Introducing the S2e Spotlight Series: Examining the School Estate

We are pleased to introduce S2e’s Spotlight Series, a collection of interrelated reports exploring the school estate, offering a deeper analysis of its current condition, the challenges it presents and how they might be overcome.   

At this pivotal time for all public sector spending, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on the decisions and factors that have shaped the school estate and what we might hope for in the future. While numerous reports examine the effects of changes to core school spending over time, the impact of fluctuating capital investment and programme reform is rarely evaluated with the same level of rigor. Through this series, our Head of Insights aims to address this gap by providing informative reviews of key topics that influence the school estate. 

S2e Spotlight Series 1: Changes to school maintenance funding: a look at why the current system exists and the implications of changing it 

Introducing the S2e Spotlight Series: Examining the School Estate

Inspired by news that the Department for Education is undertaking a review of school maintenance funding, our first review looks at the current system for allocating school maintenance capital, exploring its origins, purpose, and the potential implications of change. While the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) receives much of the interrogation, the analysis seeks to provide a holistic view of why the current model exists and the wider implications of a possible change to CIF.  

We conclude that the overall system is built on pragmatic principles: matching funding to condition need, strategic estate planning, and proactive building maintenance. While not all institutions have been able to fully implement these principles, the sector’s wealth of expertise—including our clients’—offers valuable lessons on effectively managing school estates amid increasing financial pressures. 

To read our full report please click here.  

S2e works exclusively in the education sector. We are committed to delivering the best service for our clients, underpinned by the latest developments in education. Our insights pull together the most relevant information, old and new, to generate analysis that enables more informed conversations around capital spending in education.   

If you have any questions, our team of building surveyors, architects, engineers and health and safety specialists can assist across all areas of education estate and energy management.  Contact us on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.