New Fellowships focused on education in schools will open on 13 September 2022

Applications open on Tuesday 13 September for a programme of Churchill Fellowships exploring global approaches to improving or transforming how children and young people learn in schools. Run by the Churchill Fellowship in partnership with the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation, these Fellowships will fund up to 20 individuals to spend up to two months discovering new ideas and best practice from leading practitioners, anywhere in the world, in order to develop innovative solutions for the UK. 

Fellowships in this dedicated theme, Education in schools, will focus on any topic related to improving or transforming how children and young people learn in schools. Applications are particularly encouraged that explore ways to help children to enjoy good mental health, or that address the widening attainment gap affecting disadvantaged pupils, especially in STEM subjects. These may include applications that seek innovative ways to better equip and empower teachers to support the wellbeing and education of their students.

Churchill Fellowships are open to all adult UK citizens regardless of qualifications, background or age, and the international research can be carried out through travel, online or a combination of both.

Existing Fellows are already working in this field, using the ideas and knowledge acquired on their Fellowships to set up new organisations, influence policy, create new models of practice and deliver a range of other interventions. Some examples of their stories can be found here.

Julia Weston, Chief Executive of the Churchill Fellowship, said,

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation on a programme of Churchill Fellowships seeking new ideas and solutions from around the world to improve or transform how children and young people learn in schools. Every year we are inspired by the passion and determination of Churchill Fellows to make a difference to UK society, supported by the knowledge and ideas acquired through their Fellowship research. We look forward to welcoming applications from any UK citizen with a vision for change in this area.”

Mark Aspinall, Chairman, Mercers’ Company Young People & Education Committee, said,

“We are delighted to be a longstanding supporter of the Churchill Fellowship. The innovative projects supported though the ‘Education in Schools’ programme can really change how schools support the learning and wellbeing of those pupils most in need. With the recent pandemic disproportionately affecting children already facing disadvantage, these Fellowships are needed now more than ever. We are excited to see what the next cohort brings.”

This Fellowship programme is one of 12 Fellowship themes in topical issues which will open for applications on 13 September, all of which can be viewed here. Once selected, Fellows join a community of changemakers from all areas of society who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and sectors across the UK.

Applications for Churchill Fellowships can be made via our website from 13 September to 22 November, for projects to start in 2023. For details and to apply, visit www.churchillfellowship.org.