The DfE recently held a webinar on the school estate management standards annual return, covering its purpose, how the results will be used and what responsible bodies should be doing now to prepare. With the return opening on 22 September 2026, here are the key takeaways ahead of submission.

The DfE has updated its guidance on the School Estate Management Standards Annual Return, publishing the questions Responsible Bodies will be asked and confirming how the process will work. With the first return opening in the third week of September 2026 and a DfE webinar on 9 September, here is what the updated guidance confirms and what organisations should be doing now.

The DfE has published the results of the 2026-27 Condition Improvement Fund appeals, with a further 10 projects approved. With successful appeals continuing to be limited and CIF expected to be replaced from Autumn 2028, here is what the results mean for schools and how to start preparing now.