As students return and the new academic year begins, ensuring your school buildings are safe should be a priority. Safe spaces mean all your structures are in good condition, there is no risk of collapse, and your estate is free from harmful materials. These environments ensure each pupil can thrive without worrying about their health and wellbeing.

There is much to consider when assessing each of your school properties, and our guide is designed to ensure no stone is left unturned. Continue reading to learn how to gain a better understanding of your estate and what you can do if issues arise.

The importance of well-maintained school properties

• Extend the lifespan of your properties and assets
• Improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs
• Demonstrate compliance with industry regulations
• Provide safe spaces that foster positive learning environments

What can I do to ensure my school properties are in good condition?

Site team and senior leadership building assessment

Your site team and senior leadership staff member should begin by assessing each of your properties. This can help you identify any obvious issues that will need to be addressed promptly. We advise reviewing your estate regularly to ensure no problems go unnoticed.

Professional surveys

A professional survey carried out by external professionals, such as Eddisons Education, can provide a comprehensive and unbiased review of your estate. There are several appraisals available to schools, including:

• Condition surveys
• Energy efficiency reviews
• Health and safety audits
• Fire risk assessments

Up-to-date estate management plan

An estate management plan states the current condition of your assets, future maintenance priorities and the financial strategy to support them. Regularly reviewing and updating your plan allows you to evidence your needs clearly and justify investment decisions.

How can Eddisons Education help if I have a problem with my school buildings?

Should you or an external specialist find any issues with your estate, we may be able to provide tailored solutions to make it safe again. Here are some of our core services:

Project management

We oversee repair or renovation work from start to finish, ensuring projects are consistently delivered on time and within budget.

Architecture and design work

Our team of in-house architects create innovative and compliant designs that make the most of your available space, resources and finances.

Structural engineering

From feasibility studies to structural assessments, our engineers can provide solutions that safeguard the integrity and safety of your school buildings.

Cost planning

Accurate forecasting is critical to maximising your budget and securing funding, and we can provide detailed cost plans to give you the financial confidence needed before a project begins.

Funding application support

Funding can often be highly competitive. We can help you prepare strong, evidence-based bids for a variety of funding schemes to improve your chances of approval.

Which funding options can I use to address concerns in my school?

Condition Improvement Fund

Targeting eligible academies, sixth-form colleges and small multi-academy trusts (MATs), the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) supports projects addressing condition, compliance, and health and safety issues.

School Condition Allocation

Allocated to larger multi-academy trusts and local authorities, the School Condition Allocation (SCA) provides annual funding to schools to maintain and improve their estates.

Urgent Capital Support

Schools facing emergency issues that pose immediate risks to health and safety or building closures can apply for Urgent Capital Support (UCS) funding to rapidly address repairs.

Discuss your requirements with our education property experts

We understand that there is much to consider when managing a school estate, especially when several properties are involved. Our team can help you at various stages to give you the clarity needed to proceed with confidence.

Use the form below or call 0808 175 7150 to discuss your school estate with our experienced professionals.