Applications are open for the latest round of T-Level capital funding – a funding stream specifically for post-16 institutions that missed out on extra cash for education in the Autumn Statement.

There is up to £150 million of capital funding available for providers delivering T-Levels in September 2024.

The new round – Wave 5 – is made up as previously of two elements:

Specialist Equipment Allocation (SEA) – a one-off payment for providers to purchase industry-standard equipment for each new T-Level route being offered in 2024-25. Providers do not need to apply for the SEA and will automatically receive an allocation if they complete their T-Level data collection return.
Buildings and Facilities Improvement Grant (BFIG) – a bid-based grant for providers to refurbish existing facilities or create new space to support T-Level delivery.

Register for a FREE T-Level assessment

Providers are eligible to apply for a BFIG if:

They are registered to deliver T-Levels in the 2024-25 academic year
They have not previously received capital for the T-Level route and site they are applying for.

Timeline

Wave 5 opened on 22 November 2022
Deadline for applications is midday on Friday 3 February 2023
Project assessments will take place from February to May 2023
Applicants will be notified of outcomes in summer 2023
Projects must be completed by September 2024.

The Department for Education (DfE) will be running a live webinar introducing the T-Level Capital fund and the application process for the BFIG on Wednesday 7 December 2022. Providers can sign up here.

Need to know

Surveyors to Education (S2e) has analysed the DfE’s guidance for T-Level capital funding and we would highlight these important considerations:

If providers can demonstrate their project will deliver significant improvements to the condition of their estate, their application will attract higher marks.
Funds can only be spent on improving facilities to support the delivery of T-Levels. For example, if existing facilities are not suitable.
Providers’ estate strategy or plan should reflect the actions they need to take to support net zero carbon in 2050 and each application should demonstrate how the capital project contributes to this strategy.
The maximum overall grant is capped at £4 million per provider. There is a minimum project value of £250,000 per application – this is up from £200,000 in Wave 4.
DfE is still asking providers to contribute 50% of project costs where they can afford to do so and encouraging all applicants to consider what level of contribution they can make towards project costs. Points will be awarded on the basis of the amount of match funding being contributed.
Where an academy is part of a Multi Academy Trust (MAT), the MAT will need to apply on behalf of the academy.
Schools, academies and MATs may also apply for other central government capital funding, for example, to improve the condition of their estate.

Cutting through complexity

An idea of the complexity of applications can be seen in the requirement to provide “focused responses, supported by robust, quantifiable, and achievable information.”

Application guidance also notes: “You must develop your project to the point where the costs, benefits, and delivery risks are clear and realistic. This should be to at least Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2, or equivalent standard, with supporting cost and designs, including floor plans and elevations, as well as an outline specification of works and materials. You must be able to commit to a firm budget and delivery plan.”

To help providers cut through the complexity and increase their chances of compiling a winning entry, DfE notes: “You may use technical advisers or representatives to help you prepare your application and to deliver the works. We normally expect these to be between 5% and 10% of the total project value, however, for larger projects, the technical complexity of the works may justify higher fees.”

S2e is ready to advise on all aspects of the process to help schools and sixth form colleges make successful applications for T-Level capital funding.

Contact us today on tel: 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.