Sustainable Design Studio and ChangeX Grant for Schools 2026

Published 21st May 2026

New funding opportunity helps teachers create hands-on sustainability and manufacturing experiences

Design and technology teachers across the UK have the chance to transform waste plastic into powerful learning opportunities through the new ChangeX Grant for Schools 2026. Delivered in partnership with Sustainable Design Studio, the initiative offers schools a fully funded £20,000 recycling workspace designed to support practical sustainability education and real-world making.

The grant provides schools with access to professional recycling equipment, including shredders, extruders and injection machines, alongside moulds, consultancy and training. For teachers looking to strengthen learning around the circular economy, materials, manufacturing and product design, the funding could help bring ambitious classroom projects to life.

Helping teachers turn sustainability into practical learning

The programme has been designed to make recycling accessible for schools and community projects, with support available throughout the application process. Teachers can build a workspace that allows pupils to recycle waste plastic and turn it into new products, creating meaningful links between sustainability and hands-on design and technology learning.

From Key Stage projects to after-school clubs, the workspace can support pupils in developing practical manufacturing skills, creative thinking and problem-solving, while helping them understand the environmental impact of product design. Teachers are encouraged to outline the impact their project could have, including the number of students involved and the amount of plastic they aim to recycle locally.

Sustainable Design Studio is also offering free pre-application support to help schools strengthen their submissions and plan equipment choices effectively. Successful applicants will receive additional consultancy and training once funding is confirmed.

Applications for the grant close on the 19th June 2026. Schools selected later this summer will then be able to set up their recycling workspace and begin delivering practical, sustainability-focused learning experiences for pupils.

Find out more and apply today →

Additional local funding opportunities available in selected areas

Sustainable Design Studio has also confirmed that two additional recycling grants are now available in the UK for schools with a similar sustainability and plastic recycling focus. Teachers and schools should note that these opportunities are separate from the main £20,000 ChangeX grant and come with specific eligibility requirements.

These additional grants are only available to schools located in selected areas.

The grants are open exclusively to schools located in:

• Newport, Wales
• The West London boroughs of Ealing, Brent, and Hammersmith & Fulham

Eligible schools in these areas could receive up to £3,800 towards recycling equipment and sustainability initiatives.

Sustainable Design Studio has also confirmed that schools can apply for both the nationwide £20,000 ChangeX grant and the additional £3,800 location-specific funding. This gives schools the opportunity to support different stages or areas of their recycling and sustainability projects through separate funding streams.

Applications for the Newport and West London location-specific grants close on the 30^th June 2026, although teachers are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible because funding may be fully allocated before the closing date.

Further information and application links for all grants are available via Sustainable Design Studio.