The Department for Education has published a new 10-year Education Estates Strategy, outlining significant reforms to how school buildings are funded, maintained and managed across England.
The strategy confirms that the current Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) will be phased out by autumn 2028. CIF has long required standalone academies and small multi-academy trusts to submit competitive bids for capital funding to address urgent building condition issues.
End of Competitive Bidding
Under the proposed system, schools will no longer submit full capital bids. Instead, funding allocations are expected to be based on estate condition data and national priorities, with the government aiming to reduce administrative burden and target investment more strategically.
This marks a shift from annual competition to a centrally informed allocation model.
New Estate Management Platform
The strategy introduces a new digital platform titled Managing Your Education Estate, designed to consolidate data, guidance and funding tools in one place. A strengthened reporting framework for responsible bodies is expected to follow in 2027.
The move suggests increased national oversight of estate condition and long-term infrastructure planning.
Surplus Land Framework
With falling pupil numbers in parts of the country, the DfE also plans to introduce a formal framework to manage surplus school land and underused buildings. Options may include repurposing space for community services such as family hubs, health services or youth provision.
The policy signals a broader integration of education estates into local infrastructure planning.
Inclusion and SEND Infrastructure
Although detailed SEND reforms are expected in the forthcoming Schools White Paper, the estates strategy includes an ambition for all secondary schools to establish “inclusion bases” — dedicated spaces designed to support pupils who require targeted intervention within mainstream settings.
Funding mechanisms, staffing models and accountability structures for these bases have yet to be clarified.
Key Changes at a Glance
- Condition Improvement Fund to end by autumn 2028
- Capital funding to be driven by condition data rather than competitive bids
- National estate management platform launching this year
- Formal framework for surplus land and underused school buildings
- Inclusion bases positioned within long-term estate planning
The strategy represents one of the most substantial structural changes to school estate funding in more than a decade, with implementation details expected to develop alongside wider education reform announcements later this year.
Source: Schools Week
Published by Notherelong.
