Fair Education's Innovation Award Programme

Do you have an idea that could make education fairer? 

Win a £25,000 six-month salary contribution and a year of expert support to make it a reality! 🚀

The Innovation Award, supported by Bloomberg, nurtures new ideas from the public and FEA Members to tackle the root causes of educational inequality in England. 

We need your ideas for a fairer education now more than ever!   

A staggering 4.2 million children are now living in poverty and at every stage of education, there are substantial and growing gapsbetween disadvantaged pupils and their wealthier peers.The 2024 General Election will spotlight systemic transformation and the role of innovation in helping to shape the country’s future.  

Your idea can be anything – a programme, product, service, partnership, campaign or coalition. As long as it has the potential to make education fair by tackling socioeconomic disadvantage, we want to hear from you. 

Why should I apply?

We know what innovators need to ensure their new solutions not only launch but thrive, having incubated 49 impactful innovations over the past ten years. We invest directly in the lead Innovator by providing a £25,000 six-month salary contribution and year-long practical support.     

What will I win?

The year-long programme of support helps you to turn your idea into an impactful initiative that will thrive and have sustainability beyond your pilot AND develops your leadership skills to drive your initiative forward and make change in the sector. The support programme includes:   

• 💷 Salary contribution: £25,000 covering six months for you to go full-time (37.5 hours a week) to drive forward your initiative.   
• 💡 A place on the Innovation Incubator - interactive workshops on key innovation topics and professional start-up advice (legal, financial, HR). 
• 📈 Bespoke 1:1 support: fortnightly meetings with the Head of the Innovation Award and monthly meetings with a mentor from Bloomberg to receive direct guidance and brokered support.    
• 🗣️ Peer support and network: access to a network of entrepreneurs, mentors and peers.   
• 🏢 Office space: guest access at FiveFields, the Fair Education Alliance office space - a hub redefining charity sector collaboration and innovation.  
• 🏅 Endorsement: Fair Education Alliance Innovation Award logo and statement of support.   
• 🌱 FEA membership post programme: connect with over 280 member organisations, including business leaders and policy makers, to amplify your innovation's impact, influence policy, and elevate your profile nationally.
• ✨ Talent development: For FEA members that are internally innovating, we work closely with your organisation to nurture your team's talent, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence that is proven to improve organisational growth, retention and impact. 

You can find out more about our 2023 Award Winners here.

What application support is available?

First please read the Guidance on how to win the Innovation Award - for members of the public. This includes all the detailed information you need to understand the Award, eligibility, the selection process, and the selection criteria.   

Then, sign up for all the application support on offer to give yourself the best chance of success: 

• ✔️ 1:1 clinics - Book a timeslot to speak with Soizic, Head of Innovation, about your idea and for guidance on your application.    
• ✔️ Application support workshops: 
• 9 May online workshop 4.30-5.30pm: Teacherpreneurs: innovating within your school OR moving from the classroom to start-up your own initiative.  Sign up here. 
• 4 June online workshop 10.30-11.30am: Top tips for preparing your pitch. Sign up here. 

What is the selection process?

The Innovation Award selection process is designed to be a developmental and stimulating experience for applicants regardless of the outcome. You will be offered expert feedback at key stages throughout.  

The process includes a written application*, shortlisting panel, and final panel. Our Judges bring together expertise in education, impact measurement, programme design and youth voice.  

* If providing a written application is a barrier given your accessibility needs, please contact us on awards@faireducation.org.uk so we can discuss the support available. 

Selection dates :

• ✔️31 May, 12pm: Deadline for Innovation Award applications   
• ✔️23 and 24 July Shortlisting Panel: Shortlisted applicants present to the Shortlisting Panel, with Finalists selected   
• ✔️8 August: Innovation Award Finalists submit their videos for the Community Choice Award. This is an opportunity for the public to vote for their favourite video out of the Finalists.   
• ✔️15 August: Finalists present to the Final Panel, with up to six Innovation Award Winners selected (both Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs)   
• 12 September: Innovation Award Winners are publicly announced at a celebration event with leaders from across the sector.   
• ✔️ 19 September: Award Winners’ package of support begins. See here for this year's incubator dates. 



Think you could be in with a chance? Enter your application here>