The government has revealed this year’s successful Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) applicants, with a total of £466 million awarded to 1,435 projects.
Provided through the Education and Skills Funding Agency, CIF is designed to address health and safety issues in academy and sixth form college buildings, as well as supporting expansion projects and efforts to improve energy efficiency.
Any money awarded is ring-fenced for improvement works, but for many schools the subsequent energy savings allow for significant investment elsewhere.
The latest Budget included news of a further £216 million funding for improving existing schools, which Chancellor Philip Hammond said is “taking total investment in school condition to well over £10 billion in this Parliament”.
And given the risk of closure in the event of heating failures or unsafe buildings, CIF is one of the most important sources of funding available to schools. Typical successful projects include boiler replacements, roof repairs and the creation of new classroom blocks with efficient air conditioning systems and modern dance studios.
The next round of applications opens later this year, so those considering future projects should get the process underway as soon as possible. It’s important to show a detailed understanding of existing conditions (as “project need” is weighted as 70% of the assessment criteria) and working with an experienced mechanical services provider like 361 Degrees helps demonstrate awareness of risks and an accurate breakdown of costs.
We created the below infographic as a guide for applicants and we can help draw up specifications and timelines. Visit our Condition Improvement Fund hub to learn more about our work with schools and colleges and to see how we can improve your chances of securing much-needed funding.
