Correspondence

DfE Update local authorities: 18 March 2026

Published 18 March 2026

Applies to England

1. Information: 16 to 19 funding allocations for 2026 to 2027

We have uploaded all allocation calculation toolkit files to Document exchange.  We have started to upload 16 to 19 funding allocation statements and aim to release the majority by the end of March 2026.

You will receive a notification when your statement is available in the ‘documents you’ve received from DfE’ section. Your statement includes a detailed breakdown of our calculations and you can read our allocation statement guides to help you understand it.

If you have made a significant data error in your 16 to 19 school census or your individual learning record (ILR) data that affects your 2026 to 2027 allocation, you must submit a business case within 20 working days of receiving your statement.

The working day count pauses during non-term time. We will only accept business cases that affect academic year 2026 to 2027. Submit your case on or before the deadline because we will not accept late business cases.

If you have any questions, please contact us through our customer help centre.

2. Information: 16 to 19 funding rates and formula guidance 2026 to 2027

We have published the 16 to 19: funding rates and formula guidance for academic year 2026 to 2027.

We have updated the funding rates and made some minor updates and additions. You can view the details of all changes in the ‘What’s new?’ section of the guidance.

3. Information: Apply for a free Procurement Fundamentals session in the summer term

Ten new sessions of DfE-funded Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Procurement Fundamentals training are now available to book across the summer term. These sessions will run from Tuesday 5 May to Tuesday 30 June 2026.

This free, one-day virtual workshop will run from 9:00am to 3:00pm. It covers essential procurement processes and supports your continuing professional development. It’s ideal for school business professionals and those new to procurement roles.

Read how Anthony Degnan, Finance Manager at Ad Astra Academy Trust, benefited from the training.

Places are expected to fill quickly, so apply using the Procurement Fundamentals Training Application Form as soon as possible. Those who miss out this time will be added to the reserve list.

4. Information: Upcoming energy contract renewals

If your school’s energy contract is due for renewal soon, we encourage you to consider moving to a longer-term variable-rate basket, such as the DfE Energy for Schools Service.

There are very few competitive fixed price energy deals currently available. Longer term variable options can provide schools with greater stability, while still ensuring access to competitive public sector pricing.

If your contract renewal is within the next 12 months, please consider:

•         Signing up to the DfE Energy for Schools Service, or

•         Exploring comparable energy offers available through our partner public sector buying organisations

These options can help your school secure more predictable costs. If you would like further information or support, please visit DfE Energy for Schools - Get help buying for schools or email energy.schools@education.gov.uk

5. Feedback: Adult funding communications research – Monday 23 March to Thursday 2 April 2026

We are improving the view of adult funding information, including:

• allocation statements
• payment schedules
• payment history
• GOV.UK guidance
• calculation information

We welcome your feedback on the design currently in development and encourage participation from all roles that work with these documents.

Online Microsoft Teams feedback sessions will run from Monday 23 March to Thursday 2 April 2026 and will last up to 60 minutes.

We will contact you to confirm your session date and time once we receive your expression of interest. Please register your interest to take part.