Funding
The 2026 funding aims to support research focusing on the professional development of early years workforce for a flourishing early years sector both in the UK and worldwide.
Through our Small Grants Fund, BERA awards funding annually to research on a different, pressing theme each year, with the intention that each project will:
The value of each individual award is up to £5,000 and BERA normally budgets for funding of up to three projects. In addition to the £5,000 award, if they are presenting their research at the BERA conference, the recipient will be able to claim back the cost of conference registration.
The 2026 funding aims to support research focusing on the professional development of early years workforce, for a flourishing early years sector both in the UK and worldwide. This theme reflects BERA’s commitment to the improvement of practice and to policy impact through evidence-based research. We invite applications within one or more of the following four areas:
Outputs
The key output is a final report of between 2,000-3,000 words to be published by BERA . Recipients of the funding are also expected to write at least one BERA Blog on the subject of their research and are strongly encouraged to submit their work to present at the BERA Conference. We may also consider holding bespoke events on the subject of each or collectively.
Educational researchers in any context, or at any career stage are invited to apply.
Each small grants recipient will be appointed a member of council as a point of contact throughout the duration of the project.
Criteria for assessment
Proposals are submitted on a proforma (see below) and each proposal is judged as to how well the aims and objectives of the proposed research address the priority theme and are rigorous in their approach.
Applications are scored in the first instance by BERA’s College of Reviewers and assessed as to:
*BERA’s work is based on building meaningful, enduring, and respectful relationships across different peoples and cultures. To do this successfully, requires a strong commitment to EDI and this commitment extends to all aspects of our work. When we talk about EDI at BERA, we mean treating people fairly, impartially and without bias creating conditions which encourage and value diversity, promote dignity and inclusion and a culturally sensitive approach. For more details see BERA’s Equality Policy
BERA reserves the right not to award a grant if insufficient quality proposals are submitted. All applicants must be a current individual member of BERA and where possible, teams of researchers should include an early career researcher. This award will be judged in the first instance by the BERA College of Reviewers, with members of Leadership Committee making the final decision. In line with our wider discussions on equality and diversity, the ethnicity, gender and institutional affiliation of all applications will be collected and monitored.
We regret that as a small-scale funder, and a registered charity relying on the volunteer labour of our members, BERA is not able to offer feedback on individual applications and correspondence will not be entered into.
Participation
BERA aims for these projects to make contributions to the discipline. Applicants are encouraged to identify audiences beyond teacher educators such as training teachers and policymakers to maximise its impact and contribution to debates.
Format for the Final Report
The Final Report should not exceed 3000 words, excluding title and references. Estimates for word count are indicated per section to indicate the expected text balance.
Participation
It should be noted that we wish to encourage the development of research capacity through involving postgraduate students and early career researchers.
Research Ethics
The host organisation is responsible for ensuring that ethical issues relating to the research project are identified and brought to the attention of the relevant approval or regulatory body. Approval to undertake the research must be granted before any work requiring approval begins. Ethical issues should be interpreted broadly and may encompass, among other things, relevant codes of practice, the involvement of human participants, tissue or data in research, the use of animals, research that may result in damage to the environment and the use of sensitive economic, social or personal data.
If you require this application in a different format for accessibility reasons, please contact [email protected]
You must be a BERA member to apply
Download the Application Form Here
Upload your completed form via the ‘apply now’ button above or below.
The file name of the application form must be in this format:
APPLICANT LAST NAME. APPLICANT FIRST NAME. SMALL GRANTS FORM.
Documents not recieved in this format will be ineligible for consideration.
How prescriptive is the brief in terms of methodology, partnerships, or project design?
The brief is deliberately broad, allowing applicants to shape their project in the way that best suits their aims. We are not prescriptive about methodology, partnerships, types of data, forms of impact, or project scale. However, proposals should clearly demonstrate the rigour of the chosen approach and explain the rationale behind the design.
Can the application be completed in collaboration with another organisation? Can it involve teachers/practitioners in other contexts?
Yes, collaborative applications are welcome, including those involving teachers and practitioners across different contexts.
Can MA students apply?
Yes. Applications are welcome from individuals at all career stages, including MA students.
What is the project timeline?
Projects are expected to begin in September 2026 and run for approximately 9 months.
When will we find out if we are successful?
We aim to announce the winning projects in July
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 15 May.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant can cover a range of project-related costs. Please refer to the Grant Costing Guide for full details.
How does invoicing work?
We will invoice your institution rather than individuals. Payments are typically made in two instalments:
Can I apply if I have previously received BERA funding? Can I submit more than one proposal?
Yes, previous recipients of BERA funding are eligible to apply. You may also submit multiple proposals.
Can private consultancies apply and work with schools?
Yes, private consultancies are eligible to apply and may collaborate with schools as part of the project.
Does ethical approval need to be secured before applying?
Ethical approval must be in place prior to starting your project.
What is the success rate?
We typically receive between 60 and 80 applications and fund around 4 to 6 projects.
Can you provide examples of previously funded projects?
Examples of funded projects and their outputs can be found here:
https://www.bera.ac.uk/publication-series/professional-learning-for-teacher-educators-bera-small-gr…
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