The Department for Education (DfE) has released the outcomes for the 2025–26 Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) round, with only 789 projects approved out of 2,846 applications. This is a national approval rate of just 27% .
For schools and academies whose applications were unsuccessful, there is an opportunity to appeal the decision. However, the appeals process is very limited in scope and there is only a short window for appeals to be submitted. Here is all the information you need to know…
Appeals are only considered if there is evidence of a material error in the assessment process that directly impacted the outcome of the application. This could include miscalculations or misinterpretations of the information provided in the original submission. It’s important to note that appeals cannot be based on the inclusion of new information or evidence not present in the initial application.
The deadline to submit an appeal is 23rd June 2025. All appeals must be submitted via the CIF Portal before this date. Late submissions will not be considered.
How Lea Hough Can Assist
At Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors, we have a proven track record in supporting schools through the CIF application and appeals process. We had three projects approved for our school clients in the 2024/25 CIF appeals round.
Our team can help review the feedback provided, identify any potential material errors, and guide you through the appeals procedure.
If your school’s application was unsuccessful and you believe there may have been an error in the assessment, please contact us promptly to discuss the possibility of an appeal.
We will be reviewing our own clients’ applications to see if there are any grounds for appeal and will be in contact in due course.
Any schools that are not current clients but would like to speak to us about the potential for an appeal, please get in touch at the earliest opportunity.
