Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, was delighted to learn that Beacon Academy in Crowborough, has been successful in securing further funding for building upgrades via the latest round of the Government’s highly competitive Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).
CIF is an annual funding round administered by the Department for Education. The funding supports schools in keeping buildings safe and in good working order by improving building condition, compliance, energy efficiency and health and safety.
Following a rigorous assessment of bids for the 2026-2027 round of the programme, 813 projects at 684 eligible educational establishments across the country will benefit from a share of over £450 million. As part of this latest round, Beacon Academy will receive nearly £500,000 support with roof replacements.
Nusrat has previously been instrumental in supporting Beacon Academy in securing £1.3 million from CIF in 2021 for improvements to its Sixth Form Centre, and a further £1.5 million for further improvements to its fire alarm system in 2023. Uplands Academy in Wadhurst, which is part of the MARK Education Trust together with Beacon Academy and Hailsham Academy, has also previously benefited from nearly £600,000 for upgrades to the fire compliance requirements, and both schools received further funding in 2024.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Every school should have access to high-quality facilities, ensuring that pupils can thrive in a positive learning environment and develop the skills they need for life. Beacon Academy is an outstanding local school, and I am absolutely thrilled that following the fantastic result of £1.3m investment in 2021, £1.5m in 2023 and further funding in 2024, they will get another £0.5m boost from the 2026-2027 £450m allocation to help improve the safety of our school buildings. This is fantastic result for Crowborough and will ensure that local students can thrive in an improved learning environment and better facilities.”
Beacon Academy Headteacher, Mr Keith Slattery, said: “We are delighted to have secured this significant investment through the Condition Improvement Fund. Maintaining and improving our school buildings is essential to ensuring that our students have a safe, high-quality learning environment in which to thrive. This funding will enable us to undertake essential roof replacement works that will help to protect and enhance our facilities for current and future generations of students. We are grateful for the support of Nusrat Ghani MP, who has worked with us to ensure that the Department for Education was aware of the vital need for the upgrades across our school.”
Pictured above: Beacon Academy Headteacher Mr Keith Slattery, Nusrat Ghani MP and Amanda Dennis, Head of Estates
