The Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has recently released the results for the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) for the 23/24 financial year. A total of 1,033 projects have been successful, receiving a collective funding of £456 million. Out of the 4,547 institutions eligible for CIF funding, only 19% were granted funding, marking a significant decrease from the previous year's 24% success rate.

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is designed to support educational institutions in improving the condition of their facilities, including school buildings, infrastructure, and equipment.  It aims to address urgent repairs, health and safety concerns, energy efficiency improvements, and essential maintenance projects. 

If your CIF bid was unsuccessful, there is a limited window to appeal the decision, and our team can assist you in determining if you have grounds for an appeal. As the competition for CIF funding intensifies each year, achieving success has become increasingly challenging. The number of successful schools and projects has seen a decline, dropping by nearly 25% from 1,132 schools in 22/23 to 859 this year.

To assist your chances of success, we have developed a comprehensive checklist that encompasses all the essential elements necessary to enhance your CIF funding application. By leveraging our expertise and utilising this checklist, you can greatly improve your prospects of securing funding. This resource will guide you through the essential data and documentation you need, help you effectively project plan, and provide guidance on budgeting and financial planning for a successful bid.

It is important to note that as more schools become part SCA eligible trusts, the funding allocated to CIF is shrinking. Nearly one-third of the institutions eligible for CIF fall within SCA condition bands H or below, indicating that their school estate is in a condition below the average. To learn more about SCA condition bands or discuss the specifics of your band, please feel free to contact us.

After a decade's worth of experience in writing CIF bids, our primary recommendation for maximising your success rate is to initiate your planning for the next submission at the earliest opportunity. The next CIF round is set to open in the autumn, and to assist you in crafting a winning bid, our comprehensive checklist will serve as your step-by-step guide throughout the entire process.

If you would like help applying for Condition Improvement Funding, please contact us on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.