FINE (Finance Innovators in Education) is MATFMA’s flagship Network.
Spotlighting and celebrating the most innovative, tech-driven,
and impactful financial ideas in the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) sector.
While Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) are increasingly exploring innovative ways to manage resources, there remains untapped potential to use technology and creative thinking to improve financial efficiency and add value. The FINE programme is designed to identify, showcase, and scale technology-enabled innovations and forward-thinking financial practices across the education sector — encouraging both finance and non-finance professionals to contribute ideas that drive smarter resource use, cost savings, and long-term impact
Whether you work in finance, operations, HR, IT, or school leadership — if you’ve developed a smarter way to save money, add value, or improve efficiency in your trust — we want to hear about it.
FINE is your opportunity to gain national recognition, inspire others, and help reshape the future of education finance.
What we are looking for
We’re inviting submissions that demonstrate:
- Innovative thinking in financial processes or strategy
- Smart use of technology or digital tools
- Tangible impact, such as cost savings, efficiency gains, or better decision-making
- Involvement from non-finance professionals to encourage cross-functional collaboration
You don’t need a perfect project — just a great idea that shows what’s possible.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 📝 Submit your idea | Complete a short entry (written or video) explaining your innovation and its impact. |
| 🔎 Judging | Entries will be reviewed by a panel of sector experts using a transparent scoring framework. |
| 🌟 Recognition | Finalists will be invited to present at the FINE Showcase in December and awarded Bronze, Silver, or Gold status. |
Deadline for entries: 31 October 2025
Awards & Recognition
Winners will receive:
- Bronze / Silver / Gold FINE Innovator Awards
- CPD-certified digital badges and certificates
- Features in MATFMA publications and case study spotlights
- Opportunities to present at MATFMA events or webinars
Special categories will also be recognised, including:
- Best Use of Technology
- Best Cross-Team Collaboration
- Highest Financial Impact
- Emerging Innovator Award
How to Enter
Submissions open: 1 September 2025
Closing date: 31 May 2026
👉 Click here to enter the FINE Challenge
📄 Download the Entry Pack & Guidelines
❓ Read the FAQs
Need help or have questions? Email us at fine@matfma.org.uk
Let’s Shape the Future of Education Finance — Together
The best ideas often come from the ground up. FINE exists to make sure they get seen, celebrated, and shared across the sector.
Join us in championing the people and ideas that are making school finance smarter, faster, and more impactful.