Government Support to Improve and Expand Educational Buildings in England

Education providers can apply for up to £4 million to address building condition issues

Academies, sixth-form colleges and non-diocesan voluntary aided schools in England can apply for capital support to improve facilities and address building condition issues. The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), provided by the Department for Education, aims to keep educational buildings safe and in good working order, while also supporting a limited number of expansion projects.

Most of the funding will focus on essential maintenance such as health and safety compliance, building repairs and replacement of old heating systems with low carbon alternatives. Priority will be given to projects dealing with fire protection, gas and electrical safety, or urgent structural repairs. A smaller proportion of support will be available for expansion in high-performing schools or colleges rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

Grants range from £20,000 to £4 million depending on the size and type of institution. Primary and special schools can apply for smaller projects, while secondary schools and sixth-form colleges can seek higher-value investments. Funding may be combined with a loan offered at Public Works Loan Board rates, and voluntary aided schools are required to contribute at least 10% of project costs.

Eligible applicants include smaller multi-academy trusts, stand-alone academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools that meet Department for Education criteria.