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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.
Posted on 25th September 2025
Budgeting With Purpose: Why MATs Need More Than Just a Spreadsheet
In today’s education landscape, the role of a Multi-Academy Trust finance leader goes far beyond spreadsheets and cost control.
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Posted on 10th September 2025
Take a Holistic View of ICFP
The challenge of balancing quality education with tight budgets is ever present and requires a coordinated approach that leads to decisions on education and finances being taken together. That’s why Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP) is now becoming an increasingly vital tool across our sector.
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 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.
Posted on 7th May 2025
What Is ICFP and Why It’s a Game-Changer for MATs
Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP) is transforming the way Multi-Academy Trusts plan, allocate, and optimise their resources. But what exactly is ICFP, and why are so many Trust leaders making it central to their strategy?
Posted on 29th April 2025
School Budgets Under Strain as Pay Review Suggests 4% Increase
A recent survey of school leaders reveals that the majority have not planned for the newly recommended 4% teacher pay rise, with most budgeting for a lower 2.8% increase. With already stretched finances, many schools now face difficult decisions that could impact staffing, curriculum, and pupil support.
Posted on 17th February 2025
Internal Scrutiny vs. Responsible Officer in MATs
We discuss the shift from the Responsible Officer role to mandatory Internal Scrutiny in MATs, highlighting its importance in ensuring robust financial oversight, risk management, and compliance with ESFA requirements.
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.
Posted on 10th February 2025
Case Study: Transforming Learning with 1:1 Devices at St. Bartholomew's CE Multi-Academy Trust
St. Bartholomew's CE Multi-Academy Trust has successfully implemented a 1:1 digital device initiative across its schools. Results have been enhanced accessibility, reduced teacher workload, and improving pupil attainment.