Every year, the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) provides millions of pounds in capital funding for academies across England. The funding pot supports vital improvements such as roof replacements, boiler upgrades, and safeguarding enhancements. And yet, a surprising number of eligible schools miss the opportunity entirely.
Just 35% of those who did apply were successful, down from 36% the year before, and 41% the year before that.
Perhaps even more surprisingly, of the 4,124 academies eligible to apply for CIF in the latest round, less than half (1,868) submitted an application.
This begs the question – what’s going on?
Many schools appear to be stepping away from the CIF process, citing the effort and stress involved. Some schools describe it as a ‘lottery’ – a time-consuming, frustrating cycle that yields no reward.
However, the fact remains that CIF is the only current route to significant capital funding for condition-related projects. If you’re not applying, your school could be missing out on major upgrades and putting off work that may become critical in the near future.
If you’re an academy that didn’t submit a CIF application, ask yourself why:
- Too busy to appoint a consultant in time?
- Put off by the complexity of the bid process?
- Unsure which projects are eligible or worth bidding for?
How Lea Hough Can Help
At Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors, we specialise in helping academies navigate the CIF application process from start to finish. This includes:
- Conducting condition surveys
- Identifying the most suitable and fundable projects
- Preparing compelling, data-backed CIF bids
- Managing the application submission
- Supporting delivery and compliance if funding is approved
Our track record speaks for itself and our expertise can dramatically increase your chances of success.
Start Planning Ahead
The most successful bids are planned early. With the help of our School Building Consultants, you can build a long-term development strategy for your school, identifying priorities over a number of years and making the most of each annual CIF funding window.
Getting started is simpler than you think. Once we have been appointed, we are able to carry out the majority of the work independently. We provide clear advice, timely updates and full peace of mind that your application is in expert hands.
Contact Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors today to book your no-obligation consultation.
