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What to expect from an audit

Your trust's annual accounts must be audited. Find out about the typical audit process and how the trust board is likely to be involved.

Last reviewed on 22 January 2026
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 45959
Contents
  1. Statutory requirements
  2. What's expected of you
  3. A typical timeline
  4. What to do if you're unhappy with the audit process

As trustees, you're collectively responsible for making sure that public funds are used appropriately, transparently and in the best interests of pupils.

Your external auditors check that:

  • Your trust's financial accounts show a 'true and fair view' of the trust's financial health
  • A sample of spending and income follows the rules set by the Department for Education (DfE). This is sometimes called the 'regularity engagement.'

The DfE relies on the checks by your external auditors to be confident that public funds are being used for the intended educational purpose.

This article explains how external audits tend to work in academy trusts, and how you, as a trustee, will likely be involved.

Statutory requirements

Audited Submitted to the DfE (by 31 December) and Companies House (by 31 May) Published on your trust's website (by 31 January) Provided to every member and anyone who