Urgent Capital Support (UCS)

Nov 26, 2025

School girl with coat on in classroom as school heating has failed

Winter Emergency Planning: UCS for Heating Failures

How schools can use Urgent Capital Support for essential winter works This guidance outlines important changes that schools, academies, and sixth-form colleges need to be aware of when applying for emergency capital funding.  

What is Urgent Capital Support?

Urgent Capital Support (UCS) is funding from the Department for Education (DfE) designed to help academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary aided schools address unexpected or urgent building condition issues. It is specifically aimed at cases where there is a serious risk to health and safety, a threat of closure, or an immediate impact on day-to-day operations. Typical examples of eligible projects include:
  • Boiler and heating system failures during winter months
  • Structural issues that make areas unsafe or unusable
  • Electrical or water supply failures
  • Roof damage or flooding following severe weather
In short, UCS helps schools stay open and safe when critical infrastructure fails and emergency work is unavoidable. Defined categories  Applicants must now classify their urgent issue under one of the following categories:
  • Structural failure
  • Asbestos risks
  • Electrical faults
  • Fire protection issues
  • Other critical safety threats
Stricter financial scrutiny
  • Applications must now include a detailed financial commentary.
  • Evidence of reserve levels and funding commitments is required.
Loan-first model
  • The default funding method is a loan.
  • Grant funding is reserved for only the most exceptional circumstances.
Post-approval monitoring
  • Approved projects must submit monthly progress updates.
  • Completion documentation is now mandatory to avoid clawback.
 

When to apply

Timing is key. UCS is not intended for long-term estate improvement or planned maintenance. It is for reactive emergencies. Schools should apply as soon as an issue arises, providing as much evidence as possible to demonstrate:
  • The immediacy and severity of the risk
  • Why the work cannot be funded through existing resources
  • The impact on teaching, learning, or safety if left unresolved
Applications can be submitted at any time of year, but winter tends to see a surge in heating-related cases. Acting quickly is crucial because funding decisions depend on the urgency and strength of the case.

Strengthening your application

To improve the likelihood of success, ensure your submission includes:
  • A clear description of the issue, including what caused it and the current impact
  • Photographic evidence and supporting documentation from qualified engineers or surveyors
  • Cost estimates and details of any interim measures already taken
  • Evidence of financial need, showing why other funds are unavailable
Having a recent Condition Survey or a clearly documented Asset Management Plan can also help provide valuable context for your request.

How NASPM can support

NASPM premium membership at only £395 per year gives access to our experts who will respond to school-specific issues within 48 hours maximum, as well as a Head Teacher Power Hour where school leaders can benefit from direct bespoke conversation. Together with a dedicated resource hub with guidance and templates to assist schools in their estates/health and safety 

In summary

Winter heating failures can create major operational and safeguarding risks. The DfE’s Urgent Capital Support fund helps schools respond quickly when essential systems fail. Knowing how to access it, and having the right evidence ready, can make the difference between disruption and resilience.  Schools and trusts must be well-prepared, evidence-led, and financially clear when applying linking it clearly to the requirements of the Guidance.  The focus is that aligning with sustainability goals and meeting new reporting standards will be critical to a successful bid.
National Alliance of School Premises Management
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