The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual bidding round for eligible academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary-aided (VA) schools to apply for capital funding.
CIF has consistently provided a significant amount of aid and support to academies, sixth-form colleges, and VA schools to improve their facilities and address significant condition needs.
The last funding round will provide funding of just under £450 million for 866 projects at 733 academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary aided schools.
Find out more about the CIF 2024-25 outcome.
Read the general guidance and information for applicants to help with submission.
Key dates for the CIF 2025-26 application round:
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22 October 2024 – Launch of CIF 2025-26: Information for applicants published and online application window opens
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Midday, 10 December 2024 – Deadline for new applicants to register an account
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Midday, 17 December 2024 – Deadline for applicants to submit applications with all supporting documents
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May 2025 (subject to change) – Applicants notified of the outcome
Who can apply for CIF?
To be eligible to apply for CIF, you must have been one of the following at the start of September 2024:
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Stand-alone academy
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School in a MAT with fewer than 5 schools or fewer than 3,000 pupils, as counted in the spring 2024 census or the 2023 to 2024 individualised learner record (ILR)
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Individualised Learner Record (ILR) (details of how pupils are counted for eligibility purposes are provided below)
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Voluntary Aided (VA) school in a VA body or VA group with fewer than 5 schools or fewer than 3,000 pupils, as counted in the spring 2024 census or the 2023 to 2024 ILR
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Sixth-form college
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School with a signed academy order as of 1 September 2024 that DfE expects to convert to a CIF-eligible responsible body by 1 April 2025
How to prepare a winning application
The CIF guidance from the Department for Education highlights how your application should not only effectively convey the challenges your school is encountering to someone who can’t see it for themselves, but also explicitly outline the impact poor buildings have on teaching and learning.
- Understand the funding criteria
Before diving into your application, take the time to thoroughly understand the priorities and criteria set by the funding organisation. Tailor your proposal to align with these expectations to increase your chances of success.
- Clearly define your objectives
Begin your application by clearly defining the objectives of your project. What specific conditions are you targeting, and how will your project address them? Be specific, measurable, and concise in articulating your goals.
- Develop a detailed project plan
Present a comprehensive project plan that outlines the steps you'll take to achieve your objectives. Break down the project into phases, include timelines, and specify milestones. A well-organised plan demonstrates your commitment and feasibility.
- Include evidence and support
Include any evidence you can, including photographs to help assessors understand your bid and ensure they show the full extent of the condition. Any surveys that are included must be independent and must have taken place within the last three years.
- Consider all options
When writing your application, consider all solutions without bias and try not to present a preferred option. Be sure to quantify the alternatives and show the costs and differences in your options. Be sure to add in a ‘do nothing’ option and prove what the negative impact would be to demonstrate the urgent need.
- Sustainability is key
Address the sustainability of your improvements. Outline plans for ongoing maintenance, community involvement, or partnerships that will ensure the longevity of the positive changes your project brings.
- Acknowledge and mitigate risks
Acknowledge potential risks associated with your project and detail how you plan to mitigate them. This shows assessors that you've thought critically about potential challenges and have a plan in place to address them.
- Outline the cost in detail
Provide a transparent and detailed budget that aligns with your project plan. Clearly justify each expense and ensure that your budget reflects the scope and impact of your proposed improvements.
- Follow submission guidelines
Finally, ensure that you follow the submission guidelines meticulously. Submit all required documents and adhere to deadlines. Failure to do so could jeopardise your chances, regardless of the strength of your proposal.
Remember that the key is to make a compelling case for why your project deserves funding and how it will bring about positive change.
Need support with your CIF bid application?
Our CIF bid partners can help you secure the funding you need to make significant improvements to your school, academy, or sixth-form college on a no win, no fee basis!
With over 10 years of experience in CIF bids coupled with our education finance expertise, we know what it takes to create a winning bid.
Find out more about our CIF support or get in touch.