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Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS): summary and questions to ask

Maintained schools must complete the SFVS every year. Here's a rundown of what it covers and how you're involved. Also, find out what questions you can ask your school leaders to make sure your school meets good financial standards.

Last reviewed on 10 March 2026See updates
School types: Maintained•School phases: All•Ref: 3735
Contents
  1. What is the SFVS and when is it due?
  2. Summary of the SFVS sections
  3. Where you're involved
  4. Download our questions to scrutinise the SFVS

What is the SFVS and when is it due?

The Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) is a requirement for all maintained schools, including pupil referral units (PRUs), who must submit it to their local authority (LA) every year. 

The SFVS helps maintained schools to:

  • Manage their finances
  • Provide assurance to the LA that they meet the standards necessary to achieve good financial health and resource management

The SFVS is not required for academies, but they do have other annual reporting obligations – take a look at our article on the school resource management self-assessment.

Deadline

For the financial year 2025-26, your school should submit its SFVS no later than 31