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Education Funding

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About the service

Unlocking financial support for education organisations is central to helping you achieve your goals. At Barker, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of education funding in the UK. Our seasoned team of experts has successfully secured millions of pounds in grants for our education sector clients. Whether you’re a nursery, school, college, or university, we understand the critical role funding plays in realising your vision.

At the heart of our approach lies a deep understanding of the nuances of education funding avenues, including those provided by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Our consultants are well-versed in the intricacies of primary, secondary and further education funding, ensuring that your school, college or university taps into the resources it needs to thrive.

Navigating the educational funding terrain in the UK requires more than just expertise—it demands strategic insight and a tailored approach. Our consultants provide precisely that, offering bespoke guidance tailored to your institution’s unique needs and aspirations.

Whether you’re seeking funding for education projects or support for ongoing initiatives, Barker is your trusted partner in securing the necessary funding. We understand the critical role that successful funding bids play in advancing educational outcomes, and we’re equipped with the tools and knowledge to maximize your chances of success.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond education funding consulting. As education funding experts, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive support at every stage of the funding process. From initial assessment to bid preparation and ongoing management, our team is here to ensure that your institution’s vision becomes a reality.

Partner with Barker and harness the power of experienced education funding consultants who are dedicated to your success. Let us navigate the complexities of educational financing while you focus on shaping the future of education. Together, we’ll unlock new opportunities and drive transformative change in the educational landscape.

Unrivalled experience. Unparalleled success. Our funding experts can help you secure funding from any available stream. We know how important successful bidding for funding is, and we have the right infrastructure to help. Our dedicated team works across energy, education, condition and emergency funding streams to help deliver your vision.

We do a regular update showing all the education funding streams, you can subscribe here:

Our Approach

Solar Panels
Assess

We listen carefully to your needs. We assess your buildings and come up with solutions. Then we use our experience to align your objectives with the appropriate funding stream. 

Barker Designing Approach
Identify opportunities

The landscape for funding is constantly changing with new initiatives, grants and schemes being launched daily. It’s our job to keep a handle on this, identify what’s current and pair these opportunities with your needs.

Secure Funding Writing
Securing Funding

We write winning bids. Bidding is competitive and we help you stand out. We employ specialist bid writers and technical experts to increase your success rates and reduce your workload. We have an outstanding track record of successful funding applications across education, energy and heritage funding streams.

Barker Engineer
Delivery

Securing funding is only the start. At Barker, we have the design and delivery capability to see your project through to completion. Our Architects, Surveyors, Engineers and Project Managers will work tirelessly with you to bring your vision to reality. We’re with you every step of the way.

ESFA Funding

At Barker, we specialise in unlocking vital grant funding opportunities for educational sector clients, particularly funding channelled through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). As seasoned experts in navigating the intricate landscape of education finance, we understand the significance of securing funding to drive your organisation’s growth and success.

Why choose Barker?

Our comprehensive understanding of ESFA funding rules, including the latest ESFA funding rules for the 2023/24 academic year, ensures that your institution remains fully compliant while maximising available funding streams. Whether it’s ESFA 16-19 funding, ESFA CIF funding, or other avenues, our consultants provide strategic guidance tailored to your institution’s specific needs and objectives.

With our deep knowledge of ESFA funding guidance and regulations, we guide you through every step of the funding process, from initial assessment to bid preparation, project delivery and ongoing compliance. Our goal is not only to secure funding but also to empower your institution to effectively deploy the resources needed to thrive in today’s educational landscape.

Partnering with Barker means gaining access to a dedicated team of professionals committed to your institution’s success. We provide personalised support and guidance, ensuring that you make informed decisions and maximise your funding potential. Let us demystify ESFA funding and help you unlock the resources needed to propel your organisation forward.

What is Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding?

Curious to learn more about Education & Skills Funding Agency funding and how it can benefit your institution? Reach out to Barker today, and let’s embark on a journey to secure the funding you need to achieve your educational goals. With our expertise and your vision, the possibilities are limitless.

Core Services

Education funding
Energy funding

Education funding

Education funding is constantly evolving with new initiatives and funding opportunities being introduced to the sector. Those responsible for managing education estates are requiring ever more creative and professional strategies for income generation. Our education funding experts help schools, academies, colleges and universities to secure funding from any available streams to help create the best environments for learning.

Energy funding

Energy costs are variable and can easily be brought down through simple, conscious changes. We can help you to make small savings by changing energy suppliers or by getting a better tariff from your existing suppliers, however substantial reductions are possible by re-thinking your energy strategy. Funding is available to support your energy management transformation and we can help to secure this.

Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)
Bid Writing

Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)

No win. No fee. Barker is the UKs leading CIF bidding consultant. We have an outstanding track record of successful CIF applications, securing millions of pounds for our clients. Our bid writing is done free of charge, giving a very low risk solution to academies who want to apply for funding but do not have the time or technical knowledge to develop their own bids. Join the hundreds of academies who have secured CIF funding through Barker.

Bid Writing

We write winning bids. Bidding is competitive and we help you stand out. We employ specialist bid writers and technical experts to increase your success rates and reduce your workload. We have an outstanding track record of successful funding applications across education, energy and heritage funding streams.

