UHY Ross Brooke Chartered Accountants
The academy sector is currently navigating a period of intensifying financial pressure and significant regulatory change. As cost burdens grow and funding remain largely static, trusts increasingly focus on operational efficiency and structural consolidation to maintain their educational standards. Now in its 14th year, our 2026 Academies Benchmarking Report, provides
The Academies Accounts Direction (AAD) 2025 to 26, issued by the Department for Education, outlines the financial reporting and disclosure requirements for academy trusts with year ends on 31 August 2026. While some updates may seem minor, several changes will affect how academy trusts prepare their statutory accounts and supporting
With academy audit season underway, trusts are reminded to review their Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) obligations. The framework requires eligible trusts to report on energy use, carbon emissions and efficiency actions. What is SECR? SECR is a UK government-led framework requiring eligible organisations to report their energy use,
The academy sector is facing one of its most challenging financial landscapes in recent years. With rising operational costs, static funding levels and increasing pressures on leadership and staffing, trusts are under strain to maintain educational outcomes while navigating growing complexity. At the same time, structural shifts continue to reshape
What’s next after school? For many teens, that’s the million-dollar question. But at Lydiard Park Academy’s recent careers day, the buzz wasn’t about stressing over the future—it was about exploring exciting possibilities. And UHY Ross Brooke was there to help make it all happen! We were absolutely thrilled to be
Identifying and Mitigating Risks By academy specialist Caroline Webster As company directors and charity trustees, Academy trustees carry significant responsibility. Beyond delivering high-quality education, they are charged with protecting the financial stability and overall integrity of their institutions. Among these responsibilities, effective risk management takes precedence, making it a critical
By academy specialist Caroline Webster Managing finances in an academic institution can be a daunting task, even for the most seasoned trustees. This role comes with the responsibility of being accountable for all financial operations, which requires a keen understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and prudent decision-making. Through years of
The ESFA launched the Better financial reporting programme in 2019, with a view to getting more consistent and accurate information from academy trusts and with a longer-term intention of automating much of the financial reporting. By Ed Passmore Under the programme information is submitted directly from the financial management software
Accountants for Academy Schools Whether you are thinking of converting to Academy status or have already done so, we understand the complexities involved and that independence from your Local Authority may require enhanced internal controls for your school’s finances. Whether you are a single-academy trust or part of a larger
Going concern is one of the most pressing governance challenges facing charities today, with rising costs, volatile donations and uncertain grant funding. What do trustees need to know? By Caroline Webster For many charities, going concern is an ongoing governance issue. Costs continue to rise, donations remain volatile and grant