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Urgent Capital Support
(UCS)

RPT Consultants are experts in advising schools on Urgent Capital Support, enabling our clients, if eligible, to obtain urgent and vital funding to ensure their curriculum can be delivered within a safe and compliant estate.

Old and deteriorating school boiler system requiring urgent replacement through Urgent Capital Support funding.

Urgent Capital Support (UCS) Funding for Schools

At RPT Consultants, we specialise in supporting schools, academies, and trusts in securing vital UCS funding to remove risks caused by dilapidated school estates. Funding through UCS ensures essential works are undertaken, enabling schools to remain open and curriculum is protected. 

What is Urgent Capital Support (UCS)?

Urgent Capital Support (UCS) is a government funding stream provided by the Department for Education (DfE). It is intended for eligible institutions that are facing unexpected, urgent, or severe issues with buildings or infrastructure that pose an immediate health and safety risk or threaten to disrupt day-to-day operations. 

This funding is designed to be responsive — available outside of the normal CIF funding round — and is aimed at tackling emergency situations such as: 

  • Structural failures 
  • Major roof leaks 
  • Unsafe electrical installations 
  • Fire protection 
  • Boiler or heating system failures  
  • Urgent asbestos issues  
  • Severe safeguarding concerns 
Severely damaged school flat roof with large blisters and water pooling, requiring urgent capital support for repair or replacement.
Severe ceiling water damage requiring urgent capital support for repair.

Eligibility

You can apply if you are an academy, sixth-form college or VA school and you meet both of these conditions:​

  • You do not receive SCA.
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  • You need funding assistance to address urgent building condition issues that either:
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    • Put the safety of your pupils or staff at risk.
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    • Threaten the closure of the whole or a significant part of your school.

How We Can Help

Securing UCS funding can be complex, as specifications need to be written, works fully tendered, condition reports and photographic records produced in addition to the production of options appraisals and risk registers. At RPT Consultants, we have a proven track record in preparing and submitting successful UCS bids alongside schools and trusts. Our service includes: 

  1. Urgent Site Inspection
    We respond quickly to assess the issue, determine the level of urgency, and gather the evidence needed to support your application.

     

  2. Technical Reporting & Evidence Compilation
    We prepare detailed condition surveys, photographic evidence, and professional reports that demonstrate the severity of the issue and its impact on operations and safety.

     

  3. Specification and Tender of UCS Project
    We develop a scope of works and drawings. Issue to four contractors for sealed bid tender returns to the school, undertake qualifications and prepare tender evaluation report.

     

  4. Submission of UCS Application
    We work alongside the client throughout the whole UCS Application process and ensure the application includes all required information and every element is accurately completed.

     

  5. Project Delivery
    If UCS funding is approved, we can manage the project through to completion — including detailed design, project management, contract administration, and site management — ensuring value for money and minimal disruption to your school.

For more information on how UCS funding works and how we can help:

Meeting discussing urgent capital support requirements.