Schools Land, Building and Trusts
School Condition Allocation
From April 2020 the School Condition Allocation (SCA) replaced the Locally Coordinated Voluntary Aided Programme (LCVAP) capital funding stream. In order to access this funding for its VA schools, the diocese has entered into new terms & conditions with the DfE.
The new terms highlight that the following areas must be considered by schools when considering projects and by the diocese when allocating funding and managing the school estate:
- Good estate management
- Procurement, value for money and sound financial conduct
- Working with site trustees
School Condition Allocation Funding Request
All VA schools should complete the Capital Premises Development Plan form annually and submit to the diocese. If you are seeking SCA funding you will also need to complete the section regarding the maintenance projects which you would like to be considered for SCA funding in 2021/22.
If you have any queries please contact Heather Broadbent at heather.broadbent@chichester.anglican.org
Funding and support to set up a digital education platform
A number of schools have already accessed the DfE’s Digital Platform Grant for primary and secondary schools. Click the links below for more information from the DfE.
https://get-help-with-tech.education.gov.uk/digital-platforms#about-the-programme
https://get-help-with-tech.education.gov.uk/digital-platforms#who-can-apply
General Information
The Diocese schools currently fall into three categories Academies, Voluntary Controlled and Voluntary Aided Schools. These have very distinct differences relating to their buildings but one commonality in regard to the land and buildings. The land and buildings are owned by the diocese generally under ancient trust deeds that have as the original Trustees Vicar and Church Wardens. There are numerous variations however it is helpful to generalise, at the same time as recognising the need to investigate fully the individual sites when required.
The Diocese’ role is to assist schools in safe guarding their assets of both the value of the buildings and land. To this end any alterations, extensions, expansions, and changes to the building generally require the permission of the Diocese. The Diocese particularly assists Voluntary Aided Schools in advising on building development and capital asset planning.
Academies: Land and buildings are held by Diocese and playing fields retained by Local Authority (LA) on a 125 year Lease.
Voluntary Controlled: Land and buildings held by Diocese and playing fields by LA. In 1944 VC Schools came under the LA and therefore they are responsible for maintenance of the buildings.
Voluntary Aided: Land and buildings held by Diocese and playing fields by LA. They remain as voluntary aided and funded schools supported by their local parish and are more independently funded. This gives the school access to different capital funding streams but also liabilities and obligations. Primarily the requirement to pay governors 10% on all capital funded projects including Devolved Formula Capital and Local Authority Co-ordinated Voluntary Aided Programme (LCVAP). They also unlike LA are required to pay VAT.
Devolved Capital Funding
2020-21 Allocations of DFC for all schools can be found at this link by selecting the appropriate tab on the spreadsheet
The governing body of a VA school has a statutory liability to pay 10% on any capital works using SCA or DFC funding.