RIBA Stage 2 - concept design for schools
Stage 2 takes the chosen option from Stage 1 forward to concept design, Cost Plan A under NRM1, and a planning pre-application. It is the canonical endpoint for a school feasibility study.
What Stage 2 delivers
Concept design (plans, sections, key elevations), Cost Plan A under RICS NRM1, planning pre-application submission and feedback, programme to construction handover, risk register, governor sign-off pack [source: RIBA POW 2020, verified 2026-06-24].
Fee envelope Stage 0-2
The most common feasibility span. Typical fee £18,500-£40,000 depending on school type and team. Net-zero retrofit pushes the top of the band to £47,500.
What approvals does Stage 2 unlock
Governor sign-off on the concept and cost, CIF Section C bid submission, SRP pre-priority evidence, R&R bid submission, internal MAT capital-committee approval.
When to stop here
For CIF, SRP and R&R, Stage 2 is normally the stopping point. The trust hands the project to a separate construction procurement once the bid is awarded. Stage 3 onwards is the build team's territory.