What are the benefits of condition improvement funds for academies?

School facilities can be improved through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), a government incentive.

Through an online portal, applicants apply for funds through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

•       Health and safety issues
•       Building compliance
•       Expansion projects

Efficiency improvements

School projects in the primary and special sectors must have a demand of at least £20,000 to be eligible for a grant.

School and college projects with a budget greater than £4 million will receive funding up to £50,000.

361 Degrees works closely with applicants to secure funding and with school building projects, so we understand the importance of improving facilities.

CIF: How does it benefit schools?

Many schools have expanded and improved their facilities over time, and the fund will be able to help them with the following:

• Ensure that pupils and teachers have access to safe and secure facilities

Make learning more enjoyable by upgrading facilities

• Securing larger school premises so that more students can attend and learn in a modern setting

You can reduce your outgoings and financial costs if you create green and energy-efficient facilities

The funds awarded to successful applicants are ring-fenced for improvement projects, thus allowing significant savings to be invested in other areas of the school.

Can the CIF be used to fund school projects?

EFSA CIF information for applicants guide outlines the standards that must be met in order for the project to qualify for funding.

Repairing and replacing roofs, changing boilers, building classroom blocks and installing efficient air conditioning systems are a few examples.

In order to submit a detailed application, it is imperative that you develop an understanding of your school’s improvement priorities and plan far in advance.

Do governments allocate funds according to their priorities?

In order to determine whether a school should receive funding, three factors are considered. You can find them here:

In the case of health concerns, the bulk of the funding (70%) is determined and provided for projects that meet the requirements for a condition survey and evidence.

The applicant must demonstrate that the risks have been understood and the solutions are feasible (15%)

Efficiencies (15%) – This factor examines how costs compare with the requirements of the work, to ensure that funding offers the best deal.

How to apply for a CIF

If a school has to close because the heating fails or the structure is unsafe, this can negatively affect pupils’ progress. CIFs provide schools with funds for specific improvements, making them an important resource.

The number of projects funded each year is around 1,200, thus it’s crucial to submit the best possible proposal.

Using this infographic from 361 Degrees, you can better understand how the application process and funding work.

On the government website, you can find more information about the Condition Improvement Fund and how to apply.

Typically, the best applications incorporate supporting evidence and fully understand how the changes will benefit the school.