Why CIF Funding Matters More Than Ever

For councils and multi-academy trusts (MATs), the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) represents one of the most significant routes to securing capital investment for school buildings. With tightening budgets and growing pressure from Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE) to provide safe, modern, and sustainable facilities, CIF can be the difference between outdated, non-compliant buildings and state-of-the-art learning environments.

The 2025 CIF round brings with it updated guidance, more competition than ever, and sharper evaluation criteria. Councils and trusts that understand the nuances of the application process, and how to present their projects in the best possible light, will dramatically increase their chances of success.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know, from understanding eligibility to writing a winning bid, with practical advice and strategies that councils across the UK can put into action immediately.

What Is CIF Funding?

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual capital funding programme run by the DfE. Its aim is to help schools and academies maintain, improve, and expand their buildings. The main priorities include:

• Condition projects: addressing urgent health and safety issues, compliance problems, or poor building conditions.

• Expansion projects: where schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted need to increase capacity.

For councils, CIF can help unlock millions in funding to deliver necessary improvements without straining local budgets.

Who Can Apply for CIF Funding?

Eligibility for 2025 remains broadly similar to previous years:

• Single academy trusts

• Small multi-academy trusts (MATs) with fewer than 5 schools or fewer than 3,000 pupils

• Sixth form colleges

While larger MATs and local authorities usually receive School Condition Allocations (SCA) instead of CIF, councils often play a supporting role, helping schools with technical expertise, design input, and project delivery.

Key Changes in 2025 CIF Guidance

The 2025 update has introduced several changes councils and schools must account for:

1. Greater focus on sustainability: Projects must demonstrate alignment with the UK’s 2030 Net Zero targets.

2. Stricter evidence requirements: Surveys, reports, and compliance documents must be robust and up-to-date.

3. Emphasis on community impact: Applications that highlight wider benefits for pupils and communities are scored more highly.

4. Stronger weighting on value-for-money: Cost-effectiveness is scrutinised more closely than ever.

   
   

The CIF Application Process: Step-by-Step

1. Identify and Prioritise Needs

Councils should support schools in commissioning detailed condition surveys. Issues that pose health and safety risks or non-compliance with statutory requirements should be prioritised.

2. Prepare Robust Evidence

Applications must include clear, independent evidence:

• Structural and condition surveys

• Compliance reports (asbestos, fire safety, accessibility)

• Energy efficiency assessments

  
  

3. Build a Strong Project Case

The DfE looks for projects that:

• Solve urgent and demonstrable issues

• Represent good value for money

• Support educational outcomes

  
  

4. Develop a Financially Viable Plan

Demonstrating a clear budget breakdown, alongside any matched funding contributions, greatly improves success rates.

5. Craft a Clear and Persuasive Application

Avoid jargon. Present the issue, evidence, solution, and benefits in simple, compelling terms.

6. Submit and Monitor

Applications are submitted online, usually by December, with results announced around spring the following year.

Common Mistakes Councils and Schools Make

1. Weak or outdated evidence - relying on old surveys undermines credibility.

2. Overly technical language - decision-makers may not be specialists.

3. Ignoring sustainability - failing to align with Net Zero goals lowers scores.

4. Lack of clarity on impact - projects that don’t connect improvements to pupil outcomes fall flat.

   
   

How Councils Can Increase Success Rates

• Partner with experienced architecture firms: Design input at the bid stage shows foresight and professional credibility.

• Standardise documentation: Providing schools with templates and guidance ensures consistency.

• Highlight wider impact: Emphasise benefits for pupils, communities, and compliance.

• Focus on future-proofing: Show how designs accommodate evolving curricula and demographics.

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Case Example: Successful CIF Project

A council-supported primary school in Oxfordshire secured CIF funding with Grayling Thomas Architects in 2024 for a full roof replacement and energy-efficiency retrofit. The winning factors:

• Independent condition survey highlighted urgent issues.

• Application clearly linked improvements to safeguarding and learning outcomes.

• Energy modelling showed a 40% reduction in running costs, aligning with Net Zero goals.

  
  

The Role of Architects in Winning CIF Bids

Experienced architects can significantly improve a council’s chance of success:

• Conduct condition surveys and compliance assessments.

• Provide design concepts that strengthen the case for funding.

• Ensure cost-effective, sustainable solutions are embedded early.

At Grayling Thomas Architects, we’ve supported councils and schools across the UK to deliver successful CIF bids, combining technical expertise with an understanding of DfE expectations.

Conclusion: Positioning Your Council for CIF Success in 2025

With growing competition for CIF funding, councils and education leaders must take a strategic, evidence-led approach. By prioritising urgent needs, gathering robust evidence, aligning with sustainability goals, and presenting clear, value-driven cases, your chances of securing funding will rise dramatically.

Grayling Thomas Architects can help councils and trusts prepare winning bids and deliver outstanding, cost-effective school facilities that serve communities for decades to come.

Want to discuss how to strengthen your council’s next CIF bid? Get in touch with Grayling Thomas Architects for a free consultation on making your application stand out.