04/04/2026
Academy Newswire
Here’s some information from the recent updates in case you haven’t had the chance to read them.
Information
Upcoming energy contract renewals
If your school’s energy contract is due for renewal soon, the DfE encourage you to consider moving to a longer-term variable-rate basket, such as the DfE Energy for Schools Service. There are very few competitive fixed price energy deals currently available. Longer term variable options can provide schools with greater stability, while still ensuring access to competitive public sector pricing.
If your contract renewal is within the next 12 months, please consider: Signing up to the DfE Energy for Schools Service, or Exploring comparable energy offers available through their partner public sector buying organisations. These options can help your school secure more predictable costs. If you would like further information or support, please visit DfE energy for schools or email: [email protected].
Reporting
Academy trust financial framework documents for 2025 to 2026 published
The DfE have published the academies accounts direction, the model accounts and the framework and guide for external auditors and reporting accountants for 2025 to 2026.
The direction sets out how academy trusts must prepare their annual reports and financial statements. It supports staff who prepare accounts and is also useful for accounting officers, external auditors, reporting accountants and trustees. The model accounts help academy trusts to see what the accounts should look like.
Compliance with the direction and the model accounts is a condition of an academy trust funding agreement.
The framework and guide explains audit and regularity reporting in the sector. It applies to all external auditors and reporting accountants who deliver statutory audits and regularity reviews for academy trusts.
Please see our HWB academy accounts direction summary.
Training
2026 Academy Forums ready to book on our website
Events | Updates for Academies | HWB Academy VAT
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.
