PLEASE NOTE:

Schools offering music as part of a carousel curriculum model are NOT eligible to apply.

Funding for tuition fees may NOT be included in the proposal.

Q2 2026 FUNDING ROUND KEY DATES:

Deadline for Expression of Interest submissions - 1 June 9:30AM

Notifications sent out to submit full application - 3 June 5:00 PM

Deadline to submit application - 29 June 12: 00 PM

Release of Funding Round Results - 3-6 July

Please note:

Schools offering music as part of a carousel curriculum model are NOT eligible to apply.

Funding for tuition fees may NOT be included in the proposal.

We deliver funding to non-fee-paying primary and secondary schools with the aim of giving every child access to musical instruments and tuition. The awards are one-off sums and schools must submit an Expression of Interest Form before being considered for an application. There’s a maximum allocation of £10,000 for primary schools and £20,000 for secondaries. We always encourage schools to apply for the maximum amount, and every application is carefully considered by the RTM UK Board of Trustees.

Please note:

• We’re concentrating on schools in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle for now

• Schools offering music as part of a carousel curriculum model are NOT eligible to apply.

• Funding for tuition fees may NOT be included in the proposal.

• Schools that have previously received an RTM School Music Award will be eligible to re-apply after a period of 5 years

Priority is given to schools in greatest need. You’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• You’re a non-fee-paying primary or secondary.

• The school has been established for a minimum of 3 years.

• Below average provision of musical instruments and tuition.

• Above average Free School Meals and Pupil Premium percentage.

• Secure storage space for the musical instruments and equipment.

Please note:

Schools offering music as part of a carousel curriculum model are NOT eligible to apply.

Funding for tuition fees may NOT be included in the proposal.

Step 1: Complete our Expression of Interest form online and submit. A downloadable version is available below. The actual form must be submitted online.

Step 2: Once we’ve been through the EoI submissions, we’ll contact eligible schools for a meeting with your Head of Music and Principal of the school. We’ll talk through the current music provision and education in your school, and how you want to grow it with our funding.

Step 3: The third stage is to submit the grant proposal – this is by invitation only. You will officially apply for specific funding, outlining what you’ll use it for, and what outcomes you expect.

Please note:

Schools offering music as part of a carousel curriculum model are NOT eligible to apply.

Funding for tuition fees may NOT be included in the proposal.

All our assessment forms must be filled out online.

Expression of Interest Forms will only be accepted during a live funding round. To apply, please keep an eye on the website where all details of the next funding round will be announced.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

• Click here to complete our online form →

APPLICATION FORM

• Click here to complete our online form →

• Click here to download the form →

CHARITY ONE SHEETER

• Click here to download the PDF →

BURSAR FINANCIAL REPORT: (To be completed by Financial Officer 3 months post receipt of RTM Award)

Click here to complete our online form →

IMPACT REPORT: (To be completed by Head of Music at the end of the academic year, for 3 consecutive years post receipt of RTM Award.)

Click here to complete our online form →