Voluntary Aided Schools 
Voluntary Aided (VA) schools are maintained schools and often, but not always, have a religious character. These schools are eligible for capital funding by grant from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). These schools are paid on a similar basis to other categories of school, but the governing body must usually pay at least 10% of the costs of capital work. Responsibility for work to VA school premises is shared between the school's governing body and the local authority. In simple terms, the local authority has responsibility for the playing fields and the governing body are liable for all other capital expenditure.
News this month — This section includes the latest information on school design and building and sources of finance (schools capital). Included is information on standard specifications, layouts and dimensions for school buildings, proposals for reducing carbon emissions from new school buildings and the Top Ten Tips for schools on sustainability. To access this information click here.
Latest initiatives on capital funding for maintained schools — There are now specific arrangements in place for the end of year assurances for devolved formula capital for voluntary aided schools. For more information on these arrangements and other information on capital grant for voluntary aided schools, click here.
Forms — All the forms required for processing payments for capital grant for voluntary aided schools as well as forms for project approval and approval of sites for voluntary aided schools are available here.
Voluntary Aided Schools Information System (VASIS) — The Voluntary Aided Schools Information System (VASIS) is a secure access point for VA schools, local authorities and dioceses to view information about projects, claims and allocations for voluntary aided schools. VASIS is a password controlled area. If you wish to access VASIS click here or to apply for a password click here
Contacts — For information about on-going projects and claims please use the VASIS window. However, if you do need to contact the Voluntary Aided Capital Team, Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) then click here
The Blue Book — The Blue Book provides guidance on capital funding for voluntary aided schools in England. This publication is not available in hard copy but can be downloaded: please note annex B (insurance) is currently under revision. To view the Blue Book, click here
Other Useful Information — For further information on capital funding for maintained schools and details of related publications and website links click here.
Last updated: 08 January 2008
