Guiding Schools to Funding Success
Condition Improvement Fund
(CIF)
High success rates, no-win-no-fee applications, and senior-level expertise from start to finish.
About Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)
An annual fund administered by the Department for Education to address significant condition needs. The fund is typically in the region of £450-£500 million per year.
Condition Improvement Fund’s (CIF) core priority is to support condition projects, and the focus of the fund is to keep school and college buildings safe and in good working order. Most CIF funding aims to address building issues with significant consequences that revenue or other funding cannot meet.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for CIF funding, you must be one of the following:
- Stand-alone academy.
- School in a multi-academy trust (MAT) with fewer than five schools or fewer than 3,000 pupils.
- Voluntary Aided (VA) school in a VA body or VA group with fewer than five schools or fewer than 3,000 pupils.
- Sixth-form college.
Typical Projects
Applications that most closely align with Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) policy priorities will have the highest chance of success.
Highest Priority:
- Building safety matters
- Emergency asbestos removal
- Gas safety
- Electrical safety
- Water services
- Ventilation/air quality and thermal comfort
- Fire safety
- Security and safeguarding
High Priority:
- Building structure
- Mechanical systems
- Electrical systems
- Utility capacity and connections
Why RPT Consultants?
- Outstanding Success Rates: Consistently high success in CIF applications above 75% for building surveying.
- No Win, No Fee Bid Writing: Pay only when we win, ensuring risk-free applications.
- Unrivalled Knowledge: Deep understanding of CIF applications with extremely detailed and tailored bid writing.
- Partner-Level Service: Each application receives meticulous attention from our senior staff with a dedicated point of contact.
- Our collaboration with Head Teachers, Governors, and Trustees have led to over 145 successful CIF applications – See our Client Testimonials.
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our team only comprises of senior Chartered Surveyors and Engineers, all experts in their respective fields.
Our Approach
Pre Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) Award:
Initial Visit: Establish and prioritise bids, providing expert recommendations.
Project Briefing: Discuss and agree on project specifics; appoint specialist surveys.
Specification Writing: Prepare detailed specifications.
Tender: issue tender documents and conduct tender analysis and clarifications.
- Application Submission: Complete bid application with comprehensive sections on Need, Cost, and Planning. Submit application alongside the client.
Post Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) Award:
Contractor Coordination: Assist with contractor appointment and coordination.
Pre-Start Meeting: Undertake pre-start meeting with the project team.
Project Management: Monitor progress, chair site meetings, and manage cost control.
Handover Management: Undertake snagging inspections and manage handover meetings.
Final Account Agreement: Agree on the final account.
Completion and Notification: Assist client in managing and completing all required CIF notifications.
Trusted by Leading Educational Institutions
We work with Academies, Trusts, and Local Authorities to deliver high-impact, fully compliant building solutions—on time and on budget.
