Let Teachers SHINE

Let Teachers SHINE is our flagship funding opportunity.

Each year, from October to January, we invite practising teachers from across England to submit their innovative ideas through a simple application process.

Winners receive up to £25,000 in funding over two years, along with tailored training and support.

SHINE is dedicated to empowering teachers with creative project ideas that can be tested and refined to enhance outcomes for socio-economically disadvantaged children in the North of England.


Shining stars

Some of the inspirational SHINE teachers delivering impact across the North

Lucy Huelin

Vocabulous

Studies show that 43% of Year 7 students arrive at secondary school with a poor vocabulary that limits their learning. During lockdown, York teacher Lucy Huelin conceived an innovative way of tackling the problem.

While creating her own online-teaching materials, Lucy began to envisage a fun and engaging online resource, for 10-13-year-olds, that would bring some of the benefits of learning Latin and Ancient Greek root words to all students, not just those in schools where classical subjects are offered.

Find out more

Evie Keough

Boromi

Evie is passionate about making play the cornerstone of early learning. She created Boromi to help young children and their families thrive through purposeful and meaningful play experiences.

With SHINE's support, Evie has created a nationwide community of in-school play libraries that help parents to support and nurture their child’s early development through powerful, purposeful play together at home.

Find out more

Olivia Richards

The Story Project

Following an insightful trip to America, Olivia became passionate about harnessing the magic of children’s stories to inspire lifelong wellbeing.

With the support of SHINE, The Story Project has grown from a germ of an idea to a successful social enterprise committed to helping schools deliver meaningful and impactful emotional literacy outcomes.

Find out more

Ebrahim Tafti

Arithmagicians

Maths teacher Ebrahim Tafti was inspired by the creator of Times Tables Rock Stars, Bruno Reddy, to develop an online programme to improve pupils’ confidence in arithmetic skills.

Ebrahim created a website to help children develop mental maths, a life skill he passionately believes can help people throughout their school journey and their adult lives.

Find out more

Amy How

One Tool, All of the Facts

Halifax-based Amy How has developed engaging ways children can use the rekenrek – a Dutch counting frame – to transform their number sense.

With support from SHINE, Amy has trained many teachers across Yorkshire in how best to use the rekenrek to help children to better understand mathematical concepts.

Find out more

Richard Cowie

Reading on Your Head

As an avid reader, Doncaster teacher Richard Cowie has always believed in the power of reading as a tool to elevate pupils’ potential and enable them to achieve their very best.

Support from SHINE is enabling Richard to develop Reading on Your Head, web-based reading support that children are able to access at home and in the classroom.

Find out more

Chris Williams

Chatta

In 2015, primary school teacher Chris Williams used his expertise in visual and language-based teaching to create Chatta, an online whole-class teaching method that incorporates pictures and storyboards to support spoken language and learning.

SHINE's backing means Chatta is being expanded to 50 schools across the North of England.

How to apply

We have designed the application process to be as simple and stress-free as possible. Here's how it works:

  • Firstly, click here to read our application guidelines and to find out the kinds of projects we will and won’t fund.
  • Once you’re ready to begin your application, scroll to the bottom of this page and click the “Apply” button. Please note that applications are open from mid-October to mid-January – you will only be able to access the form during this period. When available, clicking the button will open an online application form. Don’t worry, it’s straightforward, and if you hover over the questions, you’ll find extra information to help you complete it.
  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited to explain their idea, via video conferencing, to a small panel of people.
  • We are unable to give individual written feedback to unsuccessful applicants. However, applicants will be given the opportunity to call a member of our programme team at a specified time to receive verbal feedback on their application.
  • Keep checking this website for tips and further information.

Let Teachers SHINE Project updates