Process and calendar.
The cycle runs from October open to May outcomes to March 2028 completion deadline. The intervening process is documented but procedural; most surprises live in the post-award delivery and monitoring stage.
Compiled by Oliver Wakefield-Smith, founder, Digital Signet. Reviewed against ESFA Information for Applicants 2026-27 and the Condition Funding Methodology March 2026 revision.
End-to-end stages
Cycle open, evidence preparation, bid drafting, governance sign-off, submission via the ESFA portal, assessment period, outcomes, appeals window, drawdown, delivery, monitoring, completion.
Who signs off
The submission is signed off by the Accounting Officer (typically the CEO) and by the Chair of Trustees. For consolidated VA diocesan bids, the diocesan board approves.
Assessment timeline
From bid close to outcomes is typically 5 months. The May 2026 outcomes followed a 16 December 2025 close, with the appeals window opening immediately after outcomes publication.
Award to completion
Funded projects must complete by 31 March 2028. The drawdown and monitoring cadence depends on project value and complexity.