Funding
Strategic School Improvement Capital Budget (SSICB)
Successfully securing your SSICB funding
To secure SSICB funding, a strategically robust case must be presented to the DfE which requires detailed technical evidence and clear financial justification. Our experienced team manages the entire process on your behalf, from condition assessments and cost planning to strategic positioning and submission support, ensuring your proposal meets strict eligibility criteria and presents the strongest possible case for approval.
- Our surveyors undertake detailed Condition Surveys and Asset Management Plans to identify capital issues that meet SSICB’s high threshold for eligibility, focusing on urgent, significant works that could otherwise block a transfer.
- We compile comprehensive technical reports, develop appropriate design solutions, prepare cost plans, programme timelines and risk assessments aligned to DfE requirements.
- We prepare and structure all documentation in accordance with SSICB guidance, working closely with the trust and DfE project leads to support approval prior to transfer.
- Following a successful bid, we meet with your decision-makers to review every aspect of your project, before the scheme commences
- Following funding approval, AEC provides full Contract Administration and Project Management, ensuring compliant delivery and ongoing reporting to the DfE.
Why do you need SSICB funding?
The Strategic School Improvement Capital Budget is a targeted DfE fund designed to remove significant capital barriers that would otherwise prevent academy sponsorship or transfer.
It supports urgent and high-cost condition, safeguarding or essential infrastructure works that are critical to a school’s viability but fall outside standard capital routes.
SSICB is typically required where:
- A school transferring under intervention has substantial condition liabilities
- Capital risks would deter a trust from taking on the school
- Urgent safeguarding or infrastructure works are required pre-transfer
- The scale of works exceeds the incoming trust’s financial capacity
Our experience in technical due diligence, capital strategy and DfE funding submissions ensures your project is positioned correctly, demonstrating that the works are essential, eligible and strategically necessary to enable improvement.
We take care of your requirements on a no funding, no fee basis
This means we prepare, develop and submit your bid for funding without an upfront charge, and our professional fees are covered within the grant you receive. If your bid is unsuccessful, there is no cost to you. It’s that simple.
Why choose AEC?
Our industry-leading specialists understand both the technical and strategic requirements of SSICB.
With extensive experience in academy transfer due diligence, capital risk assessment and DfE funding submissions, we support trusts in navigating complex capital challenges with clarity and confidence.
We don’t just prepare submissions, we position projects strategically to enable successful transfers and long-term estate sustainability.
Trusted by over 500 education clients
