Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions

This grant is for state-funded schools and education institutions. 

It is available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If your institution is in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, it is not eligible.  

You must have:  

• an existing or future need for charging an electric vehicle  

• designated off-street parking facilities that are clearly associated with your premises (the parking may be used by customers, guests, visitors, staff or others)  

• not have applied for a grant for the same chargepoint under the EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets or any other grant scheme   

• have the authority to apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme on behalf of your organisation  

Academy trusts  

Academy trusts can apply for up to the maximum of 40 sockets for each institution within the academy trust.  

Independent schools

Independent schools may apply for funding through the Workplace Charging Scheme.

The aim of the scheme is to accelerate the uptake of electric chargepoints for state-funded education institutions.   

If you are planning to allow the chargepoints to be used by the public, please ensure you are considering this as part of a package of measures to encourage sustainable school travel, including active travel and public transport.

Funding is confirmed until 31 March 2026.   

The grant is open. The government reserves the right to end or change this grant scheme.   

If the grant ends or the grant amount changes, the government will:  

• aim to provide 4 weeks’ notice  

• honour claims made before any public announcement, subject to the grant criteria

Before you begin your application, you should have a site survey with an authorised installer. They will make sure that the electrical capacity of the site can support the number of sockets that you want.  

When you complete the online application form, you will need to tell us:

·         information about your institution – for example, numbers of staff and pupils

·         your institution or SEED reference number

·         how many chargepoints you want to install

·         how many sites you want to install them at (if your institution has more than one site)

• whether you plan to open up the chargepoints for public use

Multi academy trusts may apply for up to the maximum of 40 sockets for each school or institution within the trust. You should complete a separate application for each school or institution.   

If you need help, contact: workplacechargingscheme@dvla.gov.uk

How to find your SEED or reference number   

England and Wales  

Schools and colleges in England and Wales registered at Get Information about Schools will find the establishment’s unique reference number (URN) in establishment details.    

Northern Ireland  

Schools in Northern Ireland registered at Department of Education Institution Search will find their institution reference number by searching their school's name on the site.  

Scotland  

Schools in Scotland listed at Parent Zone will find their SEED number by searching their school's name on the site.

Successful applicants will be emailed a unique voucher code valid for 180 days. The installation must be completed within this time.

The installation of eligible commercial chargepoints must be completed by an authorised installer. You will need to give your installer your voucher code. 

The installer will claim the grant on your behalf, and deduct it from your invoice.

Each site must:  

• have a minimum power supply of 3kW to each individual socket that is not diminished by their simultaneous use  

• have no more than one socket installed for each accessible parking space   

The placement, design and surrounding built environment of the chargepoint should take into account the diverse needs of users, including disabled people. 

Audits

We will select some installations to be audited. We will use a third-party organisation, who will check grant data, statements and records held by you and the installer.

Occasionally, there may be an on-site visit that will require access to the chargepoint itself.

We reserve the right to seek further information or documentary evidence from relevant parties in support of any individual claim.   

Support for applicants

If you have any questions about your application, you can:

• speak to your installer

• email WorkplaceChargingScheme@dvla.gov.uk

• phone 0300 123 1343 - Monday to Friday, 9am to midday (excluding bank holidays)

British Sign Language (BSL) support

You can get support using the British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - watch a video about how to use the service on a mobile or tablet.