Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2026-27 Round Now Open!
- OMNIA Building Consultants
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 31
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2026-27 application window is officially open, giving academies, sixth form colleges and voluntary aided schools the opportunity to secure vital funding for essential building repairs, safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
At OMNIA, we believe that safe, efficient and well-maintained school buildings form the foundation of successful learning environments. Our expert team is here to help education providers prepare high-quality CIF applications backed by strong technical evidence and compliance with the Department for Education’s (DfE) latest guidance.
What is the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)?
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is a capital funding stream from the DfE designed to address the most urgent building condition and compliance issues within eligible schools and academies.
CIF supports projects that ensure buildings are:
Safe and compliant with statutory health, fire, and safety regulations.
Weather-tight and structurally sound.
Efficient and sustainable, promoting long-term value and energy performance.
Typical CIF-funded projects include:
Building condition: such as repairs to roofs, windows, fabric, or structure.
Health & safety and compliance: including fire systems, electrical and gas safety, and asbestos removal.
Urgent maintenance and infrastructure renewal: heating, plumbing, drainage, and related systems.
There is also limited funding available for expansion projects, particularly where schools face overcrowding or rising pupil demand.
Key Updates for 2026-27
Expansion Projects
Only a limited number of expansion bids will be approved in 2026–27. These are generally reserved for Good or Outstanding schools that can demonstrate clear evidence of overcrowding or pupil growth affecting educational quality or safety.
School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) Restrictions
Schools currently benefiting from the SRP can apply to CIF only in exceptional cases, such as urgent legal or safety concerns.
Project Eligibility and Deadlines
Project completion deadline: All CIF-funded works must be completed by 31st March 2028 (extended from March 2027).
Condition surveys: All surveys must be dated after 1st October 2022. Applicants should review and update these before submission to ensure compliance.
Procurement & Technical Advice
All applicants are required to demonstrate compliant procurement processes and the use of independent technical advice, as outlined in the DfE’s 2026-27 guidance. This approach ensures transparency, accountability, and best value for money in all CIF-funded projects.
Sustainability & Decarbonisation
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Phase 4 remains active alongside CIF. Applicants planning to use CIF funding to contribute to PSDS projects must declare this.
There is a continued focus on low-carbon heating replacement, particularly when supporting the transition away from fossil fuel systems.
Key Dates for CIF 2026-27
Milestone | Date |
Launch of CIF 2026-27: Information for applicants published and online application window opens | 21st October 2025 |
Deadline for new applicants to register for a CIF portal account | 9th December 2025, 12 noon |
Deadline for applicants to submit applications with all supporting documents | 16th December 2025,12 noon |
Applicants notified of outcome | May 2026 (subject to change) |
Appeal window opens | June 2026 (subject to change) |
Appeals Outcomes published | July 2026 (subject to change) |
For full eligibility criteria, technical guidance, and applicant checklists, visit the DfE’s CIF 2026-27 guidance page.
How OMNIA Supports Successful CIF Applications
A successful CIF bid requires more than just identifying a need. It demands technical accuracy, clear justification, and compelling evidence.
At OMNIA, we can provide end-to-end CIF bid support tailored to your schools’ unique requirements:
Condition surveys and diagnostics to identify and prioritise works
Technical reports and cost planning to strengthen your bid with data-driven evidence
Bid writing and strategy aligned with DfE guidance and current funding priorities
Procurement and project delivery support ensuring compliance and best-value outcomes once funding is secured.
From the initial consultation through to project completion, our team delivers confidence, compliance, and clarity every step of the way.
Get Ready to Apply for CIF 2026-27
With the CIF 2026–27 deadline fast approaching, now is the ideal time to start preparing your bid.
Contact OMNIA’s Education Team today to discuss your project, arrange a condition survey, or receive tailored advice on strengthening your CIF application.
We have put together the following guide to assist you with your CIF 2026-27 application. The guide consists of answers to some frequently asked questions along with a practical checklist. Download the guide below:
