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Posted on 5th March 2026
Estates Risk in the Spotlight: Why This Should be on Every Trust’s Internal Audit Plan for 2026
Estates management is moving up academy trusts’ 2026 internal audit agendas amid rising costs, safety risks and stronger expectations from the Department for Education. Insights from Stephanie Steadman at School Business Services show how effective scrutiny strengthens governance, financial planning and long-term estate strategy.
Posted on 3rd March 2026
Getting to the Heart of SEND Pressures
Georgina de Costa reflects on this year’s MAT Leaders Webinar, where SEND pressures emerged as the defining challenge for trusts. This article highlights how trusts are responding through restructuring, smarter use of technology and collaboration while remaining driven by a strong moral purpose to maximise outcomes for pupils.
Posted on 11th February 2026
How Trusts are Responding to Financial Pressure in 2026
Drawing on insights from School Business Services’ fourth annual MAT Leaders Survey, this article explores how trust leaders are adapting their financial strategies, balancing short-term efficiencies with long-term sustainability, and using planning, centralisation and stronger oversight to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
Posted on 21st January 2026
Fielding Primary School: SBS Financial Planner Case Study
Since implementing SBS Financial Planner, Fielding Primary School has benefited from more efficient budgeting, reliable forecasting, and highly responsive customer service.
Posted on 13th January 2026
Attenborough Learning Trust: SBS Financial Planner Case Study
Attenborough Learning Trust shares how moving to SBS Financial Planner gave its central team the visibility, control and confidence they needed to manage budgets across a rapidly expanding multi-academy trust.
Posted on 4th December 2025
The MAT Standard: Why MAT Finance Leaders Need More Than Traditional Budgeting Tools
Education finance is changing fast and many finance leaders are asking for more from the tools they rely on every day. They need systems that give clarity, confidence, and control, not just more data to process. Meet the MAT Standard - for finance leaders who expect more.
Posted on 28th November 2025
What the 2025 UK Budget Means for Schools and Trusts
The Chancellor’s November 2025 Budget made national headlines, but for schools, trusts, and local authorities, the key question is how it affects day-to-day budgets, staffing, and the services pupils rely on.
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Posted on 20th November 2025
How a Finance Service Desk Supports Schools & Trusts: A Day in the Life of a Finance Team
This article explores how the SBS Finance Service Desk provides immediate, expert support when it matters most, from troubleshooting system glitches to guiding best practice.
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Posted on 17th November 2025
Pension news for Trusts: What to prepare for LGPS surplus
A surprising LGPS surplus could significantly reduce trusts’ pension contribution costs from 2026, and this article explains what you need to prepare now to maximise the financial benefits.
Posted on 5th November 2025
DfE Updates Guidance on Severance Payments for Academies: What You Need to Know
The DfE has released updated guidance on severance payments for academy trusts, clarifying the approval process, reporting requirements, and expectations for demonstrating value for money.
Posted on 22nd October 2025
Time For Dynamism in Trust Management Accounts
Kelly Crawford of School Business Services on why a shift to more responsive management accounting could aid trusts as they navigate through difficult times.
Posted on 8th October 2025
Flexibility is The Watchword When Managing SEND Staffing Pressures
SEND is perhaps the biggest challenge for budget decision-makers in Trusts and schools today. Bethan Whyman of School Business Services explores the issues and offers some solutions.