Guidance Notes for Capital Grant Applications 2026-27
Where is the funding from?
The funding has been allocated as part of Kent's Integrated Transport programme for 2026-27.
This is the small scheme investment programme for highways and transportation improvements across the county. A key objective of the Integrated Transport programme is to develop schemes which encourage sustainable travel and reduce congestion.
School travel plans - maintained by annual reviews - and the support and buy-in of Kent schools are viewed as key components of this objective.
What funding is available?
Capital grants of up to £5,000 per school (exc. VAT), subject to available funds and a competitive bidding process.
Bids which can demonstrate match funding - from the school or another source - will be looked upon favourably, although this is not a requirement of the bidding process.
When and how will the funding be allocated?
We expect successful applicants will be notified in July 2026 by email and will be asked to sign an online Funding Agreement, outlining the key Terms and Conditions of the grant. For more information about what is required should your bid be successful, see Grant Funding: Your Agreement.
Schools will be expected to fund all projects up-front and invoice Kent County Council 
example on completion of the works. Proof of purchase, such as copies of contractor invoices and photographs, will be required. Please note that invoices will be paid net of VAT. For example, if the project costs £4,000 (net) + £800 (VAT) = £4,800 (total) the school will invoice KCC for £4,000.
Schools will be required to self-manage all funded projects including procurement and installation.
Your final invoice and proof of legitimate use of these funds - including photos of the completed project - must be received by Friday 26th February 2027.
What can the funding be spent on?
This is capital funding that can be spent on any physical feature within the school grounds which you can demonstrate will support the aims, objectives and targets within your School Travel Plan. Categories include:
- Cycle/scooter storage - This could include, secure, sheltered, open or closed cycle or scooter storage of any size or capacity. This also refers to the replacement of old structures for new.
- Improved walking facilities - This refers to any change to the physical infrastructure on site, that will improve opportunities for walking (e.g. Welly Storage).
- Footpath improvements - Creation of a new pathway for people who are scooting, cycling or walking on the school site, or resurfacing or refreshing markings on an existing pathway.
- Bus pick-up and drop-off facilities - This might be seating or a shelter for students to use whilst waiting for buses on the school site.
- EV charging points - It could also be used for electric vehicle (EV) charge points to help encourage EV use amongst your staff and visitors.
Please note: the above list is not exhaustive, and innovative bids will be looked on favourably.
For more examples of how schools have used their Capital Grant Funding, please view the Inspiration page.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to apply for this funding you must:
- Have in place, or be drafting, a "current" and well-maintained School Travel Plan; this means your School Travel Plan will have been approved in 2022 or more recently, and you will have kept the document maintained through the completion of the annual reviews. Please note: if you do not have a current and well-maintained plan in place at the moment, we can help you start a new School Travel Plan (STP), using the easy-to-follow template on your Jambusters profile. You can email or call us for support with this - ActiveTravel@kent.gov.uk
- We appreciate some schools will have recently completed a new STP but please note that an Annual Review will need to be completed as part of the application process.
- Not have accepted funding in the last round (financial year 2026/27) of KCC's capital grant awards. Unsuccessful applicants in that year may still apply.
- Have fully completed the Annual Review, including the 'Hands Up' travel survey data for 2026, together with the Capital Grant application section on this site, and have submitted this online by Friday 12th June 2026. If you are not already registered click here or to login click here
- Be able to fully implement your scheme before the deadline of Friday 26th February 2027. Schools should check if planning permission is required prior to submitting the Capital Grant application, which may affect you being able to implement the scheme within the timings required.
How will applications be assessed?
All applications will be objectively scored and assessed based on the information provided in the Application Form.
Applications will be assessed by the Active Travel Interventions group. This team is part of the Road Safety & Active Travel team, which sits within the KCC Highways & Transportation department.
All applicants will be informed by email of the outcome of the assessment process no later than 5pm on Friday 3rd July 2026.
The decision of the assessment panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into concerning unsuccessful applications.
Who can I contact for further advice and clarification?
The Active Travel Team:
email: ActiveTravel@kent.gov.uk
