Updated Academy Trust Handbook published
The revised Academy Trust Handbook signals the Government’s intention to increase accountability while supporting stronger financial management and more inclusive practice across the academy sector.
In response to the upcoming SEND reforms, the new handbook strengthens expectations around inclusion and SEND provision. Trusts will be expected to establish a trust-wide approach to inclusion, with consistent systems for identifying needs, providing support and monitoring pupil outcomes. Governing boards must appoint a trustee or committee to oversee inclusion and special educational needs and disabilities.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new annual financial summary statement. From January 2027, trusts will be required to publish a clear breakdown of how funding is distributed and spent across their academies. Multi-academy trusts (MATs) must explain whether they pool income or reserves, how central services are funded and the proportion of school funding retained to cover central costs such as IT and HR. The move is designed to provide greater transparency for parents, staff and local communities.
New requirements have also been introduced for chief financial officers (CFOs). From September 2027, trusts with more than 3,000 pupils will be expected to appoint qualified accountants or individuals holding the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Level 7 qualification.
Further changes focus on stronger financial governance, executive pay, and severance arrangements. Trustees will be expected to have appropriate financial expertise, while trust leaders must alert boards and the DfE if financial stability is at risk. Trusts will also face tighter controls around high salaries, pension changes and severance payments.
Considering the changes, trust and MATs have been given an extra month to have time to address this with the handbook coming into force on 1st October 2026.
