
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.
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.

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.

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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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.