In the last article we explored why internal financial controls are so important in schools. They are not just about paperwork or compliance—they are the backbone of trust, safeguarding public money, and making sure every pound is spent wisely. But what does this look like in practice? How can school leaders and staff actually strengthen…
We often think of the Nolan Principles—selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership—as something for politicians or civil servants. But in reality, these principles apply just as strongly to those of us serving in education—governors, trustees, headteachers, and school leaders. They are about ethical public service and the wise stewardship of public resources—values at…
Understanding procurement might not be top of your daily teaching concerns, yet every purchase—from pencils to pest control—matters. This article unpicks how schools can get the most value when buying goods or services, how recent UK procurement reforms apply, and what practical steps can help ensure that every pound spent benefits pupils effectively and ethically….
Running a school or academy trust is about more than just lesson plans, pupil wellbeing, and Ofsted outcomes. At its heart lies the responsibility to ensure public funds—sometimes vast sums—are used with integrity and purpose. That’s where internal financial controls come in. These are not dry bureaucratic processes; they are the safeguards that keep our…
The world of school funding can feel labyrinthine, but it’s worth taking a few moments to understand how the money actually gets to your school—and what it’s intended for. Having a clear picture of the different funding streams, especially how they work in English schools and Multi Academy Trusts (MATs), means you can better interpret…
Navigating the world of school funding might feel as intricate as lesson planning, but it pays dividends to understand where our resources come from. Every pound spent in your school has a story, and knowing that story helps when making decisions, planning ahead, or simply explaining the situation to staff, parents, and governors. Let’s unpack…
Financial governance can often feel like a maze, especially when your primary focus is teaching and learning. Yet the Academies Financial Handbook is one of the most important documents for anyone involved in running an academy or a Multi Academy Trust (MAT). It sets the standards that underpin transparency, accountability and public trust and provides…
In finance, we are used to balancing books, forecasting trends, and making sure every figure adds up. But there’s another ledger that rarely makes it into the annual report—the state of our own mental health. And the truth is, it’s looking worryingly out of balance. Recent surveys have shown just how widespread the problem has…
Responsibilities of Trustees and Governors When we talk about school finance, most people immediately think of budgets, spreadsheets, and perhaps the finance officer tucked away in the school office. But the real foundations of sound financial management in a school or Multi Academy Trust (MAT) are built at governance level. Trustees and governors play a…
The Pros and Cons of Centralising Finance, HR, and Procurement Every school works best when teachers can focus on teaching, pupils can focus on learning, and leaders can focus on improvement. But behind the scenes, the way a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) organises its services – whether centrally or locally – has a huge influence…
Understanding the Chief Financial Officer’s Responsibilities in a MAT n the day‑to‑day of a school, our focus is rightly on teaching, learning, and pupil well‑being. But behind the scenes, ensuring we can do all that is the often‑unsung role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In a Multi‑Academy Trust (MAT), the CFO plays a crucial…
Why Clear Reporting Matters for Trust, Accountability, and Compliance When we talk about “school transparency,” most people think about how decisions are made, how behaviour policies work, or how exam results are shared. But financial transparency is just as important—if not more so—because it underpins trust, safeguards public money, and ensures the school can function…
Understanding VAT Reclaim Processes and Tax Obligations Over the past year, the way VAT applies to education in the UK has changed significantly, with one of the most high-profile shifts being the removal of the VAT exemption for independent school fees. From 1 January 2025, independent schools must now charge VAT at the standard rate…
When a school moves from local authority control to a Multi Academy Trust (MAT), it’s not just a change in name. The change to a MAT is a fundamental shift in financial accountability, operational autonomy, and strategic decision-making. For many experienced teachers, the day-to-day classroom work may seem unaffected, but behind the scenes the support…