What does SSIF mean in FUNDS

The Strategic School Improvement Fund (SSIF) is a Government-funded programme to help raise standards in targeted areas of England. It provides additional resources and support for schools and colleges to raise attainment, close the gap between disadvantaged pupils and others, and improve career outcomes for young people.

The main purpose of the SSI Fund is to provide additional resources and support for schools and colleges so that they can raise attainment, close gaps between disadvantaged pupils and other groups, and improve career outcomes for young people. The fund also supports innovative projects that will bring about lasting school improvement.

Local Authorities, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), maintained schools, non-maintained special schools, further education colleges, sixth form colleges, alternative provision academies/free schools with primary designation can apply for SSIF funding.

Schools or Colleges looking to apply should contact their local authority or Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). In some cases you may need to submit a joint application with another institution. Depending on the size of your project different evidence may be required. You will need to read all guidance available before submitting an application.

Applications are usually invited in response to specific calls that are published by the Department for Education from time to time. Please keep checking the DfE website or relevant MAT website as these calls open throughout the academic year.

No, not every school receives SSIF funding as this project has limited financial resources available each year which have been allocated across participating areas in England based on need. Only those who meet criteria set out in each call are eligible to bid into it.

Once you have submitted your application it will be assessed against criteria set out in each call; this process can take around 4 weeks - 6 weeks depending on volume of applications received at any one time.

This will depend on individual requirements – typical awards range from £20k – £150k according to available data from previous years’ calls.

Yes, applications must be submitted by the specified closing date which is published by the Department For Education at least four weeks prior to said date.