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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
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 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 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 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.