Expert Support for CIF Bids and Funding

Navigating CIF applications, appeals, and funding opportunities for UK schools

Need help with your CIF bid or appeal? Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation

Barker has an outstanding track record of successful Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) applications with millions of pounds secured for our clients.

Our team provides comprehensive support for CIF applications, including guidance on CIF eligibility, criteria, and requirements. Whether you’re preparing a new CIF bid or navigating the CIF appeals process, we offer tailored assistance to maximise your funding opportunities.

We have an unrivalled knowledge of putting together successful CIF applications and bid writing based on a no-win-no-fee basis.

We also know how difficult and time-consuming this can be for individual academies and Business Managers. At Barker we take responsibility for putting together the applications, leaving academies to concentrate on their core activities.

If you would like to discuss your CIF bid, fill out the form above or call us on 01279 647111 and ask to speak to our CIF team.

Your Trusted Partner

Barker is an integrated property consultancy and trusted advisor to schools, trusts, colleges and universities across the country.


We are proud to work with thousands of schools and many of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the UK.

Our Experience & Affiliations

We are affiliated partners to the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and The Trust Network (TTN) giving you the peace of mind that you are working with the sector experts.

Our Approach to CIF Bids and Tenders

Barker will consult with you to assess your site and discuss the priority works. We advise you on the best projects to bid for and guide you on the best strategy for a successful condition improvement fund submission.

We will guide you through the whole application process and submit comprehensive bids carefully targeting the DfE guidelines ensuring the best possible outcome.

We work on a no win no fee basis giving a very low-risk solution to academies who want to apply for funding but do not have the time or technical knowledge to develop their own bids. The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) guidelines are very clear about the amount and level of detail required and this can seem daunting to academies. Our team will ensure compliance with CIF requirements, and meeting the CIF bid deadline. Our expertise extends to managing CIF grants and providing support through the CIF portal.

Most importantly, we are not just bid writers, but expert project managers so when you secure your funding you can rest assured your project is in the best hands.

Other Funding Opportunities for Schools

In addition to CIF funding, schools and academies may be eligible for Urgent Capital Allocation and Sustainability funding targeted around decarbonisation. We also provide guidance on accessing these funds to support your school’s infrastructure needs too, get in touch today.


What is the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)?

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) supports projects that address compliance, health and safety issues, and maintenance needs. Only projects that demonstrate a high project need and those that align with CIF priorities are likely to be successful.

Condition Improvement Funding also supports a small proportion of expansion projects for Ofsted-rated good or outstanding academies and sixth-form colleges that need to expand their existing facilities.

Eligibility for CIF funding is based on specific criteria set by the Department for Education (DfE). We help schools assess their CIF eligibility and understand the allocation process for CIF funding in the UK. Applications can be made through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) Portal

In our experience, every academy should be looking to submit two CIF Bids per year unless you are in a very modern and well-maintained building In order to prepare high-quality bids, it is essential that academies start this process as soon as possible.

Barker is one of the country’s leading Education specialist consultancies. We have a track record of preparing CIF bids and delivering successful projects that have made a real difference to the academies.

The highest priority works are:

  • Health and safety or safeguarding issues
  • Replacement oil or coal-fired boilers
  • Heating and hot water systems
  • Leaking roofs, cladding, and windows
  • Fire safety works
  • Emergency asbestos removal

Contact Us Today

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Get a FREE Initial Consultation

Need help with your CIF bid or appeal? Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation.

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