DfE launches Post 16 Capacity Fund

The Department for Education has introduced a new fund to help boost post 16 provision. Launched on the 18^th May, eligible applications have until 14^th June to apply for grants over the minimum threshold of £100k.

Funding is available to support projects that create additional space that either increases the overall gross internal floor area (GIFA) of learning space and associated functional areas or facilities or helps to re-configure the estate in order to accommodate more learners.

More information, as well as the application form, can be found on the government website.

At TG Escapes we offer a free new building design service and would be happy to help support any applications. We have a number of projects which provide post 16 capacity our most recent being a new 6^th form centre for the King Edward VI Foundation in Birmingham at their Handsworth Wood Girls Academy. We have also provided post 16 provision in special needs settings such as The Shires at Oakham, The Petty Pool Trust and Swalcliffe Park School.

If you are considering making an application and would welcome some help with a new building design and costings please get in touch on 0800 917 7726 or info@tgescapes.co.uk. TG Escapes modular timber frame construction on one or two storeys can be designed net-zero in operation. Our use of sustainable, natural materials means that they are not only better for the planet but enhance educational outcomes and well-being. We like to think that these eco-buildings provide so much more than just an additional space.

At the 2020 Spending Review, the Government committed additional capital investment including £83 million in 2021-22 to ensure that post-16 providers can accommodate the expected demographic increase in 16 to 19-year-olds. One of the core objectives of the fund is to provide this additional capacity in the most efficient and sustainable way possible, to ensure value for money for Government investment, and to support the target set by Government for the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Post-16 Capacity Fund, the institution for which funding is required must be:

• an FE college established as a further education corporation under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (FHEA 1992)
• a designated institution as per section 28 of FHEA 1992
• a Sixth Form College as defined by section 91(3) Further and Higher Education Act 1992
• an academy established as per s.1A(1)(a) Academies Act 2010 including and limited to:
  16-19 only Academies
  16-19 only Free Schools
  University Technical Colleges (UTCs)
  Studio Schools providing technical education.
  Maths Schools

If a 16-19 academy is part of a multi-academy trust (MAT) then applications must be completed and submitted by the MAT.