CIF for academies: decarbonisation cases

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is a DfE annual fund for academies and sixth-form colleges [DfE]. Decarbonisation works qualify where they remedy a documented condition need.

Oliver Wakefield-Smith
Founder · Digital Signet
Verified for Phase 4 / Phase 5 watch · refresh expected on Phase 5 window opening
Primary source · Salix Finance PSDS portal salixfinance.co.uk/PSDS last verified 22 Jun 2026

When CIF pays for decarbonisation

Typical award and bid window

CIF runs annually; bid windows announced by DfE. Typical award £50k to £2m per project.

PSDS interaction

CIF and PSDS can both touch the same building over time but not the same intervention. CIF tends to win on like-for-like condition replacement; PSDS wins on optional decarbonisation works.

Where it fits

Best route for academy LED-only or condition-driven boiler replacements during the Phase 5 watch.