Birmingham Diocesan Education ServiceForming Christ-centred pilgrims of hope with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice. About us What We Offer Our MIssion and Values Our vision and strategy Our schools Our Schools Admissions CSI Inspections Our work with schools Catholic Education High quality inclusive education Raising Standards: Best Practice Leadership Recruitment and Formation Finance and Operations Directives and Protocols DES Model Policies and Information Work with us Flourishing Catholic Workforce Train to Teach in Catholic Schools Vacancies Governance What's on Training and Events DES Circulars 2025 Pilgrims of Hope Get in Touch Safeguarding Academy Finance Tougher Financial Scrutiny Condition Improvement Fund Capital Funding Operating as a going concern Charity Reserves Sample Reserve Policies Academies at present must submit bids to the DfE for capital funding. DFC provides academy trusts with capital funding to address their own priorities. DFC funding can be used for improvements to buildings and other facilities, including ICT, or capital repairs/refurbishment and minor works. Basic need funding is the money the DfE gives local authorities each year to help them fulfil their duty to make sure there are enough school places for children in their local area. This funding stream is accessible to all schools regardless of their status (VA, academy or free school) and is available to fund school expansions and new schools. The Archdiocese of Birmingham works with local authorities to develop catholic school place planning strategies across the diocesan area. Academies Funding: A to Z of terms Academies Benchmarking Report Manage Cookie Preferences