The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2026/27 guidance is expected to land in early October, alongside the official opening of the funding round.
At the time of release, we will learn if there are any changes to the priorities for the coming year. However, based on previous rounds, we don’t anticipate many major changes. In fact, we expect the priorities to remain much the same: the fund continues to focus heavily on projects that keep schools “safe, warm, and dry.”
Whilst these projects may not be glamorous, they are essential; ensuring school buildings are safe, compliant, and able to function properly for staff and pupils. With the fund heavily oversubscribed (only 27% of bids were successful nationally last year), bids outside of this core bracket are unlikely to be approved.
Priority Project Types
Typical successful CIF projects are likely to include:
- Roof repairs and replacements – both flat and pitched. These projects also provide the opportunity to upgrade thermal insulation, helping schools improve energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and progress towards Net Zero targets.
- Structural works – addressing defects in concrete, RAAC, or other building fabric issues.
- Heating upgrades – replacing ageing boiler plant and heating systems. Depending on the school’s circumstances, we may recommend traditional gas boilers or more sustainable solutions such as air or ground source heat pumps.
- Electrical systems – upgrading outdated switchgear and rewiring to ensure compliance and safety. Lighting can often be upgraded to LED at the same time, reducing energy consumption.
- Fire alarms and detection systems – replacing old systems to improve compliance and fire safety.
- Ventilation systems – ensuring suitable and safe ventilation across the school estate.
- Safeguarding measures – such as site security improvements and boundary fencing.
- Drainage systems – maintaining and repairing below-ground drainage to keep schools functional.
- Asbestos removal – particularly where urgent works are needed.
- Window and curtain wall replacements – upgrading life-expired systems for safety, compliance, and improved efficiency.
What Won’t Be Prioritised
It is important to note that projects focused solely on sustainability will not succeed – systems must be life-expired and due for replacement. Similarly, “nice to have” schemes such as classroom refurbishments, science lab upgrades, toilet refits, or kitchen improvements are extremely unlikely to receive funding, as they do not score highly against CIF’s criteria.
A small proportion of the fund (around 15%) is set aside for projects addressing overcrowding but such projects remain a minority share of the funding.
With 73% of bids unsuccessful last year, many schools will inevitably be re-submitting projects in this round. The reality is that there isn’t enough money to go around and as a result, many much-needed works will miss out on approval again.
This makes it all the more important that schools present the strongest possible case. This starts with appointing the right consultant. At Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors, we have a proven track record in developing robust CIF bids and securing vital funding for schools across the North.
If your school is considering a CIF bid for 2026/27, now is the time to prepare.
Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your application.
