New £1.5 bn fund to upgrade FE colleges launched

Further Education colleges are invited to bid for a share of a new £1.5 billion Government funding pot to transform premises in poor condition.

 The Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF) aims to upgrade the FE estate over the next five years to ensure all colleges are excellent places to learn. The money was pledged in the 2020 Budget.

Further Education Captial Transformation Fund Surveyors to Education.jpg

 The FECTF will fund capital projects on buildings and facilities needed to support the skills needs of the local labour market, create optimum use of space and promote environmental sustainability and carbon reduction.

FE colleges will need to demonstrate how their projects meet these criteria, and how they align with their estates and wider business strategy.

Experienced Chartered Building Surveyors such as S2e can advise on all these aspects.

How much is available?

Funds allocated from the FECTF can only be used for major upgrades to premises in poor condition, not for general upkeep:

  • FE colleges must contribute up to 50% of project costs.

  • There is a minimum threshold of £500,000 per project, including this match funding.

  • There is no maximum for bids, but the Department for Education may scale down requests.

  • Projects must be scheduled to complete by September 2024.

Who can apply for the FECTF?

All FE colleges, regardless of their financial position, but NOT sixth form college corporations, schools, academies or higher education providers.

Colleges must be working to the Government’s Skills for Jobs: Lifelong Learning for Opportunity and Growth approach.

What projects are included in the FECTF?

  • Capital projects to replace dilapidated facilities.

  • Expansion where the FE college is graded Outstanding.

  • Rebuilding or remodelling where this delivers value for money.

How do we bid?

Stage 1: Initial FECTF approval process based on scale and priority of work.

Stage 2: Detailed submissions, including value for money and ability to deliver.

S2e can advise on details of the process, qualification criteria and how the FECTF fits with other sources of Government funding.

Deadlines:

  • Stage 1 applications: 15 March 2021

  • FE colleges notified of outcome: 14 May 2021

  • Stage 2 applications: 30 July 2021

  • FE colleges notified of outcome w/c 27 Sep 2021

With only five weeks before the Stage 1 deadline on 15th March for the Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, contact S2e today at enquire@s2e.org.uk or call 01530 877 969 to get started.

Adam RichardsSurveyors to EducationBuilding Replacement Strategy