Post-16 Capacity Fund
What is Post-16 Capacity Fund?
What the Funding is For:
Post-16 Capacity Funding supports eligible education providers to accommodate additional 16 to 19 learners. It can help fund capital projects that create or improve teaching spaces, specialist facilities and wider estate capacity where there is a clear need for more post-16 places.
This may include new classrooms, extensions, adaptations to existing buildings, specialist teaching facilities, social spaces and other works needed to increase capacity and support the delivery of post-16 education.
Am I Eligible for Funding:
You may be eligible to apply if you are:
An eligible post-16 education provider
Able to demonstrate demand for additional 16 to 19 learner places
Experiencing existing capacity pressures
Planning a capital project that will increase or improve post-16 accommodation
Able to provide evidence of projected learner growth and the need for additional space
When Should I Apply?
Post-16 Capacity Funding is usually linked to specific bidding rounds, so early preparation is important. We recommend seeking advice as soon as you identify a potential capacity issue or future growth in learner numbers.
Strong applications take time to develop, particularly where feasibility work, cost information, estate data, pupil projections or design input are required. Early preparation gives the best opportunity to shape a clear, evidence-led case before a funding window opens.
What Evidence Will I Need?
Applications need to show that the project is needed, deliverable and linked to clear learner growth. We will discuss the most suitable evidence for your specific project, but common examples may include:
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Current and projected post-16 learner numbers
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Existing Capacity Information
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Timetable or Curriculum Pressure Evidence
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Project Scope and Drawings
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Evidence of Local Demand
We can support you through the full Post-16 Capacity Funding application process, helping to review eligibility, develop the project scope and prepare the evidence required for submission.
Where required, we can coordinate feasibility input, review capacity information, arrange site visits, support cost planning and prepare the written case for funding. We will work with you to ensure the application clearly explains the need for additional post-16 space, the proposed solution and how the project can be delivered.
What We Provide You With
Documents Created for Submission
Project Need
Project Scope
Project Cost
Project Planning
Not Suitable for Your Project?
That’s okay, one of our other funding bid’s might be more suited to your project. Check them out below:
Condition Improvement
Fund
CIF provides annual capital funding to help eligible schools and sixth-form colleges address condition needs, improve building safety and keep facilities compliant and fit for purpose. It is commonly used for projects such as roofing, heating, safeguarding, compliance and essential building fabric works.
School Rebuilding
Programme
The School Rebuilding Programme supports major rebuilding or refurbishment projects for schools and sixth-form colleges with buildings in very poor condition, where significant long-term investment is required. It is focused on sites where rebuilding or major refurbishment is likely to be the most appropriate solution.
Salix
Salix funding supports public-sector organisations with decarbonisation projects, including low-carbon heating and energy-efficiency improvements that help reduce carbon emissions across their estate. It is particularly suited to projects replacing end-of-life fossil-fuel heating systems with more sustainable alternatives.
Urgent Capital
Support
Urgent Capital Support is for serious building condition issues that pose an immediate risk to health and safety or could result in the closure of all or part of a school. It is intended for urgent situations that cannot wait for the next suitable funding round.