SCA feasibility study eligibility
SCA is a block allocation to large multi-academy trusts, local authorities and voluntary-aided bodies. Feasibility studies are an eligible application of SCA at the body's discretion.
Verdict: green
SCA can fund feasibility upfront because it is block-allocated capital with broad eligibility around condition and improvement work [source: SCA 2025-26 guidance, verified 2026-06-24].
Who gets SCA
Large MATs above 5 schools or 3,000 pupils, local authorities for maintained schools, voluntary-aided bodies for their VA estate. Single academies and small MATs use CIF, not SCA.
2026-27 allocation methodology
DfE publishes the SCA allocation per body each March. Methodology weighted by pupil number and condition-data score.
When to draw vs separate budget
Where the feasibility supports a known capital-pipeline scheme, drawing from SCA is appropriate. Where the feasibility is exploratory, many trusts hold a separate small-projects reserve.