Financing Options

 Our guide to funding your new modular building.

Your Financing Options at TG Escapes

At TG Escapes, we specialise in creating bespoke, sustainable modular buildings for the education sector. From nurseries to colleges, we create cost-effective, environmentally conscious building solutions that align with your educational and financial needs. When looking to secure the funding you need for a new educational building there are several avenues to consider, and some key resources to make use of.

Your Funding Options

Whether you’re dealing with unsuitable existing buildings or require additional space to deal with expanding pupil numbers or specialist SEND needs, there will be a range of avenues through which you can seek funding:

  • Local Authority Funding: Local authorities distribute funding through the Basic Need programme. This initiative provides financial support for expanding existing schools or establishing new ones.
  • School Capital Funding: Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) and School Condition Allowance (SCA) funds are two ways that schools can apply for and receive funding to construct new facilities on their site.
  • Grants: There are many groups within the UK offering funding to schools, usually for specific needs, be that creating sports facilities or helping pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

From government programmes to charitable initiatives, there will be several opportunities to secure the necessary funds for your new school building. Our team wants to be of assistance to all schools needing funding to get the new building their staff and pupils require.

Chichester College SEND building surrounded by garden areas

 Recommended Resources

Here are some useful resources for schools looking to find out more about funding opportunities, or seeking out educational grants:

  • School Capital Funding: The government page gives an overview of school capital funding in the UK, detailing available funding sources like the school condition allocations, condition improvement fund, and devolved formula capital. It offers guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and how the funds can be utilised for school building maintenance and improvements.
  • Leasing Guidance For Academies: This government page provides guidance for schools on leasing facilities, covering the decision-making process, costs, and the different types of leases.
  • A&S Grands Listing: A&S Landscape has a great resource looking at a range of grants available for schools, with links to application details, and a guide to writing grant applications.
  • Grants4Schools: This site offers a free monthly newsletter with information on grants available to UK schools, alongside a subscription service for more comprehensive and up-to-the-minute results.

Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) Assistance

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is a yearly fund designed to help schools that need significant help with their existing buildings. Designed around smaller schools and standalone academies, every applicant will need to submit a detailed application, and schools will essentially be competing against each other for a limited pool of funds.

TG Escapes works with schools across the UK on complementary CIF assistance. As part of our free building designs, we can work with you on the essentials of a strong application, helping clients get the funding they need for vital educational spaces. Our buildings are sustainable, durable, and positive, each built around bespoke designs.

School Condition Allowance (SCA) Funding

In the current educational landscape School Condition Allowance (SCA) funding has replaced CIF funding for many schools. Intended for multi-academy trusts (MATs), under SCA a fixed amount will be given to each trust based on their size and needs. This can help to remove the uncertainty that comes with applying for CIF or other charitable grants.

How Our Modular Buildings Save Clients Money

We have produced hundreds of educational buildings for schools across the UK, using a timber frame approach to create attractive, healthy, and cost-effective spaces. By building each project off-site from timber frames and panelling, we’re able to achieve the long-term performance you’d get from a traditional brick building faster and for a lower price. Our in-house installation team will also save time with an efficient, low-disruption installation. Each of our projects starts with a complementary design and quote,  letting you know the exact cost of your bespoke new school building.

Speak to a member of our team today to find out more.