£710m Renewal & Retrofit Programme (2026-2030)
Announced February 2026, the £710m Renewal & Retrofit Programme runs to 2030. It is structured to fund pre-construction work including feasibility, options appraisal and energy modelling, subject to DfE allocation.
What R&R covers
Rebuild and refurbish work where the school is unsuitable for SRP but condition or net-zero opportunity justifies major intervention. Funds pre-construction at DfE discretion [source: DfE announcement, verified 2026-06-24].
Verdict: green
Pre-construction work, including feasibility, is structurally fundable through R&R. Eligibility checked against DfE Education Estates Strategy priorities.
Eligibility (Feb 2026 strategy)
Schools with poor condition score, high net-zero opportunity, or constrained-site rebuild profiles where SRP scope does not fit.
Required deliverables
Energy modelling, embodied-carbon assessment, Spec21 / Gen Zero compliance, options appraisal with fabric-first preference, Cost Plan A under NRM1.
First cohort allocations
DfE published initial allocation criteria with cohort one announcements during 2026-27.