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
Army Flying museum: Director, Michaela Johns, visited the Army Flying Museum at the recent Hampshire Chamber Connects event in Stockbridge.
The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with local businesses and strengthen relationships within the regional community.
A big thank you to Hampshire Chamber of Commerce for organising and hosting such a successful event—we look forward to many more!
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Pickleball: A team from HWB recently enjoyed a fantastic evening at @dinks.clubs in Chandlers Ford, coming together for a fun game of pickleball and a social catch-up.
It was great to spend time outside the office, stay active, and enjoy each other’s company – and safe to say, everyone had a brilliant evening!
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Big news for payroll and expenses teams 👇
The private mileage reimbursement rate has been updated to 55p per mile (for the first 10,000 miles), reflecting rising fuel, maintenance, and overall vehicle costs. Mileage above this threshold continues at 25p per mile.
🔍 What this means for businesses:
• Review and update your expense policies if appropriate
• Adjust payroll systems for accurate processing
• Clearly communicate any changes to employees
⚠️ Important to note:
This is an advisory rate — organisations are not required to adopt 55p per mile.
• If you choose to pay less than 55p, employees may be able to claim tax relief on the difference via HMRC
• If you pay more than the advisory rate, there may be tax and NIC implications
👩💼 For employees:
• Potential to claim additional tax relief if reimbursed below the advisory rate
• Greater awareness of how mileage payments impact take-home pay
💼 Also worth noting:
Self-employed individuals using the simplified mileage method will benefit from the uplift from 45p to 55p, helping better reflect the real cost of business travel.
✅ As always, staying compliant with HMRC guidance and keeping policies under regular review is key.
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We’re pleased to share that we’ve recently refurbished our car park, creating a clearer, more accessible space for visitors. The improvements ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival, with designated parking available free of charge for anyone coming to see us.
We’re committed to making every part of your visit as convenient and welcoming as possible, starting from the moment you arrive.
Contact us at HWB today for all your accountancy and business advisory needs.
T: 023 8046 1200
E: [email protected]
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Space Masquerade Ball: HWB Directors Tom Young, Matt Cooper, James Flood, Gary Brown and Gemma Hedges recently attended the Space Masquerade Ball 2026, held at St Mary’s Stadium — an enjoyable evening that brought together great entertainment and fundraising.
The event featured a three-course dinner, live entertainment and auctions, all in support of Saints Foundation and Jemima’s Journey through Tree of Hope.
Contact us at HWB today for all your accountancy and business advisory needs.
T: 023 8046 1200
E: [email protected]
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Transfers on divorce - What are the Capital Gains Tax implications
When a married couple/civil partnership separate, care needs to be taken to ensure that all parties are aware of the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications of any transfer of assets that take place between the couple. If the transfer is not arranged or timed correctly, there could be a CGT charge on assets.
Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio.
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ARMOURGEDDON: We had great fun with our contacts on a tank-driving experience day at Juniper Leisure in New Alresford. It was an ideal opportunity to spend quality time together in a completely different setting.
Everyone got involved, and there was a real buzz throughout with plenty of smiles alongside some friendly competition. To round things off, we had a car-crushing challenge to crown the standout tank driver, a brilliant way to end the day and definitely a memorable highlight.
A really enjoyable experience and a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with our contacts. Looking forward to the next one!
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Our Director, Michaela Johns, recently attended a Business South introductory event for new members, gaining valuable insight into the organisation and the work it does to support businesses across the Central South.
Business South plays an important role in bringing together business leaders, educators, public bodies and entrepreneurs to drive growth, collaboration and innovation across the region. It was a great opportunity to learn more about their impact and connect with like-minded organisations.
As Business South celebrates 20 years of building meaningful connections in 2026, we’re proud to have joined as Champions and look forward to attending more events in the future.
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