Our Funding Services Include:

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  • Basic Need Funding
  • LCVAP
  • Salix Energy Efficiency Fund
  • Sports Funding/Healthy pupils Capital Fund
  • Community/Charity Funding
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See what our clients say

“Barker has been able to secure 3 large capital bids for us which they have project managed very professionally to conclusion. We are also using them as architects/planners/project managers on a Local Authority led expansion build over the next two years. I find them professional, approachable and very thorough. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.”

CHEAM PARK FARM SCHOOL, SUTTON, JULIE PENNEFATHER

“With Barker’s assistance, we were able to secure funds from the LCSF round to put together Energy Assessments for some of our schools, and amazingly, secure over £3million worth of funding with the PSDS round. Barker has been great through the whole process, assisting with the initial skills fund award, the bids, monitoring paperwork as well as project tenders, set up, and completion.”

Academies Enterprise Trust

The Governing Body of St Margaret’s Church of England (VA) Primary School have been very pleased with the premises development support from Barker and the professional levels of communication. The 5-year maintenance plan has been instrumental in setting a sustainable budget for future improvement. The current ongoing support and advice for the LCVAP funding work has also been very good with a proactive partnership developing between the school and the consultants.

ST MARGARET’S SCHOOL, BASILDON

“From my initial interest through to the planning stage, the service that I received has been excellent. Planning application and liaison between builders, suppliers Essex Local Authority has been dealt with smoothly and efficiently. I am delighted with the build and want you to convey my sincere thanks for all hard work and effort in making this project as straightforward as possible.”

CRESSING PRIMARY SCHOOL

“Barker has done another excellent job managing our cladding project. Excellent from start to finish!”

BUTTSBURY JUNIOR SCHOOL, BILLERICAY, Headteacher

Relevant Projects

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys- Feasibility and Planning Application for Sixth Form Extension
Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys- Feasibility and Planning Application for Sixth Form Extension
  • Client: Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys
  • Location: Thamesmead, London
Katherine Warington School- Solar PV Installation
Katherine Warington School- Solar PV Installation
  • Client: Katherine Warington School
  • Location: Harpenden, St Albans
The FitzWimarc School- RAAC Mitigation Works
The FitzWimarc School- RAAC Mitigation Works
  • Client: The FitzWimarc School
  • Location: Rayleigh, Essex
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)
  • Client: Multiple Organisations
  • Location: National
Thomas Becket Catholic School-Fire Safety Works CIF
Thomas Becket Catholic School-Fire Safety Works CIF
  • Client: Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust
  • Location: Northampton
Hedingham School & Sixth Form College – New classrooms to deliver T Level qualification
Hedingham School & Sixth Form College – New classrooms to deliver T Level qualification
  • Client: Headingham School and Sixth Form College
  • Location: Headingham
Dame Alice Owen’s School – New 18 Classroom Teaching Block
Dame Alice Owen’s School – New 18 Classroom Teaching Block
  • Client: Dame Alice Owen's School
  • Location: Potters Bar
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)
  • Client: Various Multi Academy Trusts
  • Location: National
St Mary the Virgin Church – Tower and Spire Repairs
St Mary the Virgin Church – Tower and Spire Repairs
  • Client: St Mary Parochial Church Council – St Mary the Virgin Church
  • Location: Baldock, Hertfordshire
Greensward Academy & Hawkwell Athletic Football Club – New Changing Pavilion
Greensward Academy & Hawkwell Athletic Football Club – New Changing Pavilion
  • Client: Greensward Academy and Hawkwell Athletic Football Club
  • Location: Hockley, Essex

Funding Team Key Contacts

Stuart White

Stuart White

Managing Partner

Stuart has over 25 years’ experience with Barker, having been appointed Managing Partner in 2(…)

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Robert Gould

Robert Gould

Partner

Robert joined Barker in 2002 and is a Partner based in our Braintree office. A Fellow of the (…)

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Thomas Deacon

Thomas Deacon

Partner

Tom joined Barker in 2020. He is a Partner based in our London office. Tom has over 15 years (…)

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William Bidewell

William Bidewell

Partner

Will joined Barker in 2003 and is a partner heading up the project management, cost consultan(…)

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Michael Merrill

Michael Merrill

Partner

Michael joined Barker in 1998, achieving partner status in 2010. He manages a team of surveyo(…)

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Barry Lawrence

Barry Lawrence

Partner

Barry joined Barker in 2019. He is a Partner heading our London office team on delivering Bui(…)

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James Johnson

James Johnson

Partner

James joined Barker in 2004 and is a Chartered Surveyor and Partner heading up the Building S(…)

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Edwin O’ Connell

Edwin O’ Connell

Associate Partner I Energy & Sustainability

Edwin has over 15 years extensive experience in delivering built environment and sustainabili(…)

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Philippa Gould

Philippa Gould

Associate Data Strategist

Philippa joined Barker in 2009 and is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS Certified Historic Buildi(…)

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Mark Neary

Mark Neary

Associate I Bid Manager

Mark joined Barker in 2019 and is a surveyor in the projects team. Mark has specific expertis(…)

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