Bid Writing and CIF Funding Consultants
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) remains one of the most valuable sources of capital funding for eligible academies, sixth form colleges, and responsible bodies, helping organisations invest in safer, more resilient estates.
With the programme due to end in 2028 and competition for funding remaining high, there is only one opportunity left to secure funding through the current scheme.
As one of the UK’s leading education property consultancies, Barker has a proven track record of helping schools secure vital funding. In the recent round, we helped clients secure millions of pounds in funding, with projects ranging from a £68,000 roofing scheme to a £3.2 million electrical infrastructure project. Unlike most consultancies, we don’t stop at the application; we support clients at every stage of the CIF process, from supporting surveys and evidence, through to the bid, then project delivery.
Planning your next CIF application? Speak to our team and maximise this final opportunity to secure CIF funding.
For many years, CIF has helped academies, smaller trusts and sixth form colleges secure funding for essential capital projects. As part of the DfE’s evolving estates strategy, the current CIF programme is set to be replaced from Autumn 2028.
This funding round is set to be the final round and with competition already high and future arrangements still being developed, this round could prove particularly important for schools with significant estate priorities.
If your organisation has outstanding building condition, compliance or infrastructure needs, now is the time to act. Early planning and strong, evidence-led CIF bids will be key to making the most of the remaining funding opportunity before the programme comes to an end.
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), is a funding route provided by the DfE that supports capital projects that address compliance, health and safety issues, and maintenance needs.
CIF funding address building condition needs to provide a vital opportunity for schools and academies to improve their estate and facilities, and better the environment for students and staff.
Only projects that demonstrate a high project need and those that align with CIF priorities are likely to be successful.
CIF also supports a small proportion of expansion projects for Ofsted-rated good or outstanding academies and sixth-form colleges that need to expand their existing facilities.
Eligibility for CIF funding is based on specific criteria set by the DfE. We help organisations assess their CIF eligibility and understand the allocation process for CIF funding in the UK.
To qualify for a CIF grant, you must tick one of the following criteria:
For large MATs who do not qualify for CIF, the School Condition Allocation (SCA) is available.
CIF dates vary year, but typically they follow a similar timeline:
It is never too early to start preparing; schools should look to prepare well in advance for a strong, evidence-based bid.
Applications can be made through the CIF Portal.
Most CIF funding is directed towards resolving health & safety and compliance non-conformities or urgent condition issues that threaten to close some or all of a school’s facilities.
The highest priority CIF project types are (in descending order):
To learn more about these project categories and their assessment criteria, you can read the DfE’s Condition Improvement Fund Information for Applicants.
Your bid should address an issue that fits into the “highest” or “high” categories within the DfE guidance document (see What Types of Projects Does CIF cover?) Any applications outside of these categories are unlikely to be funded.
With only a limited number of applications successful each year, early planning, strong technical evidence, and a clear case for investment are critical. In our experience, most eligible academies should consider submitting up to two CIF applications annually to address building condition, compliance, and estate improvement priorities.
At Barker, we can discuss your known issues, independently assess your estate and help you to identify the best projects to bid for.
Our experience puts us in the best position to offer tailored advice based on what we see during a site visit. We will guide you through the application process and create the best strategy.
When completing an application, you need to ensure that you meet all the core requirements of the bid process. Be sure to read the applicant guidance and criteria fully, so you aren’t missing anything crucial to the success of your bid.
To tick all of the boxes of a good application, it’s essential to satisfy the assessors that your project is well-developed and low-risk. Evidence of cost planning, value for money, risk management and deliverability will enhance your bid.
You should also present different options, including a “do nothing” option, to further support your need for funding. Barker’s team of surveyors and bid writers can help you prepare and submit the technical due diligence required.
If your building compliance or condition issue is so urgent that you cannot wait for the next CIF round, you may be able to apply to the DfE’s Urgent Capital Support (UCS) programme.
You can apply for UCS at any point in the year if you have any condition issues that threaten either the closure of part of the school or all of it.
The DfE issues detailed guidance every year to help organisations prepare their CIF bids. It is essential that you read and understand this guidance in full before submitting your application or enlisting specialist professional support.
It’s often beneficial to enlist the help of experienced bid writers, like the Barker team, to help you ensure you have everything you need for your funding application.
At Barker, not only do we put together the applications for CIF bids for you, so you can concentrate on other important tasks, but we will also see the project through to delivery.
We will provide your application with the attention it needs to ensure it follows the guidelines set out by the DfE and that nothing important is being overlooked.
Barker will consult with you to assess your site and discuss the priority works. We advise you on the best projects to bid for and guide you on the best strategy for a successful condition improvement fund submission.
We will guide you through the whole application process and submit comprehensive bids carefully targeting the DfE guidelines, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Our service makes accessing funding straightforward and low-risk, delivering high-value outcomes for academies that lack the internal resources to prepare detailed bids to seek funding support.
The guidelines are very clear about the amount and level of detail required, and this can seem daunting to academies. Our team will ensure compliance with CIF requirements and meet the bid deadline.
Most importantly, we are not just bid writers but expert project managers, surveyors, and designers so when you secure your funding, you can rest assured your project delivery is in the best hands.
The Condition Improvement Fund is highly competitive. Only the most urgent and well-evidenced applications will receive funding so it is critical to demonstrate the need for your project, whether it’s a condition, a condition or an expansion project, and only bid for works that are urgent and of high priority.
For a successful CIF bid, you will also need to undertake independent surveys such as building condition surveys and energy efficiency surveys that will help you to determine which projects are most essential for your estate. A specialist survey for the specific work you are applying for can help to demonstrate the need for the funding as well as the value for money.
Alongside a well-evidenced bid, you must provide thorough technical due diligence to demonstrate the deliverability and value for money of your proposed project.
Discuss your project with our education funding specialists and discover how Barker can help secure the investment your estate needs.
