Lea Hough has once again helped schools across the North West to secure millions of pounds worth of funding in the latest round of the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). The announcement means that tens of academy schools across the North West will benefit from millions of pounds worth of funding for a variety of building projects.
Improvement works at academy schools in Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Warrington, which will commence over the coming weeks and months, will include projects such as safeguarding projects, roofing projects, window replacements, electrical re-wiring and new LED lighting, fire safety improvement works, Asbestos removal, heating replacement/upgrades.
In this year’s funding round, we have also helped one school in Lancashire to gain funding for an expansion project that will bring two large classrooms, boys’ and girls’ toilets, corridor and circulation space, as well as associated external works to paths and play areas. Expansion projects such as this are much harder to attain funding for and will help the school to address its current overcrowding, creating a much-improved facility for its pupils going forward.
In Lancashire and Cumbria, Lea Hough has had more successful CIF bids than any other school building consultant.
Michael Harrison, Partner and Head of Lea Hough’s Education team commented:
“We are delighted to have helped so many schools gain CIF funding once again. Having safe, modern and efficient school buildings helps to ensure children can get the best out of the learning environment.
“Having been working in the education sector for many years now, and helping schools to secure CIF funding in excess of £45 million during this time, we have seen the positive impact obtaining CIF the funding has on academy schools and their pupils.
“We would encourage any schools that are looking at building improvement projects over the coming years to get in touch with us to find out if funding may be possible”.
The CIF is an annual round of funding designed for single academy schools, smaller academy trusts and sixth form colleges. Schools are able to apply for a share of money to improve the condition of their school buildings, representing a significant opportunity for education establishments to obtain government funding.
For more information on Lea Hough’s services in the education sector, and in obtaining CIF funding, please contact Michael Harrison or Paul Dignan on 01254 260196.
