Supporting a successful CIF bid for John Clifford School

Built in the late-1800s, the high standards of construction at John Clifford School saw the original roof last more than a century – with just a few minor repairs over the years. However, with the roof showing significant signs of degradation – including slipped or missing tiles, damaged flashings and mortar fatigue – leading to water ingress, the time had come to undertake a full roof replacement.

Carrying out the improvements would be dependent on a successful Condition Improvement Fund bid, making it essential for surveyors, YMD Boon, to have a complete understanding of the roof’s condition before creating a strong application. As the CIF process is highly competitive, typically being several times oversubscribed with more than 4,000 eligible applicants, it was imperative for the bid to be as strong as possible.

To carry out the re-roofing works, specialist contractors, NRA Roofing, would need to navigate a number of challenges - from delivering high standards of installation to underpin long-term performance, through to working safely across the 2,300sqm roof on a live school site.

When it came to undertaking the improvement works, NRA Roofing meticulously executed the project in line with the comprehensive Redland SpecMaster specification. To deliver on quality and appearance, Redland Rosemary Clay Craftsman tiles in the Victorian finish were used, with their textured surface and distorted front edge replicating the traditional appearance of a handmade clay tile. 

With the roof of John Clifford School featuring several dormers, intricate detailing was required to deliver a satisfying aesthetic across the project, alongside uncompromising performance. This extended beyond the roof tiles to include the installation of box gutters and gutter outlets – work which was carried out by the team’s heritage standard lead operatives.

To safely deliver the project with minimal disruption to students and staff, NRA Roofing adopted a three-phase approach to the works. This meant activity could be focussed on a particular area of the site, while working hours were adapted to ensure safe movement around the site – particularly during drop-off and pick-up times.

Of course, a complete roof replacement of this scale represents a significant investment. This meant support from the Condition Improvement Fund was essential in making the improvement works possible, with the successful bid from YMD Boon being informed by BMI’s initial condition survey and specification - a process that was completed across a two-month period to align with the strict application process.

Through the process, YMD Boon - with BMI’s support - were able to satisfy all CIF assessment criteria, successfully conveying the project need, cost and planning to create a complete picture of how funds would be used at John Clifford School. Once the CIF bid was successful, the improvement works were completed within six months, with the complete installation fulfilling the needs for aesthetics and performance.