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What the Spending Review 2025 Means for School Budgets

At School Business Services, we’ve reviewed the government's full Spending Review 2025 and pulled together the key takeaways and what they mean for your budget planning over the next few years.

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Latest News

Tightening Up Scrutiny Isn’t Just For the Big Players
Finance

Posted on 7th August 2025

Tightening Up Scrutiny Isn’t Just For the Big Players

Amelia Clark, Head of Internal Scrutiny at School Business Services, on why exacting new Internal Scrutiny requirements coming in later this year shouldn’t just apply to the largest Trusts.

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What Is a School Fund Audit?
Finance

Posted on 24th July 2025

What Is a School Fund Audit?

Many maintained schools operate a separate account known as a School Fund. But how are these funds managed and monitored? That’s where a School Fund Audit comes in.

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Key Changes in the Academy Trust Handbook 2025/26
Finance

Posted on 22nd July 2025

Key Changes in the Academy Trust Handbook 2025/26

The newly released Academy Trust Handbook 2025/26 introduces a wide range of updates that all Trust leaders, CFOs, and Trustees need to be aware of and act on. These changes reflect a greater emphasis on transparency, sustainability, digital safety, governance, and financial integrity.

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School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions 2025 Released
Finance

Posted on 22nd July 2025

School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions 2025 Released

The Department for Education has released the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document 2025, setting out key updates effective from 1 September 2025.

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What Does Internal Scrutiny Really Mean for Trusts?
Finance

Posted on 2nd July 2025

What Does Internal Scrutiny Really Mean for Trusts?

For Academy Trusts, Internal Scrutiny is more than a statutory requirement - it’s an opportunity. Here’s how Trusts can reframe their approach and realise the full value of internal scrutiny.

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Drapers’ MAT Scales with Confidence: The SBS Financial Planner Effect in Action
Finance

Posted on 17th June 2025

Drapers’ MAT Scales with Confidence: The SBS Financial Planner Effect in Action

One of Drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust's core missions has been to ensure that the financial management of their schools supports their broader educational goals. We spoke to Phil Norman, CFO, about their experience with SBS Financial Planner.

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Building Confidence Through Financial Expertise: In conversation with Toral Patel, SBM for Moss Hall Schools Federation
Finance

Posted on 17th June 2025

Building Confidence Through Financial Expertise: In conversation with Toral Patel, SBM for Moss Hall Schools Federation

When Toral Patel joined Moss Hall Schools Federation as School Business Manager, she quickly identified inconsistencies in the school’s financial data following a recent system change. After seeking external advice, Moss Hall began working with Nicola, a Finance Consultant at School Business Services.

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Migrating Financial Systems? Why Schools Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Finance

Posted on 8th May 2025

Migrating Financial Systems? Why Schools Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Whether your current platform no longer meets your needs, you're joining a new trust with a preferred system, or you're looking for more efficient reporting, switching financial systems is a big step.

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The Rising Costs Facing Schools in April 2025
Finance

Posted on 2nd April 2025

The Rising Costs Facing Schools in April 2025

From increased staff expenses to higher infrastructure and SEND funding demands, school leaders must carefully plan their budgets to maintain financial stability.

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The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Finance Team for Schools and MATs
Finance

Posted on 19th February 2025

The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Finance Team for Schools and MATs

Outsourcing school or MAT finance to SBS reduces costs, ensures compliance, and provides expert support for efficient financial management.

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Bridging the Funding Gap: How Schools Can Sustain Labour’s Free Breakfast Club Initiative
Finance

Posted on 14th February 2025

Bridging the Funding Gap: How Schools Can Sustain Labour’s Free Breakfast Club Initiative

We discuss the financial challenges schools face with Labour’s free breakfast club initiative and how SBS Financial Planner can help MATs and schools navigate the funding shortfall through scenario planning, cost-benefit analysis, and budget reallocation.

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Achieving Efficiency Savings for Schools
Finance

Posted on 22nd January 2025

Achieving Efficiency Savings for Schools

Practical Steps for Schools after Government recommendation to make 2% efficiency savings and optimise their budgets.

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