Case study: The Queen Katherine School
How The Queen Katherine School in Kendal successfully applied for funding to refurbish their science laboratory
Please note that this application followed our previous two-stage funding process.
We introduced a one-stage application process in 2025.
The project
The Queen Katherine School wanted to refurbish a dated science classroom, transforming it into a specialist chemistry laboratory. Their aim was to rejuvenate the space with a modern design that would ignite the curiosity of students. Long term, the school wanted to increase student engagement and interest in science, particularly in chemistry, and inspire students to consider opportunities at A-level and beyond.
The organisation
The Queen Katherine School is an 11-18 Academy serving Kendal and the surrounding area. The school also sits within The Fells Multi Academy Trust. Their vision is that all students are supported and stretched to reach their potential and leave as happy, well-rounded individuals with the knowledge to gain qualifications and skills needed for the next stage in their lives.
The funding
The team at the Queen Katherine School had identified a need for improved science facilities, particularly for chemistry. Capital funding was needed to totally refurbish and modernise one of the existing science classrooms.
Jon Hayes, Headteacher at the Queen Katherine School, said: “As soon as we had obtained the designs and quotes for the project, we were in a position to apply for funding. I had been aware of the Wolfson Foundation for a number of years as they are well known within school networks as a capital funder.”
In 2023, their application was successful and the school was awarded a grant of £65,200 to support the project.
Grant Fact File
Grant Programme:
Secondary schools and sixth form colleges
Year awarded:
2023
Amount:
£65,200
Project location:
The Queen Katherine School, Kendal
The Queen Katherine School
Key milestones
Jon Hayes, Headteacher at The Queen Katherine School, outlines the key milestones for the refurbishment project.
Identifying the need
We had known that an updated science laboratory was needed for a while. We were aware that the existing facilities were putting students off the study of science, and we wanted to fix this by creating a new space with new facilities. Ultimately, we hoped that these new facilities would engage more students, and then improve uptake in Chemistry in Year 12.
Obtaining designs and quotes
The initial designs were developed in September 2022. We approached an external contractor with our requirements, and they provided a quote for the full fit-out. From the outset, it was important to have a clear understanding of the cost and how much the school could commit to the project.
Preparing our Stage 1 application
We prepared our Stage 1 application to the Wolfson Foundation, following the information detailed on the website. I wrote the application but consulted senior management and the science department for their advice.
Invitation to apply for Stage 2 & a call with the team at the Wolfson Foundation
Once our Stage 1 application had been approved, we were invited to apply for Stage 2. This stage requires more information, so I took advantage of the opportunity offered for a video call with the Programme Team at the Wolfson Foundation for guidance.
Confirmation of funding
We received confirmation that we had been awarded £65,200 to fund the project in June 2023.
Work on site
We wanted to move fast to get building work completed before the summer holidays, as it is always more difficult to manage external contractors over the break. We shifted classes so that work could happen on site during term time. Work started in July 2023, and was completed by the end of that month.
Work completed
The specialist chemistry laboratory was complete ready for the next term, and students were using the facilities from September 2023. Having the work complete and ready to go was a big boost for the school, as well as the science department.
- The school provided a clear overview of their project with well-defined aims and outcomes. They emphasised both the practical and educational benefits of the refurbishment, particularly how the new laboratory would inspire their students to study chemistry at GCSE, A level and beyond.
Claire Samber, Programme Manager (Heritage, Arts & Schools)
The impact
Dani Bayram, Science Faculty Lead at The Queen Katherine School said, “The new chemistry laboratory has been a fantastic addition to our existing teaching spaces. It has allowed our students to experience the very best learning environment for chemistry and provided them with impressive practical opportunities. Our A-Level chemistry students in particular have benefitted from the improved and up-to-date laboratory facilities; building a wide repertoire of practical and investigative skills as a result.”
The new laboratory. Credit: Jon Hayes
Looking ahead
Jon said, “Longer term, we would like to incorporate the new laboratory space into our transition work with primary schools. Year 5 students come to the school to get a feel for what secondary school will be like, and it will be great to give them some time in the lab making use of the new facilities. They are always keen to try some science in a proper lab, and our hope is that this early interaction with the new space will help inspire a love of science from an early age.”
Christmas experiments in the lab. Credit: The Queen Katherine School.
What would your top tips be for a similar organisation applying for funding?
Make sure you have a really clear idea of costs so that your application will provide the amount you need. Given the continual rise in prices, it’s imperative to verify that the figures are up-to-date when submitting your application
Start early so you have time to re-draft your application
Take advantage of the support on offer from the Wolfson Foundation, and act on any feedback or guidance given
