schoolfeasibility.co.uk

SRP-funded feasibility (Cohort 4 onward)

Authored by Oliver Wakefield-Smith, Founder of Digital Signet. Working from RIBA Plan of Work 2020, RICS NRM1, BB103/BB104 and ESFA CIF 2026-27 rules.

From Cohort 4 onward, the DfE funds and procures the feasibility for SRP rebuilds through its Technical Advisor Services framework. The trust contributes site context, occupancy data and stakeholder access; it does not pay the fee upfront.

Verdict: green

DfE-funded and DfE-procured from Cohort 4. Trust contribution is in-kind, not cash [source: SRP prioritisation, verified 2026-06-24].

When DfE appoints vs trust appoints

DfE appoints the Technical Advisor for the feasibility once a school enters an active SRP cohort. Trust appointment applies only to pre-cohort preparatory work where the trust seeks to position the school for selection.

SRP feasibility scope

Full multidisciplinary scope, Stage 0-2 typically extending to Stage 3 spatial coordination. Gen Zero compliance baked in. Cost Plan A under NRM1. Planning pre-app.

Typical SRP feasibility fee envelope

Where trust-funded pre-priority: £15,000-£28,000 Stage 0-1. Where DfE-appointed: trust carries no fee.

SRP 2026-2030 timeline

DfE published cohort selection criteria and rolling intake; £710m R&R bridges where SRP scope is too narrow.

Last reviewed against CIF 2026-27 round, RIBA POW 2020 and BB103/BB104 on 24 June 2026.