What is the School Transport Bursary?
We want to provide kick-start financial support to schools to help them engage in visits to Durham Cathedral for the purpose of Learning and Engagement. We know that organising a learning visit means there is a financial outlay for schools, parents and carers. We do all we can to keep the activity costs as low as possible but we recognise that transport can be a barrier.
This bursary scheme is for schools in the Diocese of Durham who have a high level of eligibility for free school meals who have not yet built a visit to Durham Cathedral in their learning programme. It is to encourage a first point of engagement in the hope it will lead to a rewarding relationship between us and your school, which will benefit children and communities alike.
Who funds the School Transport Bursary?
Thanks to the Friends of Durham Cathedral, we have 10 bursaries of up to £500 to help with transport costs for schools. We are hugely grateful for their support to our commitment to our local communities.
The bursary is due to run from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2027.
Am I eligible for a grant from the School Transport Bursary? Here are the criteria:
Organisation and location
Your school is located within the Diocese of Durham (Darlington, County Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, South Tyneside, Stockton on Tees or Sunderland authority areas), and is a recognised school, academy or educational organisation.
Free school meal eligibility
Your school has a percentage of children eligible for free school meals of 33% or higher.
Reason for visiting
You are visiting in order to partcipate in a guided activity organised and run by the Learning & Engagement team at Durham Cathedral.
This is new to you
No groups from your school have visited Durham Cathedral in any capacity since January 2022.
Enquiry form
You have completed an enquiry form and agreed a date and visit in principle with the Learning & Engagement team.
You have also completed the bursary application form in full, which includes supplying three quotes from transport providers.
Visit date
Your visit takes place within six months of the bursary being agreed, and before 31 August 2027.
How does the process work?
If you need any further help, please email Sarah Dellar, Learning & Engagement Manager
