Academy Newswire

Here’s some information from the recent updates in case you haven’t had the chance to read them.

Reporting

Academies accounts return online form is now live

Users can now complete and submit their trust’s return on the academies accounts return online form DfE Sign-in by Tuesday 27 January 2026.

The accounts return can only be submitted by the trust’s external auditor approver.

You should check the external auditor details are correct as soon as possible, to ensure they have access to the return and avoid delays in submitting this information. You can read the DfE’s guidance Academies accounts return – GOV.UK for more information.

If you have difficulties accessing the form, contact the DfE Sign-in help assistant Virtual assistant for education providers and learners.

If you have not set up a DfE Sign-in account, you can Sign in to your account to access the academies accounts return.

Information

Publication of fraud awareness good practice guide

The DfE have published a fraud awareness good practice guide for education and training providers.
Fraud awareness: good practice for education and training providers – GOV.UK
This is something that providers have been asking for to support them with understanding fraud and with mitigating fraud risks.

The guidance is aimed at academy trusts, colleges, and independent training providers and covers an understanding of fraud, prevention, detection, and reporting. It brings together a variety of supportive resources that will be helpful to different types of providers.

The guidance also offers suggestions for developing counter fraud policies and approaches. The DfE have focused on cyber related fraud which is a clear risk in the education sector.

The DfE will periodically review the guidance to ensure it reflects up to date fraud risks and best practice.

Common themes arising from Department for Education’s assurance work

The DfE have published the common themes arising from Department for Education’s assurance work  Academy trusts: findings from DfE’s assurance work – GOV.UK.

The outcomes of their assurance work relate to the financial management and governance of the academies sector in 2024 to 2025 and its use of public funds.

Highlighting common themes in their work aims to help the sector to improve the quality of financial governance.

The briefing is for academy trust accounting officers, finance staff and trustees. Auditors of academy trusts may also find it helpful.

Training

DfE funded Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply procurement fundamentals roll-out

This free education-specific CIPS training will provide schools and trusts with the principles of procurement and helps support your continuous professional development.

There will be 6 fully funded one day (6 hours) virtual courses available on a range of dates in the autumn term, covering essential procurement processes and techniques.

This course will be useful for trust and school-based staff that conduct procurement activities within their role, or for staff that have an interest in specialising in procurement.

You can apply for a fully funded place through the CIPS Procurement Fundamentals Training form (Application Form). The DfE recommend you apply as soon as possible, as they expect places to fill quickly.

Applicants who have not been able to secure a place on the autumn term course will be added to the spring 2026  reserve list.

2026 Academy Forums ready to book on our website

Events | Updates for Academies | HWB Academy VAT

Regards

Michaela, Gary, James and Matt

 The academies budget and forecast return (BFR) form is live.

The deadline for your academy trust to complete your BFR is 11.59pm on 28 August 2025.

If you are new to the BFR, you will need a DSI account to access the BFR. To create a new DSI, see the guidance on DfE Sign-in.

To find out more, visit the BFR guidance page.

This includes comprehensive details about the form, the chart of accounts mapping, and how to get support during the collection period.

Training

Upcoming events to add to your diary

Chair of Trustees and Governors Training – 11 September 2025 – Sign up here

Academy Schools Forum – 16 September 2025 – Sign up here

Regards

Michaela, Gary, James and Matt

PS if you don’t already receive the ESFA updates direct from the ESFA, you can subscribe here.

We specialise in advising business managers and bursars on the accounting, VAT and audit requirements for an Academy. 

If we don’t already act for your school or if you would like to attend our next Academy Forum (free of charge), speak to Michaela Johns, our Academies expert on 023 8046 1256. 

You can also visit www.academyvat.co.uk for guidance on V

PS if you don’t already receive the ESFA updates direct from the ESFA, you can subscribe here.

We specialise in advising business managers and bursars on the accounting, VAT and audit requirements for an Academy. 

If we don’t already act for your school or if you would like to attend our next Academy Forum (free of charge), speak to Michaela Johns, our Academies expert on 023 8046 1256. 

You can also visit www.academyvat.co.uk for guidance on VAT rules for academy schools.