Return to School Grant – helping racing families with back to school expenses

Racing Welfare have this week launched the 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).

The grant aims to ease the financial pressures that are incurred with the start of the new school year, and will be awarded at £100 per school-age child up to a maximum of £400 per household. Applications for our grants can be made via our secure online portal (Lightning), however for those who require support with their applications we will be hosting drop-in sessions across the country, details of which can be found here.

This grant is awarded:

• To assist with return to school expenses, such as uniforms and educational equipment.

• To prevent financial difficulties for families with dependent school-age children. Applicants must have been employed within the horseracing or Thoroughbred breeding industry for at least 12 months within the last two years.  All awards are discretionary and subject to the eligibility criteria.

• Grants are awarded at £100 per child up to a maximum of 4 children.

More information can be found here: Return To School Grant – 2026

Applications close on 4^th September 2026, and all enquiries are confidential.