Condition Improvement Fund

CIF is an annual capital funding programme provided by the UK Department for Education (DfE). It is available to eligible academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary-aided schools to help maintain and improve their buildings.

To be eligible for CIF funding, your educational institution must fall into one of the following categories:

• A stand-alone academy.
• A school within a multi-academy trust (MAT) with fewer than five schools or under 3,000 pupils.
• A voluntary aided (VA) school within a VA body or group with fewer than five schools or under 3,000 students.
• A sixth-form college.

What does CIF cover?

The fund is designed to ensure that education buildings remain safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. Areas supported include health and safety issues, building compliance, and buildings in poor condition. In some cases, CIF can also support expansion projects, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

New changes to the CIF process

The DfE has introduced important changes to the CIF application process. From this year onwards, the focus will be on prioritising the most urgent projects. Applicants must also submit a mandatory declaration form. This must be signed by a school’s leadership team confirming the accuracy of the application.

In addition, expansion projects will face stricter requirements. They will only be approved if they significantly address overcrowding, typically by increasing space by at least 10%. This ensures that limited resources are directed towards schools with genuine capacity issues. With the criteria becoming stricter, securing funding is more competitive than ever. Our surveyors and consultants at Chawton Hill can provide the advice and support you need to give your application the best chance of success.

How to apply for funding

The application process involves several key steps. First, a condition survey should be conducted by a qualified surveyor to assess the state of the facilities and identify areas for improvement. Then a compelling bid must be prepared. This should clearly explain the problem, the proposed solution, the funding required, and the consequences of not undertaking the work.

Supporting evidence should be gathered, such as surveyor reports, photographs of current conditions, planning approvals, and contractor quotes. Then, applications must be submitted through the official CIF portal. It is vital to meet the deadline, as late applications will not be considered.

Tips for writing a strong bid

Preparing a CIF application can be time-consuming, so it is important to start early and plan carefully. Successful bids set out a clear need and are supported by strong evidence. An application should demonstrate the potential impact on teaching and learning if the project is not carried out.

At Chawton Hill, our chartered surveyors can support schools throughout this process. We can provide you with independent surveys such as energy efficiency and building condition assessments. With our support, you can prepare applications that meet the DfE’s requirements.

When completing the application, detailed information will usually be required. This can include:

• Condition surveys and contractors’ prices.
• Asbestos reports and energy bills.
• Cost breakdown records and delivery programmes.
• User statements.
• Records of interruptions to teaching and learning.

The CIF is a valuable opportunity for schools to secure investment in essential building improvements. By starting early and drawing on professional support, schools can give themselves the best chance of success.

Our team at Chawton Hill has guided many schools through successful CIF applications. If you would like tailored advice or assistance with preparing your application, we are here to help. Download our guide to education projects for more information or get in touch with one of the team.