wood Academy
• Court Fields School
• Kingsmead School 

 

Eligibility is assessed via receipt of free school meals / pupil premium (confirmed by the school) and/or universal credit. 

PLEASE NOTE: Owing to the numbers of applications we receive each year we are unable to offer uniform grants to students already attending secondary schools (years 8-11). 

 

Please read the summary below for details of this year’s process.

Application dates and timelines

 

• Monday 11 May 2026 - Application window opens 
• Friday 26 June 2026 - Application window closes
• 29 June 2026 to 10 July 2026 - Application verification process takes place with schools
• Mon 13 - Fri 17 July 2026 - Grant awards notifications sent out.

 

Verifying applications 

 

• Once the application window is closed, schools will be contacted directly to verify the application information provided including name, school, and free school meals or pupil premium eligibility. Primary schools will be contacted for verification in the first instance. 

 

Eligibility/application priorities

 

• Students from families eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals will be considered first, and then students whose families receive Universal Credit but not Pupil Premium / Free School Meals.

 

Queries

 

• All enquiries relating to BFEF uniform grants should be sent to info@bfef.org.uk
• Common questions will be answered in the FAQ’s section below, so please check this first before submitting a query.

 

FAQ's

Am I eligible for a uniform grant?

If the following all apply, you could be eligible. 

 

• You live in the former area of Taunton Deane (see this map), 
• Your child is due to start Year 7 (in September 2026) at one of the schools listed 
• You are eligible for free school meals / pupil premium and/or universal credit 

 

What is Pupil Premium? 

Pupil Premium is money given to schools to help disadvantaged pupils of all abilities achieve their full potential. You may qualify for Pupil Premium if your child receives free school meals.

My child is currently in year 8/9/10/11 at one of the eligible schools, can I apply for a uniform grant? 

Unfortunately, not. We are only able to offer uniform grants to students starting Year 7 in September 2026. If your child will be in Year 8 -11 in September 26, please contact your secondary school directly as they may be able to help. 

How do I get a grant if I am eligible? 

We first need to check with the school that the details provided in your application are correct. If you are awarded a grant, you will receive a confirmation email after 13 July, which you will need to present to the South West Schoolwear shop in Taunton or another approved supplier. All uniforms must be redeemed from the approved supplier, and no payments are made directly to applicants. Full details will be provided in award notifications. 

How often can I apply for a uniform grant?

You can only apply for a uniform grant once, when your child is due to start Year 7 (in September 2026) at one of the eligible secondary schools. 

Can I apply for more than one child? 

Yes, but only if you have more than one child starting Year 7 in September 2026. 

Can I still apply if my child lives in the right catchment area, but attends secondary school outside of it? 

Yes, you can still apply for a grant however where your child will be going to school may affect whether your application is accepted and the amount awarded. 

Will I definitely get a grant if I am eligible? 

Grants awarded are always subject to the number of applications received and available funds at the time. If you are unsuccessful in your application for a grant, we will write to you explaining why. 

If you have any other questions or need assistance with your application, please contact us at info@bfef.org.uk.