DfE Update academies: 14 January 2026
Published 14 January 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-14-january-2026/dfe-update-academies-14-january-2026
1. Action: Academies accounts return – 2 weeks to deadline
Trusts must submit their accounts return by Wednesday 28 January 2026.
Complete the external auditor detail table as soon as possible to give the auditor access to the form. Only the trust’s external auditor can submit the return.
If you need help, read our academies accounts return guidance or send a query through the Customer Help Portal. Trusts can also join our Teams calls. Register and view the full schedule on Eventbrite.
If your trust uses automation, you can use it to complete the accounts return quicker. For questions about automation for the 2024 to 2025 accounts return, email api.finance@education.gov.uk.
2. Information: Education records now available for year 11 pupils
Year 11 pupils in England whose schools opted in can now access their digital education record. This record brings together key information, including:
- name, date of birth and address
- schools attended
- official exam results for qualifications such as GCSEs
- support needs
Schools can issue education records service to provide pupils with access through the Education Record app, available on Apple and Android app stores.
The app allows pupils to view their information and share it when moving to a further education institution or training provider. Exam results will be added when they are available in the Learning Records Service.
Read more about issuing education records.
3. Information: Review your banking arrangements with our free tool
Schools and trusts could earn better interest rates and reduce administration by reviewing banking arrangements.
Compare your options by using our free banking comparison tool to see what you could be earning with different providers.
You could increase earnings by:
- opening a savings account with your current bank
- shopping around using the DfE banking comparison tool
- using cash savings platforms like Insignis (DfE-approved) to spread funds across multiple accounts while staying within Financial Services Compensation Scheme limits
Now is a good time to check if your current banking arrangements are working as hard as they could for your pupils. The banking comparison tool makes this review straightforward.
4. Your feedback: Help us make buying a Management Information System easier for you
We are creating a simpler way for schools to buy Management Information Systems (MIS) that reduces costs and legal risks. We need your input to make sure this works for you.
Tell us about your current MIS contract by completing a short questionnaire of 5 questions, which will only take a few minutes.
Your feedback will help us design a procurement framework that is easier to navigate and delivers systems that meet your needs.
Respond on or before Friday 30 January 2026, your participation is appreciated.
5. Events and webinars: Academies chart of accounts and automation Question and Answer drop-in session
Thursday 22 January 2026, at 1:30pm to 2pm. Register on Eventbrite.
6. Events and webinars: Banking for schools webinar
Thursday 22 January 2026 from 2pm to 2.30pm. Register online.
7. Events and webinars: DfE Plan Technology and Digital standards webinar
Friday 23 January 2026 from 2pm to 2.30pm. Register online.
8. Events and webinars: DfE Energy for schools
Thursday 29 January 2026 from 3pm to 4pm. Register online.