Primary Award Winners 2025/26 Autumn - Details

Here is a round-up of the primary awards granted so far in the autumn term of the 2025/26 academic year.   Primary schools are allowed one grant of up to £1,000 per academic year.  Each successful application has to satisfy our award criteria which you can find here.  We wish all the schools every success with their wonderful projects and are very pleased to have helped them "make a big difference with a little money".

School Location

Subject

Focus

Details
Hertingfordbury Cowper C/E Hertford English A range of Little Wandle Fluency book sets across levels 1 - 10 to develop fluency and address gaps in Y3 and beyond in this new resource being introduced this academic year.  The expected increase in reading ability and fluency will positively impact their entire learning journey across the curriculum.
St. Margaret Clitherow RC Stevenage English

Collins Big Cat book sets ranging across 3 colour bands and the York Assessment of Reading for Comprehension Complete Set resource.

The range of books will help give more texts to match the wide range of reading abilities in Y2 and Y3 and so improve accessibility and engagement.

The assessment tool we aim to purchase will support staff in delivering more targeted intervention by identifying specific reading gaps, monitoring progress, and tailoring support accordingly. This is particularly important in upper Key Stage 2, where some of their pupils continue to struggle with foundational reading skills, which can hinder their access to the wider curriculum.

Woolenwick Infant Stevenage PE

Foam javelin pack, Kurling stone set and a multi-sport skills bundle to provide a fun and effective way to develop the children's gross and fine motor skills and widen the sports available for PE lessons and breaktime activities.  The Y5/6 sports leaders from their sister junior school will be heavily involved with training the pupils in the sports/activities, particularly at lunch times which will aid their leadership skills as well as building resiliance and cooperation in the infant children.

Kingshill Infant Ware English

Read Write Inc. Phonics Comprehension Easy Buy Pack (400 total books + teacher's handbook/answers) to build on the same strategies the children know from their phonics programme but at a more advanced level.   Pupils are challenged to tackle rich and ambitious texts, while learning new comprehension strategies such as inference, prediction and explanation. This means they don’t just read fluently, they think deeply about the meaning, explore new vocabulary, and discuss ideas with confidence.    Ruth Miskin training comes free and lesson plans/resources can be copied for years of future use.

Thundridge Ware Multi

A Clevertouch 65" interactive whiteboard for a storage outbuilding they have managed to renovate into a workspace.  The new space and board will mainly be used for phonics workshops for reception, Y1 and children from all year groups who need to catch up but the facility can also be used for group teaching of all subjects across the curriculum.

Hillshott Infant/ Nursery Letchworth G.C. English

21 sets of 12 books from the Collins Big Cat range following the adoption of the Little Wandle phonics scheme in 2021.  These titles will greatly expand the titles on offer to help maintain interest and embed phonics learning and are focussed on catering for the children with higher reading abilities who have benefitted from the introduction of the scheme and need to be challenged further.

Samuel Ryder Academy St. Albans PE

30x junior football shirts for their U10 and U11 A + B teams to wear during matches as they have no school team kit at present.  The shirts will drive pupil belonging and the importance of representing their school sports team and create excitement and develop the culture of school sport.  The school aims to set up teams for U9 and possibly U8 in the future.

Rickmansworth Park JMI Rickmansworth STEM

2 x touchscreen Chromebooks and 6x Beebots.   The Chromebooks will add to existing class sets to enable each child to have their own device.  They are used for a wide variety of work in the computing, D&T, literacy, art and maths curriculum, such as coding, photography, writing, reading comprehension, digital art, video production, Computer Aided Design, Stop-motion animation, spreadsheets etc.

The beebots will support the learning of will support the learning of early coding skills in Reception and Year 1, helping them learn vitally important physical computing skills which are an excellent foundation for their on-screen coding later on in school.  Rickmansworth Park is known as a centre of excellence in computing and this equipment will also benefit staff from many other schools who visit for Inset/CPA and to borrow equipment such as the beebots.

