Further Education College Condition Allocation

What Is the Further Education College Condition Allocation?

The Further Education (FE) College Condition Allocation is a Department for Education (DfE) funding scheme worth £302 million. It will be shared out between England’s 179 college groups so they can make crucial building repairs and provide quality learning opportunities for post-16 pupils.

The scheme was initially announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget, and funding is now being made available to the selected education providers ahead of the 2025/26 academic year. An additional £20 million is also being split amongst colleges in Leeds and Greater Manchester to support their student population surge.

Each college should have been notified that they will be receiving the funding, and our guide can help you understand more about it and how the money can be spent.

“The £302 million FE College Condition Allocation is a superb opportunity for colleges nationwide, allowing them to improve facilities and prevent damage down the line.”

Ian Harrington, Regional Managing Partner (North)

What Can the FE College Condition Allocation Be Spent On?

Colleges can use their allocation to improve the condition of their premises. The DfE highlighted fixing “leaky roofs, broken windows and dilapidated buildings” as key uses of the funding.

The Spend Guidance document insists that each college has the discretion to decide how the money will be best used, as long as it improves facility condition, prevents deterioration, prioritises safety and keeps buildings operational.

It is worth noting that the DfE reserves the right to consider how you utilise this cash when assessing your future funding applications. It is, therefore, imperative that it is used correctly and responsibly.

Who Will Receive the College Condition Allocation?

Eligible colleges have already been selected, and funding allocation amounts have been determined. These education providers can be found up and down the country, ensuring students from far and wide benefit from the £302 million investment.

Get Help Spending Your FE College Condition Allocation

The FE College Condition Allocation is a serious cash injection for your budget. It presents a range of opportunities to enhance your facilities, creating better and safer learning environments for all.

However, this is only possible when the capital is spent correctly, and that is where Eddisons Education can help. Our teams can plan, build and manage the necessary works for your college, ensuring your project is completed on time and within budget.

If you have been selected for this scheme and need support, call 0808 253 7869 or complete the form below to start the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the FE College Condition Allocation

  • When does the FE College Condition Allocation need to be spent by?

    The FE College Condition Allocation must be spent by the 31st of March 2028. Colleges may have funds clawed back by the DfE if they are not used in time.

  • Should my FE College Condition Allocation upgrades be sustainable?

    Yes, the improvements should prioritise meeting Net Zero targets in line with the further education sustainable estates guidance.

  • How are funding amounts calculated for the FE College Condition Allocation?

    Funding amounts for the FE College Condition Allocation are calculated using the following steps:

    • Calculate the total learning hours delivered in the 2023/24 academic year
    • Weight the total learning hours accounting for each sector subject area’s space requirements
    • Model the expected non-teaching space based on learning hours and teaching space requirements
    • Model the expected residential space
    • Weight the teaching, non-teaching and residential spaces by location factor to reflect each region’s construction costs
    • Calculate allocation amounts in proportion to the weighted total expected space

  • What can the FE College Condition Allocation NOT be spent on?

    FE College Condition Allocation should not be spent on IT equipment and software, expanding premises, or purchasing land. Funding should also not be used for non-capital expenditure, including:

    • Rent or service charges
    • Staffing expenses
    • Recoverable VAT costs
    • Advertising, marketing, communications or consultancy
    • Updating or developing websites