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25 June 2025

Return to school grant 2025

Racing Welfare has once again launched our Return to School grant for those who currently work in or have retired from the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries and who have dependent, school age children (4-18 years).  This grant is awarded:

  • To assist with return to school expenses such as uniform and educational equipment.
  • To prevent financial difficulties for families with dependent school age children.  All awards are discretionary.

 

Eligibility criteria:

  • If you are currently employed or self-employed in or have retired from the horseracing and thoroughbred breeding industries. (See Appendix 1 for industry sectors and roles or please check if unsure).
  • Must have been employed in the horseracing and breeding industries for at least 12 months within the last 2 years.
  • Total household net income must be on or below the Joseph Rowntree Minimum Income Standard. A quick check tool can be found here.
  • All grant applications will be subject to a needs-based assessment and any statutory entitlements, where applicable, should have been applied for in the first instance.
  • Must be in receipt of Child benefit or Child tax credits
  • Savings threshold- savings should be below £6000.

 Further Information:

  • Grants will be awarded at £100 per child (4-18 years) up to a maximum of 4 children per family.
  • Grants are intended to help families purchase school uniform, P.E kit and other educational equipment needed to support a child back to school.
  • Applications should be made via the Lightning portal.
  • Applicants must provide 1 full month’s bank statements to evidence all household income (joint income where applicable) and household costs.
  • Evidence of child benefit must be provided.
  • Evidence of working in the industry must be provided such as payslips, P60, P45 or a letter or email from an employer.
  • Decisions will be processed within 10 working days.
  • A further 5 working days should be allowed for funds to be processed.
  • The fund will open on 4th July 2025 and close on 27th August 2025 or before if all available funds are used first.

Exclusions:

  • All those who have at any time been a licensed jockey, their partners and dependents will be referred to the Injured Jockeys Fund.
  • Non UK Residents

 

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