Feasibility study cost by RIBA stage (0, 0-1, 0-2, 0-3)
Each added RIBA stage adds deliverables, scope-days and fee. The most common school feasibility span is Stage 0-2: it stops at concept design and Cost Plan A, which is what bursars need for governor sign-off and a CIF Section C submission.
Stage 0 only - strategic definition
Stage 0 alone is rarely commissioned externally; many trusts cover it through Manage-Your-Estate and an estates director. Where externally let, fees commonly £3,500-£7,500 for a primary scheme, £5,000-£10,000 for a secondary scheme [source: RIBA POW 2020, verified 2026-06-24]. Deliverable: a strategic case (do nothing, refurbish, rebuild, hybrid).
Stage 0-1 - preparation and brief
Adding Stage 1 brings the project brief, the initial site survey commission and the long-list of options. Fees for primary commonly £8,500-£16,000; secondary £12,000-£22,000. This is the floor for any CIF Section B-bid feasibility.
Stage 0-2 - concept design and Cost Plan A
Stage 0-2 is the canonical span. The output is a concept design that has been BB103/BB104 area-tested, a Cost Plan A under NRM1, a planning pre-app, a programme and a risk register. Fees commonly £18,500-£40,000 depending on school type and team [source: RICS NRM1, verified 2026-06-24].
Stage 0-3 - spatial coordination
Adding Stage 3 takes the design through coordination and full statutory pre-app feedback; it is appropriate where the trust intends to procure construction directly or where planning is contentious. Fees commonly £42,000-£78,000 multidisciplinary.
Where does the bursar typically stop?
For CIF Section C the strongest bids carry Stage 2 outputs. For SRP where the DfE appoints, the trust pays for Stage 0-1 work prior to handoff. For Renewal & Retrofit allocations the DfE will fund the study end-to-end where eligible [source: £710m R&R announcement, verified 2026-06-24].