The CIF 2026 – 27 bidding application window is now open, giving academies and sixth form colleges across England the opportunity to secure vital funding for essential building improvements.
CIF funding is highly over-subscribed, and only projects that clearly demonstrate need and alignment with DfE priorities are likely to be successful.
Barker is one of the country’s leading education property consultants, trusted by hundreds of schools and trusts to deliver compliant, high-quality CIF bids. In the last round, we helped our clients secure millions in funding.
We are the only UK property consultancy partnered with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), the Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL), the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), and The Trust Network (TTN).
CIF primarily funds urgent condition, compliance, and health & safety works such as:
There is now limited funding available for expansion projects addressing overcrowding or increased pupil demand.
The funding is designed to address serious building issues that could otherwise affect safe and effective operation. This includes works to ensure buildings remain weather-tight, structurally sound, and compliant with statutory requirements.
A small number of expansion bids are approved each year, typically from Good or Outstanding schools where there is a clear and evidenced need for additional pupil places. Only a limited proportion of the overall fund is allocated to such projects.
Schools currently included in the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) can only apply to CIF in exceptional cases for urgent legal or safety issues.
For the 2026–27 round, the project completion deadline has been extended. All approved works must now be fully completed by the 31st of March 2028 (previously March 2027).
The validity period for supporting survey evidence has also been shortened. All condition surveys submitted as evidence must now be dated after the 1st of October 2022 (previously after the 1st of October 2021). Applicants are encouraged to review and update surveys to ensure compliance before submission.
All bids must now evidence compliant procurement and independent technical advice, in line with DfE 2026–27 guidance. This ensures transparency and value for money throughout the process.
The DfE has confirmed that Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Phase 4 (2025–28) will continue to operate during this CIF round. Applicants using CIF funding to contribute to PSDS projects must clearly declare this within their bid submission.
CIF 2026–27 maintains a strong focus on low-carbon heating replacements, particularly where these address urgent condition needs and support the transition away from fossil fuel systems.
| MILESTONE | DATE |
| Launch of CIF 2026-27: Information for applicants published and online application window opens | 21st October 2025 |
| Deadline for new applicants to register for a CIF portal account | 9th December 2025, 12 noon |
| Deadline for applicants to submit applications with all supporting documents | 16th December 2025, 12 noon |
| Applicants notified of outcome | May 2026 (subject to change) |
| Appeal window opens | June 2026 (subject to change) |
| Appeals Outcomes published | July 2026 (subject to change) |
Further details, eligibility, and the checklist are available HERE
Barker is one of the country’s leading Education specialist consultancies. Our experienced CIF specialists support schools and trusts in developing compliant, high-quality bids that stand up to DfE scrutiny. Unlike most, we don’t stop at the bid; we work with you from submission to project completion.
Our track record of preparing CIF bids and delivering successful projects that have made a real difference to our academy clients.
Start preparing your bid as soon as possible to get your school in the strongest possible position.
Contact us today to discuss your project and find out how Barker can support your CIF 2026–27 application.
Our experience and vision have shaped hundreds of projects across sectors, from energy and funding to architecture and design, helping bring ideas to life.
