cifapplication.co.ukIndependent reference register
Section 3

3.CIF score simulator

Self-score a draft CIF application against the published 60 / 25 / 15 ESFA scoresheet. The ledger below mirrors the structure of the assessor scoring template; the indicative benchmark line is drawn from the most recent published outcomes register.[2]

3.1Scoresheet structure

The ESFA scoresheet allocates 60 marks to Need, 25 marks to Cost and 15 marks to Planning and Deliverability. Within Need, the largest single sub-band is condition (GEMS / CDC2 grade). Within Cost, the largest sub-band is cost certainty (evidenced quotes or framework rates).[2][6]

Applications are scored against three criteria: project need (60 marks), cost (25 marks) and planning and deliverability (15 marks).
ESFA, Condition Improvement Fund: information for applicants[2]

3.2Run the simulator

Governor paper output

Render this page as a single-column A4 document with running headers and source register reconciliation stamp, suitable for inclusion in a trust board pack without re-formatting.

SectionSub-criterionMaxScore
Need6040 / 60
 Condition (GEMS / CDC2 grade)30
 Health, safety and compliance20
 Educational impact10
Cost2517 / 25
 Cost certainty (quotes, framework)15
 Value for money10
Planning and deliverability1510 / 15
 Planning permission status7
 Delivery programme realism8
Total score10067 / 100
Indicative benchmark
Reported pass threshold typically clusters around 78/100 in the published outcomes register, varying by project type. Your current total: 67/100 (below the indicative pass band).