AcademyProject HealthChecklist
Ensuring strategic project readiness - from bid to build
Use this checklist to assess whether your academy’s capital project is well-positioned for successful funding, smooth delivery, and long-term value. This can apply to projects funded via CIF, SCA, TCAF, or internal capital.
Strategic Readiness ��
Is the project aligned with your academy or trust’s long-term estate strategy?
Have you clearly defined the project’s purpose (e.g. condition, need, safeguarding, expansion?
Do you have senior leadership and governance support for this project?
Has the project been prioritized alongside other potential capital needs?
Evidence & Feasibility ✅
Do you have a recent (last 2yrs) condition survey identifying the need?
Is the need linked to compliance, H&S, or critical operational failure?
Do you have photographic and/or professional evidence to support your bid?
Has a feasibility study or options appraisal been completed?
Have you engaged a cost consultant or QS to validate budget estimates?
Programme & Delivery Planning ��
Do you have a realistic project timeline, including design, tender, and build?
Have key project milestones been mapped against academic terms?
Have you identified key risks (e g asbestos, access issues, planning)?
Have you engaged or identified a delivery team (EA, PM, Architect, etc )?
Is the project deliverable within the academic and funding deadlines?
Funding & Compliance ��
Is the project eligible for CIF/SCA/other capital funding schemes?
Does the application clearly demonstrate value for money and urgency?
Have competitive quotes or early contractor involvement been sought? Is the bid written in alignment with the DfE scoring criteria (need, planning, deliverability)?
Have CDM, safeguarding, and fire safety risks been factored in?
Stakeholder & Operational Planning ��
Has the project been discussed with key staff (e g site manager, SENCO)?
Is there a clear communication plan for pupils for pupils, staff, and parents?
Can the works be delivered with minimal disruption to learning?
Have you planned for temporary arrangements (access, toilets, safeguarding)?
Will the project enhance the teaching and learning environment long-term?
How to Use This Checklist:
✅20+ Yes Answers: Your project is in excellent shape - move forward with confidence.
⚠15–19 Yes Answers: Good foundation, but a few gaps may need attention.
❗Below 15 Yes Answers: Project may need strategic support before progressing.
Need Support?
FSL Projects can support you at any stage of the journey - from early planning and bid preparation to full project delivery. Whether you’re a single academy or a growing MAT, our team helps you make information decisions that maximise funding, compliance, and value.
Contact us today for a free consultation or to request our “CIF Bid Readiness Toolkit”
Email: enquiries@fsl-projects.co.uk
www.fsl-projects.co.uk
