Integrated curriculum and financial planning (ICFP): checklist and guidance

Find out more about integrated curriculum and financial planning (ICFP), which can help you improve your school's financial efficiency and maximise resources. Download and use our checklist to guide you through the process.

Last reviewed on 2 February 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 35495
Contents
  1. What is it?
  2. Why should we use it?
  3. Where do we start?
  4. 5 steps to success
  5. Download our checklist to guide you through the process
  6. Consider non-staff costs
  7. More resources and support with ICFP

This article is based on the DfE's guidance and advice from Cimple.

Please note that the inclusion of any commercial product or service is not intended as a recommendation from The Key.

What is it?

Integrated curriculum and financial planning (ICFP) is a management process that helps you plan the best curriculum for your pupils with the funding you have available.

Any school phase or type can use it. 

It involves: 

  1. Measuring your current curriculum, staffing structure and finances
  2. Using the data to create a 3 to 5-year plan 

You probably already use some form of ICFP when reviewing your curriculum and finances, but there are lots of resources available to help you take this further.

Why should we use it?

Linking your curriculum and financial planning can help you deliver a curriculum that’s: 

  • Financially sustainable 
  • The best your school can afford 
  • Tailored to your pupils’ needs 
  • Educationally successful 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach