School building improvement awards drop to record low

New DfE data suggests that the number of projects to receive money through CIF has fallen below 1,000 for the first time since funds were first allocated in 2015.

The government has announced that “just under £450m” has been allocated for the 866 projects across 733 schools in 2024/25.

However, that number could still go up or down because 40 of those projects are still pending, and schools can appeal if their projects are rejected.

A total of £456m was allocated in 2023/24.

Requests for “urgent” fire-safety and roofing works were among the approved bids for 2024/25 – with some schools saying they were essential to prevent closures.

The condition of schools has been thrust into the spotlight since a National Audit Office report last year estimated 700,000 children were being taught in unsafe or ageing school buildings in England.

Many schools with a dangerous type of concrete – reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) – were then told to close days before the start of this school year, and continue to face disruption.

Last week, schools told the BBC they feared they were “stuck” with leaking roofs and decades-old temporary classrooms, after the final places in the SRP were taken by those with dangerous concrete.