School Condition Allocation

School Condition Allocation (SCA)

The School Condition Allocation (SCA) is an annual capital grant provided by the Department for Education (DfE) to support Trusts in maintaining and improving their schools. This funding comes from the same source as the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), which is awarded to stand-alone Trusts and Local Authorities. Further details about how the SCA allocation is awarded, including the terms set by the DfE, can be found here:
School Capital Funding – GOV.UK

Allocation within WMAT

Within WMAT, the School Condition Allocation (SCA) is usually confirmed each April. For 2025, the Trust received approximately £1.9 million.

The distribution of this funding is guided by the WMAT SCA Policy, which ensures resources are allocated according to school condition and need. Funding and projects supported through SCA are managed at Trust level, working in close partnership with individual schools.

Purpose and principles

The effective use of SCA is a core part of our Good Estates Management principles. It enables the Trust to create and maintain safe, sustainable, and inspiring learning environments for pupils and staff. This reflects our vision of providing and sustaining excellent learning environments that enable young people to thrive.

Criteria for allocating SCA funding

SCA funding allocations are evaluated against the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) criteria for capital projects. Investment priorities focus on ensuring buildings remain safe, compliant, and fit for purpose, including:

Tackling poor building condition
Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements
Improving energy efficiency
Addressing health and safety issues

SCA funding projects will meet at least one of the following criteria:

Compliance and health and safety issues, such as:
- Fire protection systems
- Gas safety
- Electrical safety
- Emergency asbestos removal
Weather-tight buildings
Energy efficiency improvements
Continuous heating and water supply
Expansion projects, either to:
- Increase admissions in the main year of entry, or
- Address overcrowding (for example, age-range or sixth-form expansion)
Projects to improve the learning environment

Project prioritisation

All schools within the Trust are invited to put forward projects for consideration as part of the SCA process. The Trust’s SCA Policy sets out how projects are reviewed and triangulated against:

School-level revenue budgets
Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) budgets
School reserves
SCA funding

Joint funding is encouraged, with schools expected to contribute towards the cost of major projects.

Discussions about proposed projects take place between schools and the Trust (via Louise Buckley), with agreement reached on which projects will be submitted for SCA consideration.

This process takes place during the autumn term each year. For the academic year 2025–26, Local Governing Body finance committees will review each school’s estates development plan and proposed SCA projects during their October/November meetings.

Once all projects have been collated, they are assessed against the SCA Policy criteria using a scoring matrix. The prioritised list of projects is then scrutinised and approved by the Trust Board.

Project development

Most projects are managed jointly between the Trust and schools. Large capital projects are overseen by external project consultants, with SHW and MEA as the Trust’s preferred partners.

Schools planning a capital project valued at over £10,000 should contact Louise Buckley for advice and support.

What kind of projects have been completed in recent years?

Student / Staff Toilet Refurbishments- Abbey School, Woolmer Hill School, Rodborough School, Weydon School, Farnham Heath End School.

Glazing Replacement - Farnham Heath End Tower

Staffroom Refurbishments - Farnham Heath End School, Woolmer Hill School, Abbey School, Park School

Safeguarding - Fence and Gate Replacements

Science Lab Replacements - Farnham Heath End School, Rodborough.

Reception area refurbishments

Classroom refurbishments - Farnham Heath End School, Woolmer Hill School, Rodborough

Other completed projects

In addition to larger, more visible building projects, the Trust has also invested in a wide range of essential works that may not always be as eye-catching but are vital in keeping our schools safe, efficient and well maintained. These include:

Boiler replacements
Window repairs
Roof replacements and roof repairs
Drainage improvements
LED lighting replacement

These works form an important part of ensuring our buildings remain compliant, energy-efficient and fit for purpose, contributing to high-quality learning environments across all of our schools.