Hobbs Hill Wood Hemel Hempstead Multi Focus

Eight AverVision U50 visualisers  for classrooms and small teaching rooms. Following a successful trial, visualisers have proven highly effective for modelling learning, showcasing pupils’ work, and promoting discussion—particularly in English and Science. Teachers can project pupils’ work onto the interactive whiteboard for instant analysis, annotation, and peer feedback, helping children understand success criteria and improve collaboratively. The devices also enhance STEM demonstrations and writing modelling, supporting visual and kinaesthetic learners. Used across all Years 1–6, the visualisers will boost engagement, confidence, and reflective learning for over 360 pupils, while supporting teachers in delivering clear, interactive, and inclusive lessons.

St. Mary's C/E Junior Ware English

A whole-school Shakespeare Workshop and 62 copies of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to engage all Year 3–6 pupils in interactive, age-appropriate drama and literature. The workshop, delivered by Sky Blue Theatre, includes differentiated sessions for Lower and Upper Key Stage 2, developing pupils’ confidence, creativity, and understanding of character, theme, and language. Using the books alongside the workshop enables pupils to read, perform, and discuss scenes, supporting English curriculum objectives in speaking, listening, and comprehension. The experience builds on the school’s previous Macbeth project and prepares pupils for studying Shakespeare at secondary level, fostering a lasting enthusiasm for classic literature and performance.

Christ Church C/E Infant/Primary Ware STEM

A set of five VU Data Loggers with charging tray and 12 TTS Easi Stopwatches to enhance science teaching across all Year Groups 1–6 and STEM clubs. Pupils will use the stopwatches to measure time accurately and the data loggers to record temperature, light, and sound changes during investigations, improving precision and understanding of fair testing. These tools will make science hands-on and evidence-based, linking with computing and geography through data handling and environmental monitoring projects such as the gardening club’s biodiversity studies. Teachers and pupils will gain stronger practical and analytical skills, increasing engagement, confidence, and scientific curiosity across the school.

Maple St. Albans STEM

Six Sphero Indi Student Kits to introduce coding and sequencing to EYFS and Key Stage 1 pupils. These colour-coded robots allow children to learn early programming skills without needing to read or write, building confidence and curiosity through hands-on exploration. The kits will also support new EAL learners and pupils in the school’s hearing impairment unit, enabling them to demonstrate understanding through action rather than language. By developing problem-solving, sequencing, and teamwork skills at an early age, pupils will be better prepared for Microbit programming in KS2, creating a clear progression in digital learning and inspiring all children to enjoy computing through inclusive, accessible, and creative play. 

Pirton Hitchin Multi- Focus

Three Apple iPads with cases, adapters, and management licences to enhance digital learning across all Year Groups (Reception–Year 6). Initially, the devices will support Years 3 and 4 in preparing for the national Multiplication Tables Check through interactive practice on Times Tables Rockstars, ensuring equal access for pupils without home devices. The iPads will also be used throughout the curriculum for Science investigations, PE timing and performance recording, and phonics and writing activities in English. Teachers will use them to capture photos and videos for assessment and the school blog, improving parental engagement. The project promotes digital literacy, inclusivity, and motivation through practical, technology-enhanced learning.

Aycliffe Drive Hemel Hempstead PE

Two 5x3 folding football goals, two 6x4 folding football goals, and five footballs to expand wraparound and wellbeing provision for pupils across Years 1–6. The equipment will be used in PE lessons, breakfast, lunchtime, and after-school groups, supporting around 334 pupils, including those with emotional or attendance challenges. Football sessions help vulnerable children regulate emotions, build confidence, and develop teamwork while promoting physical health and social inclusion. The goals will also enhance structured activities for children who find the playground environment overwhelming, encouraging positive engagement throughout the school day and contributing to improved attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing across the whole school community. 

Gade Valley Hemel Hempstead English

Four curated book collections for the library including books for lower and higher ability readers, picture books for younger pupils, and recent releases to refresh and diversify its reading resources. Used by all eight classes (Years R–6), the books have been carefully chosen with input from pupil librarians and teachers to reflect the interests and reading levels of 242 pupils. The new titles will help all children find engaging, accessible reads that build fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. By creating a vibrant, inclusive library space, the project aims to nurture a lifelong love of reading, strengthen academic progress in English, and inspire curiosity and imagination across the whole school. 

