The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2026-27 is Now Open

The Department for Education has officially launched the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) for 2026-27, offering capital funding to eligible schools, academies, and sixth-form colleges across England. With the application window now open, it’s time to start preparing your bid.

What is CIF?

The Condition Improvement Fund is a government capital fund designed to keep educational buildings safe and in good working order. CIF’s core priority is to support condition projects that address significant building issues which revenue or other funding streams cannot meet. This includes problems with poor building condition, building compliance, or health and safety concerns.

The fund gives highest priority to condition projects addressing compliance and health and safety issues, including building safety matters, fire protection systems, gas safety, electrical safety, and emergency asbestos removal. Critical replacements of coal and oil-fired boilers with low carbon heating alternatives – where there is a risk of school closure – are also prioritised.

CIF also supports a small proportion of expansion projects for schools rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in quality of education and leadership & management, where the school needs to expand existing facilities to increase admissions or address overcrowding.

It must be stressed that competition is fierce – on average, only around a third of applications are successful each year. Only those applications that address priority improvements whilst closely aligning with the CIF guidance will secure funding.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for CIF 2026-27 is determined by your status at the start of September 2025. You may be eligible if you are:

• A stand-alone academy
• A school in a multi-academy trust (MAT) with fewer than five schools or fewer than 3,000 pupils as counted in the Spring 2025 census or 2024/25 Individualised Learner Record (ILR)
• A Voluntary Aided (VA) school in a VA body or VA group with fewer than five schools or fewer than 3,000 pupils
• A sixth-form college
• A school with a signed academy order as of 1 September 2025 that the department expects will convert to a CIF-eligible responsible body by 1 April 2026

VA schools must contribute at least 10% of the costs of any successful CIF project, and this contribution cannot be covered by a CIF loan.

Key Dates for CIF 2026-27

Time is of the essence with CIF applications. Here are the critical dates you need to be aware of:

• 21 October 2025 – CIF 2026-27 officially launched, online application window opens
• 12 noon, 9 December 2025 – Deadline for new applicants to register for a CIF portal account
• 12 noon, 16 December 2025 – Deadline for applicants to submit applications with all supporting documents
• May 2026 – Applicants notified of outcome (subject to change)
• June 2026 – Appeal window opens (subject to change)
• July 2026 – Appeal outcomes published (subject to change)

With the deadline fast approaching, it’s recommended that you log in to the CIF portal and begin your application at least seven working days before the deadline.

What’s Changed in CIF 2026-27?

The Department for Education has introduced several important changes and clarifications for this funding round:

School Rebuilding Programme (SRP)

There’s now clearer guidance that only in exceptional circumstances – to address legal compliance health and safety issues – may a Responsible Body selected for SRP submit a CIF application. These cases will be considered strictly on a case-by-case basis and must demonstrate that works are essential for the school to remain operational.

Technical Adviser Procurement

Applications for 2026-27 must clearly set out and evidence the process undertaken in procuring and appointing any technical advice. If you decide not to employ a technical adviser, you must ensure that the person responsible for the project has relevant experience and/or qualifications. Failure to adequately evidence a compliant procurement process may result in disqualification.

Assessment Considerations

The DfE has clarified that ultimately, your CIF application will either be fully funded or unsuccessful. In certain circumstances, applications may be placed on hold whilst additional due diligence is undertaken, and/or conditions of funding may be attached. Should a significant breach of guidance be identified, your application may be disqualified and deemed unsuccessful.

Project Costs – Contingencies and Provisional Sums

The guidance now clarifies that project contingency is for unforeseen work, whilst provisional sums should only be expended on work of the scope and nature set out in the description of the included sum. Neither can fund increased scope without an approved Scope Change Request.

How Munday & Cramer Can Help You

At Munday & Cramer, we have extensive experience in securing CIF funding for schools and academies across the South-East, London, and Home Counties. We’ve successfully secured millions of pounds in CIF funding over the years, with an impressive success rate that consistently.

Our CIF Services Include:

Bid Preparation and Submission: We work collaboratively with your school to prepare compelling, evidence-based applications that align with CIF priorities and guidance. Our technical expertise ensures your bid stands out in a highly competitive field.

Building Condition Surveys: Independent, professional condition surveys conducted by our qualified RICS surveyors provide the robust evidence required to support your application. We identify condition issues graded from A to D, with clear priority ratings.

Options Appraisals and Feasibility Studies: We develop comprehensive options appraisals that demonstrate value for money and present realistic solutions to your building challenges. Our feasibility studies include detailed cost management plans and risk assessments.

Project Cost Planning: Our quantity surveying team provides accurate cost plans, procurement advice, and helps secure competitive tenders that demonstrate value for money – a crucial element in CIF assessments.

GEMS and Estate Strategy Support: We help schools demonstrate their commitment to Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS), including self-assessments, estate strategies, and asset management plans that enhance your CIF score.

Sustainability and Net Zero Planning: With the DfE’s increased focus on environmental sustainability, we help schools evidence their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and support projects that align with net zero transition plans.

Appeals Support: If your application is unsuccessful, our experienced team can review your bid, identify areas for improvement, and support you through the appeals process or prepare a stronger application for the next funding round.

Get Started Today

With the application deadline of 12 noon on 16 December 2025 fast approaching, now is the time to act. The CIF application process requires detailed evidence, professional surveys, and careful planning – all of which takes time to prepare properly.

Don’t leave your CIF application to chance. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the process, from initial condition surveys to final submission, maximising your chances of securing the funding your school needs.

For more information about CIF 2026-27 or to discuss your potential application, contact Munday & Cramer today.