2.CIF eligibility checker

2.1The four tests

1. Institution type. Eligible bodies are single academies, multi-academy trusts under the SCA threshold, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools. Local-authority maintained schools are not eligible and instead receive capital via SCA.^[1][7]
2. Ofsted gate. Trusts with an Inadequate outcome at the most recent inspection are generally not eligible to submit in the current cycle. Requires Improvement does not automatically disqualify, but does affect deliverability scoring.^[2]
3. Prior-round award. Trusts awarded in the immediately previous cycle can apply again, but the published outcomes register shows materially lower re-award rates, so a second submission should be carefully prioritised.^[3]
4. Project ceiling. Single-project bids cap at £4 million. Larger schemes should be considered for the School Rebuilding Programme or staged across multiple cycles.^[11]

Applications for projects with a value of more than £4 million for a single project will not be considered.

ESFA, Condition Improvement Fund: information for applicants^[2]

2.2Run the live check

Outputs one of three verdicts: Qualifies (proceed), Borderline (specific clause review), or Does not qualify (alternative funding route).