Applying for capital funding to improve the condition of your school can be a great opportunity, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid if you want your application to be successful. Follow this advice to give yourself the best chance of securing vital funds.
Failing to Demonstrate Need
When looking for urgent capital support for school improvements, one of the main assessment criteria for condition improvement funding is demonstrating that the work is really needed. So you can’t just say “our school needs renovating”, you have to clearly evidence the issues, risks and consequences of not doing the work. Refer to relevant reports e.g. condition surveys. Outline compliance issues and risks if improvements are not made. Paint a vivid picture of the poor state of your facilities. Include photographic evidence where possible and gather testimonials from staff and stakeholders about the impact of current conditions on teaching and learning.
Insufficient Planning and Costings
Assessors want to see you have properly planned and costed the works. Don’t just make up figures, get formal quotes from suppliers/contractors. Break costs down into clear sections e.g. building, electrics, plumbing. List each item/job to be done and associated cost. Make sure your plans and costings are appropriate to the scope of works required. Under-planning and budgeting can sink an application. Consider engaging a quantity surveyor early in the process to ensure accuracy.
Lack of Project Governance
You need to demonstrate your school has the skills and capacity to successfully deliver the project if you are awarded condition improvement funding. Outline your governance plans e.g. setting up a project steering group with relevant expertise. Explain how you will manage the project e.g. appointing a qualified project manager. Assessors want to see robust governance arrangements. Include CVs or experience summaries of key project team members to demonstrate capability.
Poor Stakeholder Engagement
A new critical area often overlooked is stakeholder engagement. Your application should show how you’ve consulted with and involved key stakeholders including staff, students, parents, and the local community. Document their input and how it has shaped your proposals. This demonstrates both need and buy-in for the project, while helping identify potential issues early.
Unclear Project Timescales
Your application should set out a detailed project plan from start to finish, with expected timescales for each stage. This shows you have properly thought through how you will deliver the project on time. Build in contingencies in case of delays. Dates should be realistic based on the scope of works. Assessors will look for evidence of planned, timely delivery. Consider using project management software to create professional Gantt charts.
No Value for Money
As well as demonstrating need, your application must show value for money. Explain how you will maximise impact from the funding e.g. getting supplier discounts, using materials that don’t need replacing often. Provide benchmarking data to show costs are competitive. Assessors want to see the funding being used as efficiently as possible.
Environmental Considerations
Another crucial element often missed is environmental impact. Detail how your proposed improvements will enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and support sustainability goals. This could include using eco-friendly materials, installing better insulation, or incorporating renewable energy solutions. Demonstrating environmental benefits can strengthen your application significantly.
Remember to start your application process early, seek expert advice where needed, and thoroughly review all requirements before submission.
