Featured Post

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.

Read more →

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.

Read more →

Now is the Time to Future-proof Your School IT
ICT

Posted on 6th August 2025

Now is the Time to Future-proof Your School IT

From security risks to performance issues, the consequences of running unsupported or legacy systems are growing—and for schools, the stakes are higher than ever. 

Read more →

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.

Read more →

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.

Read more →

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.

Read more →

SIMS End of Year Procedures 2025/26
MIS

Posted on 8th July 2025

SIMS End of Year Procedures 2025/26

The End of the Academic Year is Fast Approaching, get ahead and start your End of Year Procedures. Taking the time to work through them early means you'll be fully prepared for September!

Read more →

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.

Read more →

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.

Read more →

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.

Read more →

SIMS Next Generation: The Cloud-Ready MIS Schools Have Been Waiting For
MIS

Posted on 12th June 2025

SIMS Next Generation: The Cloud-Ready MIS Schools Have Been Waiting For

Faster workflows, mobile access, lower IT costs, see what SIMS Next Gen brings to your staff right now.

Read more →

Making a Difference Every Day: NSBL Day 2024 Winner Tracey Parsons Reflects on 10 Years in the Role
SBL Day

Posted on 6th June 2025

Making a Difference Every Day: NSBL Day 2024 Winner Tracey Parsons Reflects on 10 Years in the Role

Friday, 6th June 2025 marks the fourth year of SBS National School Business Leaders’ Day. We met with Tracey (2024 Winner) one year on to learn more about her journey, exploring the initiatives and strategies that led to her recognition. This article also provides insights into the significance of NSBL Day and the award, highlighting the vital role SBLs play in shaping the future of education. 

Read more →

Redefining the Role: How SBLs Are Powering the Future of Education
SBL Day

Posted on 5th June 2025

Redefining the Role: How SBLs Are Powering the Future of Education

For too long, School Business Leaders (SBLs) have been seen primarily as administrators - gatekeepers of budgets, procurement, and policy. But as the education landscape becomes increasingly complex, this perception is rapidly changing. Today, SBLs are stepping firmly into the role of strategic leaders, helping to shape the future of our schools and Trusts.

Read more →

  • Next