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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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Muscliff Primary: SBS Finance and Accountancy Case Study
Finance

Posted on 21st May 2026

Muscliff Primary: SBS Finance and Accountancy Case Study

Find out how SBS helped Muscliff Primary School improve financial reporting, strengthen audit compliance, and ease pressure on internal staff. Read the full case study to see how specialist support gave the school greater confidence in its financial management.

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How SBS is Strengthening Schools Through the DfE’s SRMA Programme

Posted on 27th March 2026

How SBS is Strengthening Schools Through the DfE’s SRMA Programme

This article explores how School Business Services (SBS), as a delivery partner to the Department for Education, supports the SRMA programme by equipping schools and trusts with expert, peer-led guidance to strengthen financial sustainability and improve pupil outcomes.

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Strengthening School Data Protection: The Importance of a Robust Backup Strategy
ICT

Posted on 23rd March 2026

Strengthening School Data Protection: The Importance of a Robust Backup Strategy

A robust backup strategy is essential for schools to protect against data loss, cyber threats, and compliance risks in an increasingly digital environment. By following the 3-2-1 backup rule and implementing dedicated backups for platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, schools can ensure resilience, recovery, and continuity.

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Estates Risk in the Spotlight: Why This Should be on Every Trust’s Internal Audit Plan for 2026
Finance

Posted on 5th March 2026

Estates Risk in the Spotlight: Why This Should be on Every Trust’s Internal Audit Plan for 2026

Estates management is moving up academy trusts’ 2026 internal audit agendas amid rising costs, safety risks and stronger expectations from the Department for Education. Insights from Stephanie Steadman at School Business Services show how effective scrutiny strengthens governance, financial planning and long-term estate strategy.

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Getting to the Heart of SEND Pressures
Finance

Posted on 3rd March 2026

Getting to the Heart of SEND Pressures

Georgina de Costa reflects on this year’s MAT Leaders Webinar, where SEND pressures emerged as the defining challenge for trusts. This article highlights how trusts are responding through restructuring, smarter use of technology and collaboration while remaining driven by a strong moral purpose to maximise outcomes for pupils.

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Hammersmith Academy Trust: SBS Internal Scrutiny Case Study

Posted on 24th February 2026

Hammersmith Academy Trust: SBS Internal Scrutiny Case Study

Partnering with SBS, the Hammersmith Academy introduced internal scrutiny that improved governance oversight, tightened financial controls, and enhanced cash flow forecasting. The result is a more robust financial framework across the trust.

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How Trusts are Responding to Financial Pressure in 2026
Finance

Posted on 11th February 2026

How Trusts are Responding to Financial Pressure in 2026

Drawing on insights from School Business Services’ fourth annual MAT Leaders Survey, this article explores how trust leaders are adapting their financial strategies, balancing short-term efficiencies with long-term sustainability, and using planning, centralisation and stronger oversight to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.

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Budgeting With Purpose: Why MATs Need More Than Just a Spreadsheet
Financial Planning

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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Looking at a new MIS? Here’s What You Need to Know
MIS

Posted on 17th September 2025

Looking at a new MIS? Here’s What You Need to Know

If your current system no longer meets your needs, changing MIS could be the right move. The process doesn’t have to be daunting, with the right planning and expert support, your transition can be smooth and successful. . 

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How Can ICFP Help You Make Your School or Trust More Efficient?
Finance

Posted on 21st August 2025

How Can ICFP Help You Make Your School or Trust More Efficient?

At School Business Services, we’ve developed SBS ICFP, a cloud-based tool that brings this process to life by combining live financial, staffing, and curriculum data in one easy-to-use platform.

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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. 

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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.

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