If your academy urgently needs renovation or expanding, then you should consider bidding for Government money from the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).

What is CIF?

CIF is an annual bidding round for academies applying to the Education Funding Agency (EFA) for capital funding. Its purpose is to ensure premises are safe and secure for pupils and teachers while providing a positive learning environment.

What can CIF be used for?

Bids for addressing health and safety issues such as fire protection, electrical safety work or emergency asbestos removal receive top priority. High priority is also given to ensuring weatherproofing and ensuring heating and water supply.

CIF can encompass greening projects to create more energy-efficient premises, which reduce heating bills. It also supports expansion projects, allowing qualifying academies to accept more local admissions or to ease existing overcrowding.

Who can apply for CIF?

Single academy trusts, small Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and sixth-form colleges are eligible to apply for CIF. Schools with a signed academy order which will have converted to academy status by the start of the funding year are also eligible.

MATs containing at least five academies with more than 3,000 pupils automatically receive a formulaic allocation through the School Condition Allocation (SCA).

S2e can help you write a successful application

From past experience, the 2018-2019 bidding round will be heavily oversubscribed. Only bids displaying a high project need, supported by accurate survey evidence and meeting all application criteria are likely to succeed.

Surveyors to Education (S2e) is a specialist premises planning and funding consultancy for the Academy and MAT sector. We have a proven track record of applying on behalf of educational institutions for EFA funding to help transform academic establishments.

Our guidance, advice and bid writing services have successfully secured capital funding for more than 300 schemes across the country.

Application deadlines

Deadlines for the 2018-19 round of CIF grants will be announced by the Government this autumn. To ensure you don’t miss the boat, contact S2e or email us at enquire@s2e.org.uk to find out how we can help you prepare a successful bid.