Turning Capital Funding into Long-Term Value
As Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) grow in size and complexity, the need for a coordinated, strategic approach to managing their estate becomes more urgent. And when it comes to accessing and maximising School Condition Allocation (SCA) funding, having a clear and robust Trust-Wide Estates Strategy isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential.
At FSL Projects, we support MATs across the country in turning SCA funding into well-planned, deliverable, and value-driven improvements. In this blog, we explain why your strategy matters, what it should include, and how it can help you make the most of every capital pound.
What Is School Condition Allocation (SCA)?
SCA is capital funding provided by the Department for Education (DfE) to larger MATs—those with at least five academies and over 3,000 pupils—to maintain and improve their school buildings. Unlike the CIF (Condition Improvement Fund), SCA funding gives MATs greater flexibility and responsibility to plan and deliver works across their estate.
But with flexibility comes expectation: the DfE wants to see that this funding is spent strategically, fairly, and effectively.
Why an Estates Strategy Is Crucial
Without a central strategy, trusts risk:
- Spending funding reactively rather than proactively
- Failing to address the most urgent or high-risk condition issues
- Inefficient procurement, leading to poor value for money
- Overlapping or inconsistent standards across schools
- Missed opportunities to align estates with educational goals
A Trust-Wide Estates Strategy helps mitigate all of this by providing a shared, transparent framework for capital planning and investment.
Key Benefits of a Trust-Wide Strategy
- Evidence-Based Prioritisation
A good estates strategy uses data—from condition surveys, energy audits, and compliance reports—to prioritise investment based on need, risk, and impact. This ensures SCA is directed toward the schools that need it most. - Consistency and Standardisation
From design specifications to procurement frameworks, a central strategy brings consistency across your estate, helping reduce costs, improve build quality, and streamline project delivery. - Forward Planning
The strategy allows you to map projects over multiple years, plan summer works in advance and reduce the disruption of last-minute decisions. - Improved Compliance and Assurance
The DfE expects MATs to demonstrate how they use SCA effectively. A clear strategy gives audit-ready evidence of compliance with funding guidance and procurement best practices. - Alignment with Educational Objectives
Estates are not just buildings—they’re learning environments. A strategy ensures capital investment supports your MAT’s vision for teaching, inclusion, and community growth.
What Should a Trust-Wide Estates Strategy Include?
While every trust is different, an effective strategy typically includes:
- Overview of the MAT estate and asset register
- Results of recent condition, health & safety, and energy surveys
- Prioritisation matrix for planned and reactive works
- Multi-year capital investment plan (typically 3–5 years)
- Risk management and statutory compliance approach
- Procurement and delivery methodology (e.g. frameworks, EAs, PMs)
- Sustainability, accessibility, and Net Zero goals
- Governance structure for estates decision-making
- Stakeholder engagement plan
How FSL Projects Can Help
We work closely with MATs to develop, review, and implement Trust-Wide Estates Strategies that deliver real impact. Our team combines project management expertise with deep knowledge of education sector funding, compliance, and construction delivery.
Whether you’re:
- Preparing to qualify for SCA
- Looking to refresh your estates plan
- Scaling your MAT and want to professionalise asset management
—we can support you from start to finish.
Final Thoughts: Strategy Before Spending
SCA is a powerful funding stream—but only if used strategically. A Trust-Wide Estates Strategy helps MATs move from reactive maintenance to planned, purposeful investment, delivering safer, more sustainable, and future-ready learning environments.
Ready to Book Your Strategy?
Contact FSL Projects to book a free Estates Strategy Consultation or Request our “Estates Strategy Starter Kit” for MAT Leaders.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0330 043 9007