Cunningham Hill Infants St. Albans STEM

Two Bee-Bot Classroom Sets and one Sphero Indi Student Kit to support coding and problem-solving across EYFS to Year 2. These hands-on devices teach sequencing, algorithms, and logical thinking without requiring reading or writing, making them ideal for SEN and EAL learners who benefit from visual and tactile approaches. Around 180 pupils will develop early computing skills through interactive play, teamwork, and exploration. The resources will also enhance learning in maths and science, and support the Year 2 coding club for pupils needing confidence-building opportunities. Durable and accessible, these tools strengthen the school’s inclusive STEM provision and build on its recent I Belong STEM certification achievement.

Shephalbury Park Stevenage Multi- Focus

A range of programmable and recordable learning tools, including Bee-Bots, Clever Cat remote-control toys, recordable binoculars and clipboards, mini mobile phones, and interactive wall charts. These resources will support Reception to Year 2 pupils—particularly SEND learners—through hands-on programming and early communication development. The Clever Cats will introduce sequencing and direction skills in Reception, progressing to Bee-Bot coding in Year 1. Recordable devices will enhance oracy, enabling pupils to record, listen, and refine spoken language in and beyond the classroom. The wall charts will help children link spoken words with images, strengthening verbal expression, confidence, and comprehension. Together, these tools foster early STEM learning, creativity, and inclusive communication.

Chorleywood Chorleywood English

A comprehensive Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics resource set, including Grey and Yellow storybook packs, Green and Red word cards, and Complex Speed Sounds posters to strengthen literacy teaching across EYFS, KS1, and lower KS2. These structured, evidence-based materials will enable all pupils to build secure phonics knowledge, fluency, and confidence in reading and writing. The resources support whole-school consistency, helping teachers deliver high-quality, systematic lessons that close gaps for SEND and disadvantaged learners while extending higher achievers. The project directly addresses the school’s development plan priorities by raising attainment in phonics and reading comprehension, improving engagement, and supporting literacy progress across the wider curriculum.

Alban City St. Albans STEM

Three LEGO Education Spike Prime Kits and one ZIP Halo HD Kit to expand practical coding opportunities across Year 5 and specialist intervention groups. The additional LEGO kits will reduce sharing from six to two pupils per set, allowing 60 learners to gain deeper, hands-on experience in robotics, engineering, and coding. The kits will also support an Eddison Group for pupils with additional learning needs and an after-school enrichment club, reaching around 80 pupils overall. The ZIP Halo kit will enable 1:1 sessions that combine programming with emotional and social development. These reusable, subscription-free tools enhance creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital confidence, building on the school’s success in national computing competitions.

Camp Primary St. Albans STEM

Five Chromebooksto replace ageing DfE-issued devices and maintain essential digital access across all year groups. The Chromebooks are used daily for online reading programmes, maths and English learning, science research, PE analysis, and statutory assessments such as the Reception Baseline and Year 4 Times Tables Check. They also support SEND pupils who use typing and speech-to-text tools to record their learning independently. In addition, the new devices will be used in after-school tech clubs, fostering digital literacy and confidence. Reliable access to Chromebooks enables every pupil to engage with adaptive learning platforms, narrowing attainment gaps, improving motivation, and supporting consistent progress across the curriculum.

Ashwell Baldock STEM

Five Kapla Pedagogical Sets, a Challenge set and school set of Kapla books to extend learning from a whole-school KAPLA Clubs UK Giant STEM Construction Workshop. Each set includes 1,000 Kapla planks, books, and challenge cards, allowing pupils in Nursery to Year 6 to explore engineering, maths, and design principles through hands-on construction. The activity promotes understanding of balance, symmetry, and structural stability while fostering creativity and problem-solving. The open-ended nature of Kapla enables differentiation for SEN pupils and supports teamwork, communication, and perseverance. The durable, reusable planks will be used in lessons, STEM clubs, and holiday activities, reinforcing core mathematical and scientific concepts while inspiring curiosity, collaboration, and confidence across the whole school.

Stevenage and North Herts. Writing Project Stevenage and North Hert English

Edufund UK are once again proud to be a sponsor of the annual Stevenage and North Hertfordshire Writing Project, involving 18 Hertfordshire schools and around 5,500 pupils.   This year, we will be supplying 165 copies of the chosen class text.  This amazing initiative brings schools together to raise writing standards and to foster a love of writing through creative, cross-curricular approaches.  Each school studies the same book, using drama, art, and shared learning experiences to inspire high-quality writing outcomes.  The project culminates in a celebration event showcasing pupils’ achievements.  Providing every class with its own copy of the shared text ensures full participation, consistent teaching materials, and equitable access to engaging, high-quality literature that strengthens writing, creativity, and collaboration across schools.

