Post‑16 & Construction Skills Capacity Funding
Demand for high‑quality post‑16 and technical education is rising, and so is the pressure on estates. The DfE’s Post‑16 and Construction Skills Capacity Funding, announced on 11 February 2026, creates a major opportunity for colleges to secure capital investment and expand or reconfigure their learning space.
Applications must be submitted by 17 April 2026.
At Drees & Sommer, we help colleges turn this opportunity into funded, deliverable projects.
What is the Post‑16 & Construction Skills Capacity Funding?
The funding is designed to help eligible providers:
- Create additional learner places for 16–19 year‑olds
- Respond to growing demand for technical and construction skills
- Upgrade or reconfigure estates so they are fit for modern teaching and industry‑standard delivery
Funding can support a range of capital projects, from refurbishment and reconfiguration through to targeted new build, where they directly contribute to additional capacity and improved learner experience - in line with DfE guidance.
Why act now?
- Tight timescales: The funding round is already open, with a deadline of 17 April 2026.
- Competitive environment: Demand is high and bids must clearly evidence need, value for money and deliverability.
- Strategic opportunity: This is a chance to align your estate with curriculum demand, local skills priorities and net zero ambitions.
A robust, evidence‑based business case and application will be critical to success
How Drees & Sommer supports your application.
Drees & Sommer (incorporating AA Projects) has:
- Worked with over 150 colleges across the UK over the last 20 years
- Helped raise over £2bn in capital funding for colleges, including £172m in recent DfE funding rounds
In most cases, we have supported colleges to secure funding through multiple programmes, helping them to realise long‑term strategic ambitions rather than one‑off projects.
Our specialist expertise
We are specialists in funding applications and business cases for the FE sector. Our team brings:
- Deep understanding of DfE requirements – including forms, templates and space utilisation guidance
- Strong track record in educational estates – estate strategies, condition and capacity assessments, and curriculum‑driven space planning
- Clear, funder‑friendly documentation – turning complex data into compelling, compliant narratives
Why work with us?
- FE‑focused: Further Education is a heritage sector for Drees & Sommer in the UK – we understand your context, constraints and stakeholders.
- End‑to‑end support: From early options appraisal through to delivery, we can stay with you beyond the bid to help ensure successful implementation.
Book a free initial consultation
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how your college can make the most of the Post‑16 and Construction Skills Capacity Funding.
For a free consultation and initial review of your opportunity, please contact:
Chris Thorpe
Director, Drees & Sommer UK
07875 404170
chris.thorpe@dreso.com