The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) provides vital financial support for academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary-aided schools across the UK to keep their facilities safe and in good working condition. With the launch of CIF 2025-26, schools should be aware of several important changes in the application process to maximise their chance of success.
Here’s a concise summary of the fundamental changes for CIF 2025-26 and how these updates may impact your application.
1. New Requirement for the CIF Declaration
A significant addition to the CIF application process this year is the Condition Improvement Funding Declaration, which must now be signed and uploaded by an accounting officer or, in the case of sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools, a senior management team member.
This declaration affirms the applicant's responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided, the management of any successful project, and compliance with CIF terms after approval.
This change underpins CIF’s commitment to accountability, ensuring applications are fully backed by responsible authorities, not just external consultants.
Senior leadership involvement is required in the CIF process for schools, aligning applications with immediate needs and long-term goals.
2. Enhanced Document Upload Capabilities for Photographs
The CIF application process now includes an additional 1MB upload option dedicated solely to photographs. Schools are encouraged to use this space to provide clear, high-quality images that visually support the project’s necessity.
This dedicated photo upload aims to enhance evidence without overloading other documentation sections, allowing schools to present more compelling visual proof.
It provides an opportunity to showcase the physical condition or urgent needs, such as deteriorating roofs or failing systems, to strengthen the case for funding.
3. Prioritisation of Condition Projects with High-Impact Needs
The CIF 2025-26 guidance introduces stricter prioritisation of projects addressing urgent needs directly impacting school operations. Projects demonstrating a risk to daily school functioning or those addressing critical safety concerns are likely to score the highest.
Projects focused on fire safety, electrical issues, asbestos, and heating failures should emphasise the critical need and high impact on school operations.
Schools should provide robust, detailed evidence of each condition issue, ideally supported by third-party independent assessments.
4. Increased Focus on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
CIF 2025-26 applications are encouraged to consider sustainable, energy-efficient options in line with government targets to reduce carbon emissions.
Schools can benefit from proposing low-carbon heating systems, enhanced insulation, or energy-efficient replacements, aligning with the Department for Education’s standards.
While sustainability is not the main criterion, projects demonstrating long-term environmental and cost-saving benefits may receive more favourable consideration.
5. Revised Evidence Requirements for Condition Surveys
CIF now requires that independent condition surveys be dated within the past three years and include specific grading and prioritisation ratings to reflect the work's urgency and scope.
Schools should provide detailed, up-to-date surveys, as generic support letters or older surveys will no longer be considered sufficient.
Schools can clearly communicate the critical need for funding to address safety or operational risks by including professionally assessed, recent condition data.
Preparing Your CIF Application with Confidence
Navigating these updates effectively can strengthen a CIF application and enhance the likelihood of a successful bid. At Clarke & Watt Building Consultancy, we specialise in crafting tailored estate strategies that align with each school’s vision and strategic priorities.
Our expertise in the CIF process and a deep understanding of the latest criteria allow us to support schools in preparing competitive applications that address urgent needs, improve sustainability, and align with CIF’s evolving standards.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your school’s CIF 2025-26 application and take the first step towards securing the funding you need to achieve your vision.
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