RFAs: Sustainable Drainage Systems in Schools Grant (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 02-Nov-2026

The Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Schools Grant Scheme provides funding to eligible organisations in England to design and install sustainable drainage features that reduce surface water flood risk on school estates. Led by the Department for Education (DfE) through the Schools Water Strategy, the programme can fund up to 50% of eligible SuDS project costs, with applicants required to provide at least 50% match funding. Sustainable Drainage Systems in Schools Grant Scheme – Overview The SuDS in Schools Grant Scheme is part of the Department for Education’s wider Schools Water Strategy and uses an invest-to-save approach to improve water management and climate resilience across school estates. The programme recognises that surface water flooding can damage school property, disrupt education, place pressure on sewer systems, and create wider environmental risks. By introducing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), schools can manage rainfall closer to where it falls rather than allowing large volumes of water to enter drainage and sewer networks. What Are Sustainable Drainage Systems? Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are drainage features designed to manage rainwater in a more natural and sustainable way. Instead of rapidly directing rainfall into conventional drainage systems, SuDS can: Improve understanding of sustainable water management. Provide educational opportunities for pupils and communities. Every funded project must also deliver an educational session about the installed SuDS features. Who Is Eligible? The programme is open to eligible organisations involved in managing, supporting, or improving school estates in England.

Eligible applicants include:

Lead Local Flood Authorities. Water companies. Non-profit organisations. State-funded nursery schools. State-funded primary schools. State-funded secondary schools. Alternative provision settings. Voluntary aided schools. Applicants should ensure that their organisation and proposed school project meet all mandatory eligibility requirements before submitting an application. School Eligibility Requirements The proposed project must relate to an eligible school estate in England. Schools that are scheduled for rebuilding within the next three to five years are not eligible for the programme. This restriction helps ensure that grant-funded SuDS infrastructure provides meaningful and lasting benefits rather than being affected by planned major redevelopment. Project Duration Funded projects must be completed within three financial years. Applicants should therefore develop a realistic implementation timetable covering: The application process involves several stages, so applicants should prepare their evidence and project information carefully.

Step 1: Identify the Flood Risk

Explain the surface water problem affecting the school or school estate. Applicants should provide evidence such as: Previous flooding. Known surface water risks. Drainage problems. Local flood-risk information. Impacts on school operations or facilities.

Step 2: Develop the SuDS Proposal

Identify the appropriate SuDS intervention for the site.

Explain:

What will be installed. Where it will be installed. How it will manage rainfall. Why the proposed solution is suitable. How the project will reduce surface water risk.

Step 3: Demonstrate Environmental Benefits

Explain the wider environmental outcomes of the project.

These may include:

Biodiversity improvements. New or enhanced greenspace. Reduced urban heat. Better water quality. Increased climate resilience.

Step 4: Prepare the Project Budget

Calculate the total cost of the SuDS project and identify the amount requested from DfE. Remember that the DfE contribution can cover up to 50%, meaning applicants must demonstrate their ability to provide the required match funding.

Step 5: Provide Supporting Evidence

Applicants should submit all evidence required by the application process. Evidence should clearly support the project’s need, feasibility, environmental benefits, costs, and expected outcomes.

Step 6: Include the Educational Component

Every proposed project must include an educational session about the installed SuDS features. Explain how pupils or the wider school community will learn about the drainage system and sustainable water management.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Applications will undergo a structured assessment process, including mandatory eligibility checks and assessment against the programme’s award criteria. Applicants should ensure that all required supporting evidence is submitted before the deadline. How Applications Are Assessed Applications are assessed through several stages.

The process includes:

Initial sift: Applications are checked against mandatory selection criteria.

Discretionary exclusion check: Applications may be reviewed for relevant exclusion considerations.

Award assessment: Eligible applications are assessed against the programme’s award criteria.

Moderation: Assessments are reviewed and moderated.

Outcome notification: Applicants are informed of the result.

Key Assessment Criteria Applications may be assessed on factors including:

Leaving out the educational session: Every project must include an educational session about the installed SuDS.

Ignoring the rebuilding restriction: Schools scheduled for rebuilding within three to five years are not eligible.

Underestimating payment-in-arrears requirements: Applicants should have sufficient resources to manage project expenditure before reimbursement.

Submitting incomplete evidence: All required supporting documents and evidence must be provided by the deadline.

Why It Matters The SuDS in Schools Grant Scheme offers an opportunity to combine flood-risk management, climate adaptation, environmental improvement, and education within school estates. Well-designed SuDS projects can help schools reduce their exposure to surface water flooding while creating greener and more educational outdoor envir