Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Schools Grant Scheme
Funding
£10,000 – £1,000,000
Deadline
2 November 2026
Location
England
Applications
Deadline: 2 November 2026
Overview
The Department for Education (DfE) is offering grant funding to reduce surface water flood risk at schools in England by installing sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). At its discretion, and where the scheme criteria allow, DfE can fund up to 50% of the total SuDS project costs. You match fund the rest. The grant pays for both the design and the installation of SuDS features on school sites. Projects can be small, such as downpipe planters, or larger schemes with rain gardens, bioretention tree pits, swales and detention basins. You can apply for a stand-alone SuDS project or as part of wider works, but DfE will only contribute to the SuDS part. It suits lead local flood authorities, water companies, non-profit organisations, and state-funded and voluntary aided schools in England. Individual schools thinking of bidding alone are encouraged to talk to their lead local flood authority, local water company or a non-profit organisation about joining a larger bid, because the technical and reporting requirements can be complex. Applications are open now and close at 5:00pm on 2 November 2026. The page gives an estimated total pot of £5 million, which may change with budget. Applicants will hear the outcome by 31 March 2027 at the latest. One practical point to plan for: the grant is paid in arrears only, after work is completed against set milestones. You will need to cover costs up front. Scoring above the 20% minimum threshold does not guarantee funding. Official source: https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/sustainable-drainage-systems-suds-in-schools-fy-202728-1. Last checked by GrantMatch on 15 October 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- DfE can fund up to 50% of total SuDS project costs; you must match fund at least 50%.
- Match funding can come from your own organisation or third parties, but not from private individuals.
- Grant is paid in arrears only, against completed milestones (KPIs 2, 3 and 6).
- Applications must cover both design and construction of the SuDS project.
- Design to completion of construction must not exceed 3 financial years.
- Schools on the School Rebuilding Programme list are removed before assessment.
You can apply if you are a Lead Local Flood Authority, a water company, a non-profit organisation, a state-funded school in England (nursery, primary, secondary or alternative provision) or a voluntary aided school in England. All applicants and project contributors face DfE due diligence checks. Your application must cover both design and construction, finish within 3 financial years, and include a list of schools. Schools due to be rebuilt within the next 3 to 5 years are removed from bids.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Lead local flood authorities, water companies, non-profit organisations and state-funded or voluntary aided schools in England that want to install SuDS features on school sites.
Full details from Department for Education (DfE)
The Department for Education (DfE) are pleased to announce that the Schools Water Strategy is now inviting applications for the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Schools Grant Scheme. The aim of the SuDS in Schools grant is to reduce surface water flood risk in the school estate. This is a match funded scheme and therefore, at the DfE’s discretion and where the scheme criteria allow, the DfE can grant fund up to 50% of the total project costs. The full application guidance set out below provides details of the eligibility criteria, project objectives, Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and how to apply, alongside dates and supporting information.
Complete the DfE SuDS in Schools Grant Funding Application form for the 2027-28 financial year. Email the application checklist, the school list supporting document, evidence of flood risk or flood history for each school, and evidence that each school is interested. Send any questions or access problems to SuDS.mailbox@education.gov.uk.
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Create free accountLast updated: 15 October 2026