Options appraisal for a UK school
An options appraisal is the artefact that proves the trust considered alternatives before committing capital. It typically runs four to six options against a weighted matrix and recommends one.
What it contains
Problem statement, four canonical options (do nothing, repair-in-kind, refurb, rebuild), weighted matrix (cost, programme, decant impact, carbon, risk), recommendation with rationale, sensitivity test [source: HM Treasury Green Book, verified 2026-06-24].
How options are weighted
Cost (capital and life-cycle), programme, decant impact (curriculum disruption), embodied and operational carbon, risk profile, deliverability. Each option gets a normalised score, the matrix shows the winner against second.
What the DfE expects
Good Estate Management for Schools expects an options appraisal as part of the trust's strategic estate planning [source: GEMS, verified 2026-06-24]. SRP and R&R submissions also expect an options appraisal.
Typical fee as a standalone
£4,000-£9,000 architect-led; £8,000-£16,000 with QS support. Often packaged inside a wider Stage 0-2 feasibility for budgetary simplicity.
How it differs from a feasibility study
An options appraisal weighs alternatives; a feasibility study commits to one option and takes it to concept design, costing and pre-application.