Grant News
Schools and colleges in England can apply for capital funding of between £20,000 and £4 million through the Department for Education's Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2027 to 2028.
The fund supports improvements to school and college buildings, prioritising urgent repairs, health and safety risks, building compliance and poor building conditions. A small proportion of funding is also available for qualifying expansion projects.
Funding can support:
- Roof repairs and replacements – addressing leaks, structural damage and weatherproofing problems.
- Heating system improvements – replacing failing boilers and heating systems, including low-carbon alternatives.
- Fire safety improvements – upgrading fire protection systems and addressing fire safety risks.
- Electrical improvements – replacing unsafe wiring and upgrading electrical systems.
- Structural repairs – addressing serious defects that threaten building safety or continued use.
- Asbestos removal – removing asbestos where necessary to address safety risks or carry out essential works.
- Water and drainage improvements – repairing water systems, replacing lead pipework and improving drainage.
- Ventilation improvements – resolving poor air quality and overheating.
- Security and safeguarding improvements – addressing significant risks to pupils and staff, where supported by evidence.
- Building expansion – a limited number of projects to increase pupil places or address overcrowding at qualifying schools and colleges.
Primary and special schools can apply for project funding of £20,000 to £4 million. Secondary schools, all-through schools and sixth-form colleges can apply for £50,000 to £4 million. The average grant for building condition projects is approximately £500,000.
Eligible applicants include academies in smaller trusts, voluntary aided schools in smaller responsible bodies and sixth-form colleges. Larger trusts and voluntary aided bodies generally receive separate school condition allocations.
Applications must be submitted through the online CIF portal by 12 noon on 15 December 2026.
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