Condition Improvement Funding
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is for schools and colleges that need to address significant condition needs in their buildings, to make sure they’re safe and in good working order. This includes projects focused on health and safety issues, building compliance and poor building conditions.
Eligible organisations include academies, sixth form colleges and voluntary aided (VA) schools in England. Larger multi-academy trusts with more than 3,000 pupils cannot apply for the CIF funding. They can access the School Condition Allocation (SCA) instead.
Condition improvement funding can be used on two main project types. Condition projects focus on health and safety issues, building compliance and poor building conditions. Expansion projects are only available to institutions with a good or outstanding OFSTED rating that need more facilities to address overcrowding or increase admissions.
Pagabo and our supply chain partners can advise on either type of project. We can also advise you on other funding schemes.
How can Pagabo help with condition improvement funding?
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Condition improvement fund bid writing
On average, only a third of condition improvement bids are successful each year. It’s a very competitive process. That means that to be successful, you must be prepared. Alongside our framework partners, we know the process, all the important dates and can help you write a winning bid.
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Funding and project consultancy
Applying for condition improvement funding is complicated and time-consuming. Alongside our framework partners, we can assess your school or college and advise if your improvement plans are eligible for the funding, and what level you should bid for. Then, we can advise you through the improvement works too, so you get the best value for money.
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Eligible condition improvement projects
Three key issues can be addressed with the CIF funding. These are health & safety issues, poor building conditions and building compliance. Let’s look at some of the specific situations these cover.
Health and safety issues
Health and safety issues addressed by the fund include upgrades to fire protection systems, like alarms and suppression systems, replacement of old electrical systems, emergency asbestos removal and improvements to gas safety systems to prevent leaks and ensure compliance.
Building condition
Poor building condition issues addressed include making sure buildings are weatherproof to prevent damage, replacing or upgrading heating systems with low-carbon alternatives and dealing with structural issues that could lead to building instability.
Building compliance
Any projects that involve bringing buildings up to current standards, including accessibility improvements.
CIF funding projects are assessed and prioritised based on urgency and impact. Advice can be given on where your project is likely to fall in the decision hierarchy.
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Plus more
Every school and college has its own set of requirements. Alongside our framework partners, we can help you write a bid that addresses your institution’s biggest issues, with the highest chance of success.
Why choose procurement through Pagabo?
Expertise
We’re experts in procurement for condition improvement funding. Our team includes expert economists, has decades of experience and boasts a range of professional qualifications that includes MCIPS, MRICS and NEC accreditations. We have a wide range of suppliers and frameworks to choose from, and our procurement routes are all flexible. Bidding for funding with Pagabo gives you the best chance of success.
Compliance
All our frameworks are fully EU and UK compliant, and we’re UK and PCR compliant. Sourcing your procurement through Pagabo helps you stay compliant.
Experience
Schools and colleges have been procuring more efficiently with Pagabo for years. Nine out of ten of our users recommend us. Alongside our framework partners, we can help you get condition improvement funding quickly and efficiently.
Funding your project with a Pagabo framework
Key information for condition improvement funding
Condition improvement funding is released yearly. The 2025-2026 phase closed for applications on 17 December 2024. We expect the 2026-2027 funding window to open in October 2025.
