What is the Schools Screen Education Fund?
The development of Scotland’s future screen sector begins with education. Giving children and young people the chance to engage with screen content helps build creativity, confidence, and a wider understanding of the industry.
Screen Scotland wants every child and young person in Scotland to have the opportunity to make or collaborate in the making of a film, TV programme, or digital content. We believe talent is everywhere, and creating opportunities for that talent to develop is our priority. Screen education not only introduces young people to filmmaking, but also builds creative and critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills – beneficial across many subjects and careers as well as the screen industries.
Schools play a vital role in making this happen. They provide a direct link to children and young people and are committed to offering a broad and engaging learning experience.
The Schools Screen Education Fund is here to help bring screen education into the classroom. Applications should align with the fund's key priorities:
- Support the development and growth of screen education in schools across Scotland.
- Support professional development so teachers and educators can confidently deliver screen education.
- Funding projects that make screen education a lasting part of the school experience of children and young people.
- Promoting the value and benefit of screen education to students, teachers, and communities.
The fund is designed for innovative projects that will strengthen and grow screen education in schools.
Screen Scotland aims to put screen education where it belongs, at the heart of learning. Screen education is a fundamental right for everyone, and our aim is to inspire and equip all people across Scotland to be able to access, enjoy, understand, create, explore and share film and screen throughout their lives – for learning, for life and for work. Find out more about Screen Scotland’s vision in our Strategy to 2030/31.
Who can apply?
Early Years, Primary or Secondary Schools in Scotland whose proposed activities meet the fund criteria.
Schools can apply for work delivered in partnership with individuals, organisations and other constituted groups based in Scotland, as long as the proposed activities meet the criteria of this fund.
Applications should be submitted by one lead school, with letters of commitment from any named partners.
If you are not a school but are seeking funding to deliver projects that provide new or develop existing screen education opportunities, please instead consider applying to our Screen Education Fund.
Visit our Featured Projects page to find out more about some of our other funded work.
How much can I apply for?
The minimum lower limit for applications is £500 per project. The maximum upper limit is £5,000 per project.
What can the funds be used for?
Funding can be used to support a range of costs in planning and delivering your project, such as:
- Programme delivery
- Specialist screen education practitioners
- Training and professional development
- Safeguarding costs related to your project
- Showcase costs
- Access costs (for more information visit Creative Scotland's website).
This fund cannot support costs relating to:
- Filmmaking equipment hire or purchase
- Industry expert speakers
- Promotional merchandise
- Film licensing
How to apply
Applications to the Schools Screen Education Fund should be made through the Application Form available below and submitted by email to [email protected].
Before applying, all applicants must ensure they have read these fund guidelines and the application form in full. Please ensure you have read the information on who can and cannot apply to this fund and ensure you and your project are eligible before starting an application.
If you cannot access the internet to make an application, or need additional support, contact our Enquiries Service by emailing [email protected]
Information Sessions
If you are interested in applying to Screen Scotland through the Schools Screen Education Fund, we invite you attend an online information session, led by Gail Robertson, Screen Education Officer.
If you have any questions about the fund or its processes that are not addressed within the guidance or application form, please contact Screen Scotland’s Education Team - with Screen Education Fund Query in the subject line - by emailing [email protected]