St. Meryl Watford English

Alba Series phonics books and activity books, a two-year Essential Writing subscription, and multiple copies of six classic picture books to strengthen reading and writing provision across the school. The Alba Series supports older struggling readers with dyslexia or reading difficulties through age-appropriate, decodable, confidence-building texts featuring inclusive stories and a strong female lead. The Essential Writing subscription from Herts for Learning provides text-based planning resources that develop writing through high-quality literature, drama, and discussion, aligned with the EYFS framework. The selected picture books, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Owl Babies, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, will underpin early writing units from the subscription. Together, these resources enhance literacy progression, motivation, and attainment for all pupils.

Bernards Heath Infant and Nursery St. Albans STEM

Five Sphero Indi Robot Coding devices to introduce hands-on, visual coding experiences across all year groups from Nursery to Year 2. These robots allow children to create physical code sequences using coloured tiles, supporting teamwork, problem-solving, and early algorithmic thinking. Because the system is colour-based, it is accessible to pupils who find reading or maths challenging, ensuring inclusive participation.   A free app. introduces block-programming functionality when pupils are ready.  The devices will enable interactive computing lessons and open opportunities for a computing club to extend learning beyond the classroom. This investment will build foundational programming and logical reasoning skills while inspiring curiosity, collaboration, and creativity across the early years and Key Stage 1.

St. Mary's C/E Rickmansworth Multi- Focus

A range of 19 high-quality KS2 reading books and one TTS Easi-Headphones Classroom Bundle (15 headphones) to enhance literacy and digital learning across KS2 The books, including titles such as Varjak Paw, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Boy at the Back of the Class, will refresh class libraries with diverse, engaging texts that foster empathy, critical thinking, and a love of reading. The headphones will enable pupils to access reading and comprehension apps, record and edit podcasts, and engage fully in computing and cross-curricular multimedia projects. Together, these resources strengthen both reading fluency and digital competence, supporting inclusive, creative learning for all pupils.

Wheatfields Junior St. Albans STEM

Three LEGO Education SPIKE Prime sets will be used to strengthen the Key Stage 2 computing and design technology curriculum. These kits provide an engaging, hands-on way for pupils to build models using sensors and motors, then bring them to life through Scratch-based block coding. Children will learn to design, write, and debug programs, deepening their understanding of sequencing, repetition, and logical problem-solving. The prototyping tools support DT outcomes by enabling pupils to plan, construct, test, and evaluate functional products. Benefiting 360 pupils across 12 classes, plus holiday-club attendees, the sets promote creativity, teamwork, and technological confidence while directly supporting national curriculum goals in both Computing and DT.

Heathlands School for the Deaf St. Albans STEM

One full-day animal workshop delivered by a specialist science teacher fluent in BSL will provide hands-on, sensory learning for pupils in KS1 and KS2.   Interacting directly with live animals helps deaf learners access scientific ideas that are often abstract when taught through text alone. Pupils will explore classification, habitats, adaptation, life processes, and nutrition while learning and reinforcing key scientific vocabulary alongside the correct BSL signs. The workshop also strengthens enquiry skills through questioning, prediction, and guided observation. Follow-up activities such as classification tasks, research projects, habitat posters, and cross-curricular writing will extend learning. This experience enhances both science understanding and expressive language development for 53 pupils across 8 classes.

Roselands Hoddesdon PE

2 × Outdoor Table Tennis Tables, Outdoor Table Tennis Bats (4-pack), Table Tennis Balls (72-pack).

These table-tennis resources will be used across the whole school in PE lessons and extra-curricular clubs, giving pupils regular access to an inclusive, low-impact sport that develops coordination, reaction time, focus, and strategic thinking. Table tennis is particularly valuable for pupils who may not engage confidently in traditional team sports, offering a motivating activity that supports physical literacy and sustained participation. The additional bats and balls ensure multiple pupils can practise simultaneously, enabling skill development, cooperative play, and structured lunchtime or club sessions. This equipment provides durable, long-term provision for pupils in all year groups.