2025-2026 Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) outcome
Last week the Department for Education (DfE) announced the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) outcomes for 2025-26, allocating £470 million for 789 projects across 656 eligible institutions. Despite a 5% increase in funding, this year’s results mark another record low in successful projects and schools, both down approximately 10% compared to last year.
Following years of declining success rates, it was hoped that additional capital for school maintenance announced in the Autumn Budget would protect further reductions this year, however it has prevented a steeper decline in successful numbers. According to supporting data released by the DfE, the average cost of a successful project has increased by 20% suggesting inflationary pressures continue to have a significant impact or more expensive project types are being funded. This can be seen when comparing number of successful projects versus 2023-24 CIF results which had similar investment levels, but 30% more projects received capital support.
DfE data also shows that 45% of CIF eligible schools submitted at least one bid, 35% of which were successful representing 16% of all eligible institutions. Of 2,846 bids submitted, 28% received funding which is a similar success rate to last year. In this competitive environment, projects that address critical health and safety issues or significant building condition improvements are naturally prioritised over more proactive, cost-efficient building maintenance works.
CIF appeals for 24/25 applications
For schools, multi-academy trusts (MATs) and colleges facing disappointment, there will be an option to appeal against the decision. Appeals are generally limited to instances where a demonstrable material error occurred in the evaluation of an application or for applicants who can demonstrate a ‘significant disruption’ (defined as any unforeseen continuous close for one week or more) over a specified time determined in the guidance.
In our experience, it is worthwhile considering appealing if your application is two points away from the threshold or can demonstrate a ‘significant disruption’.
If you would like to discuss your application, Surveyors to Education specialise in guiding educational establishments through both the appeals process and the preparation for future CIF applications. Our team, who work exclusively in the education sector, have a deep understanding of the fund's requirements and a strong record of enhancing bid success rates.
What next?
Given CIF’s focus on funding projects with only the most urgent building condition, eligible institutions may be wondering how they can obtain funding to help them take a more proactive approach to maintaining their estates. Perhaps in light of this, the DfE has confirmed that it is reviewing the school maintenance funding system, with a particular focus on CIF. Potential changes are expected from 2026-27, with further updates likely to follow the June Spending Review.
Given the competitive nature of CIF, eligible institutions typically begin preparing applications for next year as soon as results are announced and therefore hope the DfE provide early visibility on changes to allow schools sufficient time to adjust. For analysis of the current maintenance system and implications of changing it, please see our recent insight report here.
As we wait for updates our advice to all CIF eligible institutions is to focus on having a strategic understanding your estate. Plan ahead with condition surveys, understanding building capacity and space utilisation and identifying opportunities for thermal performance and energy efficiencies. This information will help you develop a clear roadmap for prioritising capital spend whatever changes may occur.
How S2e can help:
Our experienced team of education estate and energy experts have worked with clients to secure CIF funding since its inception. We have continually evolved with the changing DfE requirements to ensure our client’s applications are the most competitive. Our wide-ranging experience is underpinned by analysis and insights on the education estates sector and whatever the next phase of condition funding looks like, our clients can trust that we will keep them ahead of the latest developments and opportunities.
If you would like to discuss how S2e can help you to plan ahead of future funding announcements, please get in touch on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.
