Experience the difference
Assisting your academy be it a school or college with specialist VAT advice

Leading Accountants for Academies, Academy VAT
Dedicated information for Academy Schools and Colleges
We know how easy it can be to get lost in the VAT maze and our website has been specifically designed to help you through it! With our experience as leading Accountants for Academies advising on treatment of VAT we are able to answer questions that you may have regarding your academy.
Our website is an easy to use guide which is packed with valuable information and expert guidance about registration and the rules which apply to everyday transactions in your academy.
We are now seeing Colleges converting to Academy status and therefore this website is equally applicable to colleges and schools.
Here's what we can assist you with:
- The treatment for numerous different transactions
- Information on the different ways an academy can be structured and organised
- Inform whether it is desirable (or necessary!) to register for VAT
- Reclaiming the correct amount of VAT on costs
- The VAT recoverable using voluntary claim Forms VAT126
- Planning ideas to help improve recovery of VAT
Academy Accounting means adapting to a new accounting and financial reporting regime and dealing with the requirements of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) which can be daunting. Our specialist Academy Accountants are here to guide you through it.
What our clients say
Latest Feeds
VAT - Capital Goods Scheme threshold increased
Legislation has now been passed to increase the VAT Capital Goods Scheme (CGS) threshold from £250,000 to £600,000 plus VAT. Although the measure was originally announced in April 2025, the change applies only to transactions taking place on or after 29 July 2026.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.
Steven Martin recently attended the Dorset Chamber breakfast at Rick Stein, Sandbanks.
It was encouraging to hear from Frank Prior and Kerry Houston-Kypta of Paris Smith about the positive outlook for the local region, alongside a captivating talk from Alice Plunkett, British equestrian and sports journalist.
As always, a fantastic venue in Sandbanks and a great opportunity to reconnect with existing contacts, meet new faces, and strengthen relationships across the business community.
QUESTION TIME: The HWB team had a great evening at the Rathbones Charity Quiz at The Dancing Man.
The questions were certainly challenging, and the team comprising Matt Cooper, Alex Olney, Harry Sherwood, Richard Knight, Will Churcher and Matt Pickett delighted to finish in fourth place!
As always, the pies were a highlight of the night, and it was fantastic to spend time with so many local businesses and charities.
Congratulations to all the teams who took part, and a big thank you to Rathbones for hosting such an enjoyable event.
Why an external payroll review matters more than ever
Arguably, the most important aspect of any company is its payroll. If employees are not receiving their pay in an accurate and timely manner, their productivity levels will falter, negatively impacting the business as a whole.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.
Women in business brunch: Susan Wooding and Amanda Cooley were delighted to attend the recent Women in Business Brunch hosted by the Romsey & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry at @Ampfield Golf & Country Club .
The event brought together local female professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs for a morning of networking, knowledge sharing and meaningful conversations. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships within the local business community.
Thank you to the organisers and everyone who attended for creating such a welcoming and engaging event.
Quarterly lunch club: Director Michaela Johns recently attended the Quantuma Quarterly Lunch at Carnicero Steakhouse Restaurant & Bar in Southampton.
The event provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with professionals from across the business, exchange insights, and enjoy some excellent food in a great setting.
Thank you to everyone involved for such an enjoyable afternoon.
NET RESULT: A HWB team took part in the Venture & Barclays Netball Tournament at Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre
Despite some of our team being a little unfamiliar with the rules of netball, everyone gave it their all and played brilliantly throughout the tournament.
It was a great opportunity to get together, enjoy some friendly competition, and support a fantastic event.
A special thank you to Director Michaela Johns for umpiring and helping make the tournament run so smoothly.
And of course, thank you to everyone from HWB who took part and represented the firm so well.
We`re already looking forward to the next one!
VAT - Capital Goods Scheme threshold increased
Legislation has now been passed to increase the VAT Capital Goods Scheme (CGS) threshold from £250,000 to £600,000 plus VAT. Although the measure was originally announced in April 2025, the change applies only to transactions taking place on or after 29 July 2026.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.



