Residential Grants
Grants for churches to support school residentials
The School Residential Grant is part of CPAS’s School Ministry, which equips churches to build lasting, faith-filled partnerships with local schools, especially Church of England schools.
The grant supports this vision by funding churches with up to £2,000 for residential experiences that:
Strengthen long-term relationships between churches and schools
Include clear and age-appropriate Christian content
Provide opportunities for pupils to encounter the Christian faith in creative, relational ways
Help churches feel equipped and confident to sustain partnerships with schools
Grant application process
Grants are available for churches that meet the following four conditions:
- School Partnership: The church has (or is developing) a relationship with a local school and shows a clear commitment to helping pupils explore life with Jesus through genuine, sustained engagement.
- Residential Plan: The church plans to run or support a school residential with age-appropriate Christian teaching.
- Genuine Need for Support: The grant will be used to reduce financial barriers to the planned residential.
- Evaluation: Applicants agree to complete an online evaluation within six weeks.
For full information on the eligibility criteria, please read the School Residentials Grant Application Form:
Pupil bursaries/subsidies to reduce fees.
Essential transport and accommodation costs.
Resources and activities that support spiritual formation during the residential.
Church staff support time.
Follow-up activities that strengthen the relationship between church and school after the trip.
You can apply for a School Residential Grant at any time, but applications will be considered twice a year:
- Round 1: March. Decisions by end of April.
- Round 2: November. Decisions by end of December.
Grants will be paid within 1 month of a church’s notification of a successful application.
Please apply at least 8 weeks before your residential start date.
- Complete the School Residential Grant Application Form, providing details of your school partnership, how the grant will be used, your Christian teaching plan, and proof of support from your church and school(s).
- Safeguarding Policy – you must include a copy of your church’s current safeguarding policy.
- Send all applications to schoolministry@cpas.org.uk
Applications are reviewed against:
Partnership strength: evidence of genuine collaboration with the school(s).
Missional impact: depth of faith-based engagement during and after the residential.
Feasibility: realistic budget, timeline, and safeguarding readiness.
Sustainability: credible follow-up plans that build a lasting relationship.
If you’re unsure about eligibility or need help with your budget or follow-up plan, get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise before you apply.
Contact us at schoolministry@cpas.org.uk
or on 0300 123 0780.