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
Major reforms announced to Apprenticeship Levy
The apprenticeship levy is a tax on employers which can be used to fund apprenticeship training. The purpose of the levy is to fund an increase in the number and quality of apprenticeships.
The Government has introduced significant reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy system, marking the largest overhaul since its launch in 2017. The aim to boost apprenticeship uptake, support early‑career training, and align skills development with national economic priorities.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio
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Easter greetings: Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter from all of us at HWB.
As a fun event for staff today, we’re hosting a special “Guess the name of the Bunny” challenge.
We hope you enjoy a relaxing and restorative holiday weekend
Our office will be open again on Tuesday
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One million miss the Tax Return filing deadline
HMRC has estimated that around a million people missed the 31 January 2026 Self Assessment tax return filing deadline.
Anyone who still needs to file should do so as soon as possible. HMRC applies a fixed £100 late filing penalty immediately, even if no tax is owed.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio
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A practical look at the Cycle to Work scheme for employers
The Cycle to Work scheme continues to attract interest from employees and employers alike given the tax advantages available.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio
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Traditional Luncheon: Director Michaela Johns recently attended the Traditional Luncheon Executive Association Solent event, hosted at the beautifully sunny Chewton Glen.
We were pleased to hear from Jessica Gill of Next Stride HR, who delivered an insightful presentation on “The Changing Workplace 2026–2027: Employment Law and Business Reality.”
Jessica outlined key upcoming employment law changes and explored their real-world impact on business owners—highlighting commercial risks, people challenges, and practical steps organisations can take now to stay prepared.
Thank you to Chewton Glen for hosting another excellent and engaging event.
Contact us at HWB today for all your accountancy and business advisory needs.
T: 023 8046 1200
E: [email protected]
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BHR Social: Director Michaela Johns attended the Business Hub Romsey Social at the beautiful Kimbridge Barn venue in the town.
She said it was an excellent opportunity to catch up with local businesses and meet new connections.
Thank you to Business Hub Romsey for hosting.
Contact us at HWB today for all your accountancy and business advisory needs.
T: 023 8046 1200
E: [email protected]
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Companies House pauses plan for small and micro businesses to file P&L accounts
Plans requiring small companies and micro entities to submit their profit and loss (P&L) accounts to Companies House have been put on hold, with the previously expected April 2027 start date now officially off the table.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio
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Tax talk: The FreeAgent Roadshow at the Harbour Hotel Southampton proved to be an excellent occasion.
Associate Director Nick Whitemore delivered an insightful session on Making Tax Digital (MTD), covering everything from client segmentation and workflow planning to building a clear pricing model and empowering teams and clients with the right knowledge.
The event also explored how smart tools, automation, and streamlined filing routines can reduce the admin burden and make MTD smoother for everyone.
Thank you to software company FreeAgent for hosting.
Contact us at HWB today for all your accountancy and business advisory needs.
T: 023 8046 1200
E: [email protected]
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