Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors is celebrating another highly successful year in the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) programme, having helped schools across the North West secure vital funding for essential building improvement projects.
The Department for Education recently announced the outcome of the CIF 2026/27 round, with over £450 million allocated nationally to support condition, compliance and safeguarding projects at eligible academy schools, sixth form colleges and voluntary aided schools.
Our specialist School Building Consultants worked with schools throughout Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Warrington and Bolton to prepare successful applications covering a wide range of improvement schemes.
The successful projects include:
- Roof replacements and repair works
- Heating upgrades and boiler plant replacements
- Fire alarms and safety improvements
- Electrical infrastructure upgrades
- Window and building fabric replacements
- Boundary fencing, safeguarding improvements and security enhancements to re-model entrance receptions
- Urgent asbestos removal
- Gas safety and ventilation compliance
- Upgrades to drainage systems
- Replacement of hot and cold water distribution pipework / systems, and other compliance-led building improvement works
The 2026/27 round was particularly competitive, making successful outcomes even more rewarding for the schools involved. There were 3,925 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools eligible to apply, of which 1,706 applied for 2,525 projects. We are proud to have continued supporting education clients across the North West with high-quality applications that demonstrate clear need, value for money and strong project planning.
Over recent years, we have successfully supported a growing number of academy schools, sixth form colleges and diocesan schools across the region, helping to secure millions of pounds in government funding for improvement works.
In addition to bid preparation, Lea Hough also provides ongoing professional support once funding has been secured, including project management, contract administration, specification writing and employer’s agent services to help ensure projects are delivered successfully and compliantly.
With changes to CIF coming down the pipeline, we expect the next two rounds of CIF applications to be especially competitive. As such, we would advise that schools start planning early. Projects supported by robust condition evidence and clear strategic need are typically best placed for success.
Schools seeking advice on CIF eligibility, future applications or education building improvement projects can contact Lea Hough’s experienced School Building Consultants for further guidance.
