The announcement of Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) outcomes is always a significant moment for Schools and Trusts across the country.

For those who have secured funding, attention quickly turns to project delivery and ensuring improvements are completed successfully. However, for many schools, the outcome may not have been what they hoped for.

If your CIF application(s) were unsuccessful, it can be understandably disappointing, particularly after the time and effort invested in preparing the submission. However, an unsuccessful outcome does not necessarily mean the project was not needed, nor does it mean the issue has disappeared.

The key question now is not what went wrong, but what happens next.

Take time to review the outcome

The first step is to carefully review any feedback provided by the Department for Education.

While feedback is often brief, it can provide valuable insight into how your application was assessed and where additional evidence or clarification may strengthen a future submission.

In many cases, unsuccessful applications still demonstrate a genuine need. The difference between a successful and unsuccessful bid can often come down to the strength of supporting evidence, how the need was demonstrated, or how the project compared against competing applications nationally.

Understanding the feedback can help schools identify areas for improvement and begin planning their next steps with confidence.

Remember, the need has not disappeared

One of the most important things to remember is that the condition issue you identified remains a priority, regardless of the funding outcome.

Whether the project relates to roofing, electrical systems, fire safety, heating, windows, drainage, or other building elements, the underlying issue still requires management.

In some cases, schools may need to implement temporary repairs or increased monitoring to maintain safe and operational buildings while longer-term funding options are explored.

This is also an ideal opportunity to review where the project sits within your wider estate priorities and whether any additional risks have emerged since the application was submitted.

Strengthening the evidence base

A common theme in CIF feedback is the need for stronger supporting evidence.

While surveys, reports, photographs, and maintenance records often form part of an application, schools can sometimes strengthen future submissions by demonstrating the direct impact of building condition issues on day-to-day operations.

Examples may include:

• Areas that cannot be fully utilised due to building defects.
• Repeated maintenance requirements and associated costs.
• Service interruptions affecting teaching and learning.
• Health and Safety concerns.
• Escalating deterioration that increases future risk and cost.

The stronger the evidence, the easier it becomes to demonstrate both need and urgency.

Use this opportunity to plan ahead

An unsuccessful CIF application can also provide an opportunity to take a step back and review the bigger picture.

The Department for Education are now placing greater emphasis on long-term estate planning, ensuring condition issues are prioritised, risks are understood, and future investment decisions are supported by clear evidence.

Developing a robust estate strategy can help schools:

• Understand current and future condition liabilities.
• Prioritise projects based on risk and impact.
• Align estate investment with educational objectives.
• Demonstrate strategic planning to funding bodies.
• Improve readiness for future funding opportunities.

Taking a proactive approach today can often strengthen future applications and support better decision-making across the estate.

Looking forward

While receiving an unsuccessful CIF outcome can be frustrating, it should not be viewed as the end of the journey.

Every outcome provides an opportunity to review evidence, refine priorities, strengthen future submissions, and develop a clearer understanding of your estate’s needs.

For many schools and trusts, the work undertaken as part of a CIF application creates a valuable foundation for future funding opportunities and long-term estate planning.

The most important thing is to keep moving forward with a clear plan and a thorough understanding of the options available.

How AltMarkt Services can help

At AltMarkt Services, we work alongside schools, trusts, and public sector organisations to understand their estates, identify priorities, secure funding, and offer full Project Management.

Whether you would like support reviewing feedback, strengthening evidence for future applications, developing a long-term estate strategy, or exploring alternative funding opportunities, our team is always happy to have an informal conversation.

To discuss your estate priorities, contact AltMarkt Services today.