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
In all their dealings with Eggar’s School, we have found HWB staff to be very professional, knowledgeable and approachable. They do an excellent job of keeping us informed as they are always at the end of the phone, host regular School Business Manager meetings, send out EFSA Updates and have set up this VAT web advice link, which is very user friendly.
Alan Rolfe has assisted efficiently on any VAT queries, with clear and concise advice, especially with unusual aspects of VAT. i.e. Invoicing for Head Teacher secondment.
Alan Rolfe, as with all the staff from HWB, are always extremely friendly and helpful, and provide an excellent service.
Latest Feeds
Total Business Network: Matt Cooper attended a great morning at Broadstone Golf Club attending a Total Business Network event, surrounded by local professionals and business leaders.
One of the highlights of the event was hearing from the CEO of MyTime Young Carers, whose passionate and insightful speech shone a light on the incredible work the charity does in supporting young carers and their families. It was both inspiring and thought-provoking to learn more about the challenges many young people face and the positive impact that dedicated support can have on their lives.
Events like these provide a valuable opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and gain fresh perspectives from organisations making a real difference within our communities.
Thank you to Total Business Network for hosting another excellent event and to everyone who contributed to such engaging discussions.
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At our September Academy Forum, we asked attendees:
"How prepared do you feel for the new Estate Management Standards annual return?"
The responses provided an interesting snapshot of current progress so far:
-Some work required was the most common response, receiving 57% of the votes.
-Haven`t looked at it yet followed with 29%.
-Very prepared received 14% of the votes.
If you couldn`t join us at the forum, we`d love to hear your thoughts.
How prepared do you feel for the new Estate Management Standards annual return? Let us know in the comments below.
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Network my Club: A fantastic Club Insight event and a great opportunity to hear from Lina Small, Head of People and EDI at Portsmouth Football Club.
It was fascinating to gain an insight into the unique HR challenges of a professional football club, from supporting permanent staff and players to managing large teams of casual workers, match day staff, and volunteers.
It was particularly inspiring to hear how Equality, Diversity and Inclusion sits at the heart of the club`s culture, ensuring that everyone feels welcome both as employees and as fans.
Thank you to Lina for sharing such valuable insights and thank you to Network My Club for another great event.
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Ladies who network: Director Gemma Hedges enjoyed attending a fantastic event focused on wellbeing, confidence and personal growth.
The session from Mandy at Solent Mind highlighted the importance of recognising and managing anxiety, while Nicola from Nicola Green Consultancy shared valuable insights on developing confidence and setting healthy boundaries.
An inspiring afternoon at Burley Manor filled with learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations.
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At our September Academy Forum, we asked attendees:
"Which ATH 2026 change is likely to require the most work for you and your finance teams within your trust this year?"
The results highlighted some clear priorities:
-Inclusion and SEND was the top concern, receiving 47% of votes.
-Procurement followed in second place with 27%.
-Governance and Internal Scrutiny accounted for 20% of responses.
-CFO Qualifications received 7% of the vote.
-Interestingly, Financial Stability and Executive Pay did not receive any votes.
If you couldn`t join us at the forum, we`d love to hear your perspective. Which ATH 2026 change do you think will require the most attention and resource within your trust this year?
Let us know in the comments below.
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Community groups invited to apply for £2.5m funding
Community organisations across England will be able to bid in the next wave of the Common Ground Award. The Common Ground Award 2026 - 2027 is a competitive grant fund providing capital investment to organisations in England.
The award provides up to £2.5 million for projects, groups and organisations to bring people together and transform their community. It was first launched last year and is now open to a second wave of applicants.
It backs groups that know their communities and are already helping people from different backgrounds meet, mix and build trust. One example could be turning a tired community building into a more welcoming hub, buying equipment so more people can take part in local activities, or creating spaces where neighbours can meet, talk and bridge divides.
The next round will provide up to £2.5 million in funding, with individual applicants able to bid for between £20,000 and £50,000 to improve the facilities, spaces and equipment that help them continue delivering vital work in their communities.
Groups of organisations working together can also apply for grants of up to £250,000, helping them increase their impact.
Individual organisations can apply for £20,000 to £50,000. In exceptional cases, applications may be considered up to £100,000 where there is clear evidence of need and significant expected impact.
Consortium applications can apply for between £100,000 and £250,000.
The fund supports capital costs only, including the construction or renovation of facilities, spaces and equipment that enable organisations to bring people from different backgrounds together.
The application for the 2026-27 fund can be found by clicking the link in our bio.
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Legal requirements for company websites in the UK
Creating or maintaining a company website in the UK involves more than good design and usability — several legal obligations apply to all businesses, with additional rules for those selling online or processing personal data.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio
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Caption: Almost 7 million adults in the dark about their State Pension
HMRC is encouraging people to check their State Pension forecast using the HMRC app during Pension Awareness Week.
Research shows 45 to 54-year-olds are more likely than any other age group to have never checked their State Pension, despite it being a key time for retirement planning.
One in eight adults have never checked their State Pension forecast.
People can use the HMRC app to check their State Pension forecast and top up National Insurance contributions, this follows pension awareness week, last week.
Almost 7 million adults could be missing out on information to help prepare them for their retirement.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.
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