The latest round of the Condition Improvement Fund for 2025-2026 is now open, offering schools, academies and colleges the opportunity to obtain important funding for building improvements. Designed to help academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary aided schools maintain and improve their facilities, CIF focuses on addressing significant maintenance, expansion, and safety issues.

As with the previous rounds there are some changes.  Schools and academies aiming to secure funding for school improvement building projects should be aware of the key changes and requirements in order to have the best chance of success.

Applications, along with all supporting documents, must be submitted by 12 noon on 17 December 2024.

Key changes for CIF 2025-2026

1. Enhanced prioritisation of urgent projects.

   For the 2025-26 funding round, greater focus will be placed on projects that address critical health and safety issues or significant building condition improvements, ensuring projects with the most urgency and impact are funded.

   Schools that can clearly demonstrate how their proposed project mitigates serious risks or prevents the potential failure of essential building services are more likely to receive funding.

2. New mandatory declaration form. An addition to the 2025-26 round is the introduction of a mandatory signed declaration form. This form must be completed by the school’s accounting officer, principal, or a member of the senior management team. It confirms that the information provided in the application is accurate and that the project aligns with the school's strategic priorities.

   This new requirement aims to ensure that projects submitted for funding are not only necessary but also well-planned and supported by the school’s leadership.

3. Increased upload capacity for supporting photographs

   To improve the clarity and comprehensiveness of applications, the upload capacity for photographs has been increased by 1MB, specifically for images that provide evidence of the condition of the school’s facilities.

   This change allows schools to submit higher-quality images or additional photos that more effectively illustrate the severity of the issues that their project aims to address. Schools are encouraged to make full use of this additional upload capacity to provide visual evidence that strengthens their application and demonstrates the urgency of their project.

Key dates for CIF 2025-26

22 October 2024 - Launch of CIF 2025-26. Information for applicants published and online application window opens

10 December 2024 – 12 noon deadline for new applicants to register for a CIF portal account

17 December 2024 – 12 noon deadline for applicants to submit applications with all supporting documents

Applicants notified of outcome May 2025 (subject to change)

Maximise your CIF application success with S2e

The CIF application process can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At S2e, we have a proven track record of helping schools enhance their submissions and secure the funding they need.

If you would like to discuss how S2e can help improve your CIF success rate, please contact us on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.