Condition Improvement Fund

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual fund made available by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for eligible academies and sixth-form colleges. CIF is predominantly for schools to address significant condition-based property issues; keeping them safe, secure and in good working order.

Nearly £500 million was allocated by the ESFA in the 2017/8 round alone. With an increasing number of schools converting to academy status, competition is continuing to increase. In the most recent funding round, less than 40% of all bid submissions were successful; can your academy afford to miss out? Munday + Cramer have extensive experience in securing works through CIF, having earned academies over £90.0M in recent years, with a consistent success rate more than double the national average.

At Munday + Cramer we have a proven track record when it comes to putting together successful applications. We work closely with our clients and their estates to identify the highest priority works. Providing guidance and advice to our clients from the first initial consultation to the final completion of the project, ensuring the process is stress free.

Projects previously funded include:

• Safeguarding Improvements (Site security, gate automation, school entrance improvements)
• Asbestos Removal / Reinstatement
• Fire Safety (Fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors, compartmentation improvements)
• Electrical Upgrades (Electrical re-wire, mains electrical improvements)
• Roof Refurbishments
• Window / Door Replacements
• Heating Systems (Boilers, Controls, Distribution)
• Water Distribution Replacement (hot / cold water pipework and plant replacement)
• Block replacement
• Kitchen/Dining facilities
• Changing rooms
• Sports facilities
• Playgrounds

The Condition Improvement Fund also makes provision for further bidding opportunities with regards to expansion projects. Open to Ofsted-rated good/outstanding academies and sixth-form colleges that require expansion to meet demand or to address overcrowding. 

Munday + Cramer will help the academies prioritise and forecast bid opportunities. We continue to assist our academy clients secure CIF funding year on year. A key example of this approach is at Beaconsfield High School, Buckinghamshire. Here a strategic approach to bidding has enabled the following successes:

2015/6

2016/7

2017/8

2018/9

Case Studies