Funding up to £405 million has been awarded to 62 further education colleges across England in the Further Education Capital Transformation Programme (FECTP).

FE colleges and designated institutions who had bid for funds to upgrade poor conditions on ‘unsatisfactory’ estates and will now see their improvement projects go ahead.

Colleges will make a match-funding contribution to their projects through commercial loans, corporate donations or reserves.

“Helping the economy grow”

The programme aims to give more students the opportunity to develop skills in high-quality buildings and facilities, and address skills gaps in local economies.

“High quality buildings and facilities are important for colleges in enabling their students to gain the skills they need to progress and in helping the economy grow,” the Department for Education (DFE) said.

The FECTP is part of the government’s £1.5 billion commitment to upgrade the estates of FE colleges and designated institutions in England so that they can better compete with universities. (In the words of the DFE, “promoting parity of esteem between FE and other routes.”)

Strategic projects

The focus is on major works and funds have been awarded for strategic projects with a minimum value of £500,000. It includes projects to:

• upgrade buildings in need of improvement and modernisation

• create high quality learning environments with improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance

• invest in new industrial training facilities designed to support young people to develop a range of skills in high priority and high value sectors

• refurbish and upgrade teaching facilities in STEM subjects.

The programme is part of the Government’s “levelling-up” agenda to plans to spread opportunity more equally across the country.

Applying for future rounds

The total value of funding in this FECTP round is up to £405 million, and follows £200m allocated to FE colleges in 2020 to undertake urgent remedial condition improvement works. In 2021 the DfE also partnered with 16 colleges to upgrade some of the worst sites in England.

Applying for future rounds of the FECTP is complex, and making an application can be difficult and time consuming. It is therefore advisable to seek professional support from experienced chartered surveyors for education such as Surveyors to Education (S2e).

Applicants need to compile a dossier proving evidence of condition, indicative project costs and evidence supporting efficient use of existing space, and provide a high-level project plan that includes key touchpoints and dates. If they pass Stage 1 they then have to demonstrate the robustness and deliverability of their project in Stage 2, as well as providing more detailed costings, risk management procedures and overall suitability. 

For further information or advice please contact us today on 01530 877969 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.