Academy conversion and ongoing support
Converting to academy status offers significant opportunities for greater autonomy, improved outcomes and long-term sustainability — but it also introduces complex financial, regulatory and operational responsibilities.
Our specialist academy auditors and advisers provide practical, reassuring support at every stage of the journey. From the initial decision to convert through to post-conversion operations, we help academy trusts navigate change with confidence.
Supporting you through the academy conversion process
Moving to academy status requires a new approach to financial management, governance and reporting. We support schools and trusts through each step of the conversion process, ensuring compliance from day one.
Academy trust accounts must be prepared under a different statutory framework and are subject to a significantly higher level of public and regulatory scrutiny. This includes:
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Preparation of statutory accounts in the required academy trust format
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Production of a governors’ report, including:
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Statements of compliance with the Charities Act
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Application of the Charity SORP
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Clear explanations of financial performance and future plans
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Reporting on the academy’s impact within the local community
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Our team ensures your reporting is technically robust, transparent and aligned with current sector expectations.
Managing governance, accountability and financial risk
Academy trusts must also address a wide range of additional considerations, including:
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Establishing effective corporate governance structures
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Regularity reporting to demonstrate accountability and appropriate use of public funds
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Understanding the implications for teachers’ pensions
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Replacing services previously provided by the local authority
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Cash flow management and solvency monitoring
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Ensuring financial systems and controls are fit for purpose and support accurate reporting
As experienced academy sector accountants and auditors, we help you put the right frameworks in place to manage risk, meet regulatory requirements and support informed decision-making.
Ongoing academy trust audit and advisory services
With our in-depth understanding of the academy and multi-academy trust sector, we provide ongoing audit and advisory services tailored to your trust’s size, structure and strategic priorities.
Once your academy trust is established, we continue to support you with services aligned to current sector issues, regulatory developments and operational challenges helping you remain compliant, financially resilient and well governed.