The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2027-28 is Now Open

The Department for Education has published its guidance for the Condition Improvement Fund 2027-28, with applications now open for eligible academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools across England. The latest guidance provides schools with an opportunity to secure capital funding for essential condition, compliance and health and safety projects, helping ensure educational buildings remain safe, operational and fit for purpose

As in previous years, competition for funding is expected to be significant. The DfE has consistently stated that only a proportion of applications are successful, meaning schools must ensure their submissions are supported by robust technical evidence, clear project planning and a compelling demonstration of need.

What is the Condition Improvement Fund?

The Condition Improvement Fund is a capital funding programme designed to support improvements to school and college buildings where significant condition, building compliance or health and safety issues exist. The primary aim of the programme is to keep education buildings safe and in good working order, funding projects that cannot reasonably be met through day-to-day maintenance budgets.

The fund continues to prioritise projects addressing building safety, fire safety, electrical and gas compliance, emergency asbestos concerns, heating infrastructure and building weather-tightness. In certain circumstances, expansion projects may also be considered where there is a demonstrable need for additional pupil places.

Why Schools Should Start Preparing Now

Although the application window is now open, schools that leave preparation until the final weeks often find themselves struggling to assemble the level of evidence required to submit a competitive bid.

The latest DfE guidance continues to place significant emphasis on well-developed projects supported by professional surveys, feasibility studies, cost information and evidence demonstrating the urgency of the issue. Schools must clearly show why the works are required, the risks of not completing them, and why the proposed solution offers value for money.

Recent successful CIF projects across England have included roof replacements, fire compartmentation works, boiler replacements, electrical upgrades, drainage repairs, safeguarding improvements and water compliance projects. These schemes all demonstrate a common theme: a clear need supported by strong technical evidence.

Estate Strategy is Becoming More Important

Alongside project-specific evidence, the DfE continues to encourage schools to take a more strategic approach to estate management.

Building condition surveys, asset management plans and long-term estate strategies are becoming increasingly important tools for schools looking to prioritise investment and demonstrate a clear understanding of their estate. A well-developed estate strategy can not only support CIF applications but also help schools plan future maintenance and capital investment programmes more effectively.

For many schools, CIF should not be viewed as a standalone annual funding exercise but as part of a wider estates management strategy that identifies risks, prioritises investment and supports long-term sustainability.

How Munday & Cramer Can Help

At Munday & Cramer, we work with schools, academies and trusts across the South East to identify suitable CIF projects, undertake building condition surveys, prepare supporting evidence and develop funding applications aligned with current DfE guidance.

Our team can support every stage of the process, from initial feasibility assessments and condition surveys through to bid preparation, cost planning, procurement advice and project delivery.

With the CIF 2027-28 application window now open, schools should begin reviewing their estates and identifying priority projects as soon as possible to maximise the time available for developing a strong submission.

Need Support With Your CIF Application?

If your school is considering a CIF application for 2027-28, our experienced education team can help assess your estate, identify funding opportunities and prepare a robust evidence-based submission.

Contact Munday & Cramer today to discuss your project and how we can support your next CIF application.