What is the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)?

 

​​The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) offers between £20,000–£4 million to eligible academies, sixth form colleges, and VA schools across England. CIF funding supports critical improvements, from building condition repairs to expansion projects that increase student capacity.​ At Grayling Thomas Architects, we specialise in CIF funding for schools, with a track record of successful bids for new teaching blocks, SEN school extensions, and science facilities across the UK.

​

CIF Funding Overview​​​​​​​

​

• Funded by the DfE (Department for Education)

• Typical application window: Oct–Dec each year

• Grants awarded May–June

• Eligible institutions: academies, sixth forms, VA schools

​

What Does CIF Funding Cover?

​

1. Condition Projects (Highest Priority)

 

The highest priority for CIF funding is given to projects that fix or replace existing building elements to keep the school safe and operational. These projects are usually remedial, not for new build or large-scale expansion.

​

Key areas covered include:

​

• Health and Safety: Projects that address serious and immediate risks to pupils and staff. This includes works related to fire safety systems, electrical safety, gas safety, and emergency asbestos removal.

• Weather-tightness: Projects that prevent water ingress and protect the building from the elements. This is a common category and includes:

  • Roofing replacements and repairs (flat and pitched roofs).

  • Repairing or replacing windows and doors.

  • Addressing issues with external walls and cladding.

• Mechanical and Electrical Systems: Ensuring the school has a continuous supply of heat, water, and power.

  • Boiler replacements and upgrades.

  • Pipework and plumbing repairs.

  • Upgrading electrical systems and distribution boards.

• Structural Integrity: Projects that address significant structural issues.

  • Structural repairs to foundations or walls.

  • Works to fix subsidence.

• Compliance and Accessibility: Projects required to meet current building regulations or provide access for pupils and staff with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

• Safeguarding: This can include projects to improve site and estate security, such as fencing, gates, or CCTV.

 

2. Expansion Projects (Lower Priority)

 

A small proportion of CIF funding is also allocated to expansion projects. These are typically for schools that are rated "Good" or "Outstanding" by Ofsted and need to increase their capacity to meet growing pupil numbers or address overcrowding.

• New classrooms or extensions: To accommodate an increased number of pupils.

• New facilities: To provide additional space or new facilities to support the curriculum.

It's important to note that these projects are highly competitive and are judged on strict criteria, including the evidence of need and the school's performance rating.

 

What CIF Funding Does Not Typically Cover

 

CIF funding is specifically for capital projects and is not intended for general running costs or minor maintenance. Projects that are generally not eligible include:

• Routine maintenance: Day-to-day repairs that should be covered by a school's regular maintenance budget.

• New builds for aesthetic purposes: Projects to improve the general appearance of a building without a clear condition-based need.

• ICT equipment: Computer hardware, servers, and other IT equipment are generally not covered.

• Land purchase: CIF funds cannot be used to buy land.

• General refurbishments: While an upgrade to a system like a boiler is covered, a general classroom refurbishment without a specific condition need would not be.

​

​

How can we at Grayling Thomas help Schools and Academies navigate CIF Funding?

​

1. Feasibility Studies and Option Appraisals We will visit and appraise your campus and design a series of options most likely to receive CIF funding. 

2. Identifying the project need, cost and programme CIF scores highest on the project need and we will assist in identifying and evidencing the specific areas most in need. Following this we can confirm cost and timelines for projects. 

3. Condition and Capacity Surveys We will review the capacity and condition of your school estate to advise if the need is strong enough to qualify for CIF. 

4. Best solution to receive CIF funding From our analysis we will advise the best option to receive CIF funding and the steps necessary to build the strongest bid. 

​​

Recent successes for CIF funding include a £4 Million 15 Laboratory Science Block, a £5.5 Million Special Needs School, a £1.2 Million teaching block and a replacement £500K Classroom Block. 

​

If you would like to arrange for a free consultation to discuss your CIF Bid please contact us.

​

​