The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is now open for the 2026-27 round, offering eligible schools and academies the opportunity to secure government funding for vital building repairs, safety works and compliance upgrades.
At Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors, we’ve helped many schools successfully navigate the CIF process. Our School Building Consultants have secured millions of pounds of funding for projects that have made a real difference to the learning environment in schools across the North West.
Here’s a quick overview of who can apply and the types of projects the DfE is prioritising this year.
Who Can Apply?
CIF is designed for smaller education providers that don’t receive direct School Condition Allocations (SCA). This includes:
- Single Academy Trusts (SATs)
- Small Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) – typically with fewer than 5 academies or under 3,000 pupils
- Voluntary-Aided Schools
- Sixth Form Colleges
Larger MATs usually receive direct capital funding through the SCA route instead of CIF.
What Types of Project Are Eligible?
CIF prioritises projects that address urgent condition, health and safety, or compliance issues. Essentially, this often means works that keep buildings safe, warm, and efficient.
Typical examples include roof and structural repairs, electrical and heating system upgrades and improvements to fire safety or accessibility. The DfE has also placed a continuing emphasis on energy efficiency and low-carbon heating solutions, reflecting the government’s wider decarbonisation goals.
Expansion projects (to increase pupil capacity) may still be considered, but only where there is a clear and demonstrable need and eligibility criteria are met.
Key Criteria and Deadlines
Schools should note that:
- Condition surveys must be dated after 1 October 2022.
- All CIF-funded projects must be completed by 31 March 2028.
How Lea Hough’s School Building Consultants Can Help
Our School Building Consultants offer expert support at every stage of the process. We work with schools to assess the eligibility of projects, prepare surveys, develop cost plans and manage the full bid submission. Our experience in securing successful CIF bids allows us to guide schools with their applications to ensure the align with DfE priorities.
If you’re unsure whether your school or project qualifies, our team can provide a quick eligibility review and help you plan a strong, compliant bid.
If your school has made an unsuccessful CIF submission in the past, we can undertake a free of charge audit.
Contact Lea Hough’s School Building Consultants in Lancashire
Contact Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors to discuss your potential CIF projects and find out how we can support your 2026–27 application.
