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Academy accounts: a guide for trustees

Your trust must submit its annual accounts to the ESFA by 31 December. Get up to speed on the process, so you know what to expect.

Last reviewed on 21 June 2024See updates
School types: Academy•School phases: All•Ref: 3931
Contents
  1. Summary and deadlines
  2. What your trust needs to produce
  3. Changes in the 2023 to 2024 accounts direction
  4. Model accounts and examples
  5. Who should prepare the draft accounts?  
  6. The process from drafting the accounts to approving them

Summary and deadlines

For every financial year (ending on 31 August), academies must produce:

  • An annual report
  • Financial statements

These are collectively known as ‘the accounts’, and must be audited by an independent, registered auditor.

The audited accounts will also be received by the members of the trust at the trust AGM.

Deadlines

  • 31 December: submit accounts to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) via the online form
  • 31 January: publish accounts on your trust's website
  • 31 May: file accounts with Companies House

As well as the accounts, your trust needs to submit an annual accounts return. The submission link normally goes live in September, with a deadline in January. 

What your trust needs to produce

The annual report needs to

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