The watchdog first launched the investigation on 10 December 2024, focusing on suspected collusion tied to projects funded through the government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).

At the time, the CMA said it had particular concerns around roofing contracts, with suspicions that contractors and technical advisers may have coordinated bids to secure CIF-backed work. The watchdog carried out a series of raids as part of its initial evidence-gathering.

Now the CMA has confirmed it is examining suspected bid-rigging in relation to roofing and other construction services supplied not only to CIF-eligible schools but also to other public and private sector bodies.

The authority stressed that no assumption should be made that competition law has been breached and said it has not yet decided whether there is sufficient evidence to issue statements of objections.

Around £450m of CIF funding is awarded each year by the Department for Education to help schools repair and upgrade buildings deemed to be in poor or unsafe condition.