Additional funding opportunity from the Virtual School - applications open
Norfolk Virtual School - Funding guidance
Objective
To provide funding to support school priorities as outlined in its School Improvement and Development Plan (SIDP). In line with the conditions of the pupil premium plus grant, the funding must be used to provide additional support over and above a school's general provision and any spend must fall under one of the approaches listed in the Department for Education's (DfE) Menu of Approaches:
- High quality teaching, such as staff professional development
- Targeted academic support, such as tutoring or small group interventions
- Wider strategies to address non-academic barriers to success in schools such as improving attendance, behaviour and social and emotional support
It cannot be used to cover costs that should be met through other funding sources.
Criteria
- Norfolk children in care on school roll
- Proposal will benefit those children in care on school roll
- An evidence-informed strategy with clear impact measures for children in care
Examples of how funding could be used
- To expand existing PD offer to meet identified needs
- Commission of new professional development
- Strengthening the school's library to support reading development
- Provide curriculum opportunities for its learners
- Purchasing resources to build, promote and support a positive and productive learning climate
Assessment criteria
- Evidence of link to SIDP and DfE Menu of Approaches
- Evidence-informed approach
- Costs are reasonable and proportionate
- Clear impact measures
Please note: If we receive a significant number of applications, the Virtual School may offer a contribution instead of the full cost. Whilst there is no cap on the amount you can apply for, we have a limited amount of funding to allocate, so please make contact with us before applying for a significant sum.
Submission
Send completed forms (Word doc, 76 KB) to: [email protected]
Deadline: Friday 13 February 2026
Schools will be informed of the decision by Monday 2 March 2026.
Where funding is agreed, it is expected that school commission no later than 31 March 2026, although the course / event / project can take place after that date. Funding will be allocated to schools before 31 March 2026.
If you would like to discuss an application, please contact [email protected]
The Virtual School reserves the right to recoup the funding if it is not used for the purpose for which it has been agreed.
