What is CIF?
An Overview of The Condition Improvement Fund
Every year the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) makes a number of capital funds available to academies and multi-academy trusts (MATs).
The most well-known of these funds is the Condition Improvement Fund or CIF which takes the form of an annual bidding round.
The objective of CIF
The main purpose of CIF is to address significant school condition needs, but it can also be used to support a small proportion of expansion projects.
The main objective is to provide funding over and above the Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) fund, so that school and college buildings are kept safe and in good operating order. Highest priority is given to projects that are remedying serious health and safety issues such as emergency asbestos removal, fire alarms and electrical systems, followed by projects that address issues of energy efficiency and sub-standard learning environments.
CIF is also designed to support a smaller number of expansion projects for schools that have been rated as good or outstanding and which need to expand their facilities or floor space to accommodate an increased number of pupils or address overcrowding.
Key dates
End October – Application window opens for following year
End November – Deadline for new applicants to register
Mid December – Deadline for applications
Spring – Applicants notified of outcome
Who is eligible for CIF?
The following bodies are eligible for CIF funding:
Stand-alone academies
MATs with less than 5 academies or less than 3,000 pupils
Sixth-form colleges
Non-diocesan voluntary-aided schools
Schools with a signed academy order as of 1st September
If you are an academy that is part of a MAT with greater than 5 academies or 3,000 pupils then you will receive a School Condition Allocation (SCA) instead. This is a payment that is provided annually and is not part of a bidding round. For more information on the SCA fund please click here.
How do I apply?
Applications for CIF funding need to be made via the DfE CIF Portal, where an application form can be downloaded.
The application form is where you can detail the need for the project and attach supporting evidence.
How much funding is available?
This year there are 4,545 CIF eligible schools competing for funding from a pot of £474M, down from £486M in 22/23. The total amount available has been decreasing whilst applications have been increasing, meaning that the fund is at least 4x oversubscribed and highly competitive.
All CIF projects must aim to improve a capital asset held in freehold, or on a long lease, and used for education provision. There is a minimum threshold of £20k for primary and special schools, and £50k for secondary schools, all-through schools and sixth form colleges, with the DFC funding intended to cover capital works below these values. The maximum project threshold is £4m.
Types of project which are eligible for CIF
There are 3 different types of project that are eligible for CIF funding. They are:
Condition
To improve the condition of the buildings with no expansion of the gross internal floor area (GIFA).Condition with expansion
Where the GIFA of the project is up to 10% larger than the previous block. Projects will be considered where the GIFA of the new block is over 10% as long as evidence is provided as to why there is no alternative.Expansion
For high performing schools to create additional spaces or address overcrowding. The GIFA of the new block must be more than 10% larger than the previous block or be adding new facilities.
Assessment criteria
Projects are scored against 3 assessment criteria based on the information submitted within the application form.
Project need – 60%
Project cost – 25%
Project planning – 15%
Successful applicants will be those that demonstrate the most pressing need but also where the project is properly planned and presents the best value for money.
Condition surveys and the use of third party professionals
The use of third party advisors is actively encouraged, especially when assessing the condition of buildings.
A condition survey is a visual inspection, carried out by qualified chartered building surveyors, and provides objective information about the physical, mechanical & electrical condition of the buildings and facilities comprising the estate.
It uses a common grading system to enable fair comparison of those premises in need of improvement and prioritises deficiencies and maintenance issues and includes the following components:
Clear condition grades of individual premises within the estate
A breakdown of building compliance findings
Recommendations for remedial works or replacements, estimated timings and their costings
Identification of associated risks and priorities
Information about other benefits, for example energy savings
Condition surveys will usually cover a period of 3-5 years and help identify the scope and cost of works. They are key in helping you prioritise work, secure CIF funding, and preparing a comprehensive maintenance plan for the school.
Condition and Good Estate Management
The DfE and ESFA have published a collaborate guideline to help support schools and academies in managing their estates efficiently and effectively. Good Estate Management (GEM) ensures best practices are in place and include a focus on the condition, suitability and sufficiency on your estate infrastructure.
CIF applicants will need to demonstrate that they are managing their estate in accordance with the principles of GEM and as part of your application confirm that the condition project is consistent with your estate strategy and asset management plan.
How many projects can I apply for?
You may submit up to 2 projects per academy, sixth-form college or VA school, but only 1 of these may be an expansion project. You cannot apply for 2 expansion projects.
Projects will be assessed independently from each other unless they are linked and there is no guarantee that if one project is successful, the other one will be too.
Project timing
The CIF fund will only be allocated to projects that are deemed achievable by the ESFA with the majority needing to be completed by March of the following year. Larger projects may last up to 2 years but no longer.
FREE CIF Assessment
If you are an Academy Trust who has been unsuccessful with CIF or are considering a CIF application for next year, we would be pleased to offer you a free assessment of your requirements.
To register please click on the button below or contact us directly on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.
