Academy trusts are among 67 institutions receiving extra capital cash to boost post-16 places, the government has announced. The Department for Education (DfE) today published the successful bidders for two funds backed by £287 million. But it has not revealed how much each project will receive, what will be built or how many places individual colleges are expected to create. It comes as a population bulge caused by the 2000s baby boom is making its way into the post-16 phase. The 16 to 18 population grew by 230,000, or 13 per cent, between 2017 and 2024 and is forecast to rise by a further 110,000 by 2028, peaking nationally in the 2028-29 academic year. The list, in full below, contains 86 projects including 45 through the general post-16 capacity fund and 41 to expand construction training – although DfE’s announcement said 87 had been approved. DfE has been asked to clarify. The 86 projects are spread across 67 institutions, with 14 winning schemes from both funding pots. Successful general capacity bidders include academy trusts such as Heart of Mercia Trust, NOVA Education Trust and Weydon Multi Academy Trust alongside FE and sixth-form colleges. Half of total cash devolved The £287 million fund was announced in February and forms the nationally managed portion of a £570 million capital programme running to the 2029-30 financial year. A further £283 million has been devolved to combined authorities and other areas with devolution deals to spend on their own priorities. Of the funding controlled by DfE, £191 million was made available for post-16 capacity projects and £96 million for construction schemes. Devolved areas received £184 million and £99 million respectively. Institutions could bid for between £250,000 and £5 million for each project, although DfE retained discretion to go higher where there was sufficient evidence of need. Refurbish, don’t rebuild General capacity projects had to create space for at least 31 additional 16 to 19-year-olds and show that growth could not be absorbed by existing estates or another local institution. Projects are generally expected to be complete by August 2028 so the extra places can be used from that September. DfE guidance said schemes that reconfigured or refurbished existing space were more likely to meet its delivery and value-for-money requirements. Permanent new builds faced tougher tests because of longer lead-in times and the temporary nature of the demographic pressure, although they could be approved where colleges demonstrated longer-term need. Construction projects had to address waiting lists or expected demand and create capacity for at least 31 additional young people or adults. Employer cash or in-kind contributions were mandatory, and successful colleges must either be designated construction technical excellence colleges or work with their regional hub as a “spoke”. Lucy Powell, the education secretary, said: “Too many young people face unnecessary barriers to apprenticeships, college places and training. We’re investing to change that. “This government is determined to help thousands more young people gain the skills, experience and confidence they need to build successful careers.” The successful projects