Barker works in partnership with School and Academy Trust sector bodies , The Confederation of School Trusts (CST), Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and The Trust Network. They continue to advocate hard on behalf of schools and trusts and are offering guidance and advice on operational issues. Some key items are highlighted here.
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) application deadline is Monday, 16th December 2025 at 12 noon. Ensure your bid and all supporting documents are submitted via the CIF portal before the deadline.
The Department for Education has released a significant update to the Net Capacity Assessment (NCA) programme, introducing revised guidance, an updated tranche list, and for the first time, a published schedule for Valuation Office Agency (VOA) site visits.
This update is crucial for Trust leaders, school business professionals, and anyone responsible for strategic estate planning, as it reinforces the importance of accurate capacity data for future pupil place planning and funding decisions.
Key changes include:
Understanding these changes now will help you prepare effectively and avoid surprises later. Read Barker’s blog for detailed guidance and practical steps
Following the updated guidance from DfE in July 2025 many of you may have started to look at SECR as part of your audited accounts submission.
If SECR applies to your Trust, you will need to capture your trust’s energy consumption and mileage and submit the information as part of your audited accounts submission as detailed in the Academies Accounts Direction.
Read our blog for more information on eligibility and guidance on how to complete your SECR.
The Department of Education (DfE) has released its guidance for the strategic school improvement capital budget (SSCIB). SSCIB offers targeted funding to help trusts take on schools with urgent capital needs. This funding is designed to remove barriers to academisation by addressing critical issues such as serious building defects, safeguarding risks, or unsuitable learning environments that would otherwise be too costly for incoming schools.
Trusts are encouraged to engage early with their DfE Regions Group Delivery Officer to explore eligibility. SSICB ensures that schools joining strong trusts can do so with the infrastructure needed to thrive. Read Barker’s blog for more details here.
Our experience and vision have shaped hundreds of projects across sectors, from energy and funding to architecture and design, helping bring ideas to life.
