With school budgets squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis, now is the time to check if you are eligible for Government funding to improve your estate – and make the strongest application you can.

Three funding rounds open this term, with up to £800 million potentially available for the schools, academies, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and colleges that apply.

Gathering the information you need to maximise your chances can be complex and time-consuming, but specialist chartered surveyors for the education sector such as Surveyors to Schools (S2e) can help.

Opening in October  – Phase 3b of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)

What is it?

PSDS is the Government’s flagship decarbonisation scheme for the public sector.

How much is it worth?

Schools, academies and colleges are eligible for £220 million (37%) of the funds to be allocated in the next round.

What can you spend it on?

Installing lower-carbon heating and energy-efficiency improvements in your buildings – helping to cut your school’s energy bills, reduce fossil fuel emissions and fight climate change.

When do you apply?

Applications for Phase 3b will open after 19 September 2022 and – crucially – will close as soon as the scheme is fully subscribed.

How can you get help?

When results for Phase 3a were announced earlier this year, S2e achieved a 100% funding success rate for over 30 schools and academies.

We’re ready to help you now, whether you choose to apply for one project, submit separate applications for separate projects or combine several projects in a submission for one-year or a multi-year funding.

Opening in October – the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)

What is it?

CIF funding is an annual bidding round for stand-alone academies, MATs with fewer than five academies or 3,000 pupils, sixth-form colleges and non-diocesan voluntary-aided schools.

How much is it worth?

In the previous 2022-2023 round, £498 million was allocated for 1,405 projects at 1,129 institutions.

What can you spend it on?

Projects to address significant condition need, with the highest priority going to those tackling:

• structural safety

• fire protection systems

• gas and electrical safety

• emergency asbestos removal.

CIF also supports a small number of schools rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted and needing to expand their facilities to increase admissions or prevent overcrowding.

When do you apply?

The next round is due to open in October 2022 and close in December 2022.

How can you get help?

Only around a third of CIF applications are accepted each year – but S2e’s success rate for clients is an outstanding 85%.

Contact us today to discuss whether your school is likely to be eligible and how you can put together the best possible application.

Opening in December – the T Level Capital Fund (TLCF)

What is it?

Created in tandem with businesses and employers, T Levels are two-year, level 3 technical qualifications designed to give students the skills that industry needs. The TLCF is intended to make sure students can learn in modern, fit-for-purpose buildings.

How much is it worth?

Since 2020, around £300 million has been made available through the fund, with £74 million allocated to 86 projects in the last round (Wave 4) and a similar amount expected this time.

Maximum overall grants in Wave 4 were £4 million per provider, with a minimum project value of £200,000 per application. Applicants need to match fund up to 50%.

What can you spend it on?

The Specialist Equipment Allocation (SEA) element of the fund is awarded directly to providers delivering a T-Level route for the first time, but the Buildings and Facilities Improvement Grant (BFIG) is allocated through a bidding round to:

• improve estate condition, including refurbishment and/or remodelling

• or increase gross internal floor area, such as by adding a mezzanine or an extension.

When do you apply?

The next BFIG funding round for delivery in 2024-25 is expected to open in December 2022 with a deadline of March 2023 for applications to be submitted. Results will be announced in July 2023.

How can you get help?

The regulations are complex, however, and making an application can be a daunting process. For the best chance of success it is advisable to seek professional support.

Experienced chartered surveyors for education such as S2e can advise on all aspects.

Contact S2e today to make sure all your applications are as strong as they can be.