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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

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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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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What Is ICFP and Why It’s a Game-Changer for MATs
Financial Planning

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?

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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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How the UK Budget 2025-26 Will Impact Schools and Education
Financial Planning

Posted on 12th November 2024

How the UK Budget 2025-26 Will Impact Schools and Education

Discover how the UK Budget 2025-26 impacts schools in England and Wales. Get the full breakdown for school leaders on budget changes and funding allocations.

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Top Slice vs GAG Pooling: Which Budgeting Model is Right for Your MAT?
Financial Planning

Posted on 9th October 2024

Top Slice vs GAG Pooling: Which Budgeting Model is Right for Your MAT?

We look at two key budgeting models for Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). Highlighting the pros and cons of each model and how SBS Financial Planner simplifies managing both, helping MAT leaders make informed, data-driven financial decisions.

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Managing Budget Changes in Light of Decreasing School Enrolments with SBS Financial Planner
Financial Planning

Posted on 22nd July 2024

Managing Budget Changes in Light of Decreasing School Enrolments with SBS Financial Planner

According to the latest national projections from an ONS study, the number of pupils in schools in England is expected to decrease significantly in the coming years. This trend is driven by various demographic factors, including lower birth rates and changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Academy Year-End Preparation
Finance

Posted on 12th July 2024

Academy Year-End Preparation

Academy Year-End Preparation, a checklist and general advice to school staff

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