DfE Update academies: 4 February 2026
Published 4 February 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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1. Action: Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, defined vulnerable groups element, funding claim form
Funding claim forms for Care to Learn scheme and the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund defined vulnerable groups element are now live. You must submit your claim by 5pm on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
You can use this window to send any new funding claims that you did not make in the first claim window. You cannot change claims you have already submitted.
Adjustments can only be made in the third window later in the year.
The only exception is when we contacted you about a first window claim and agreed that you can resubmit it in this window.
We will not accept late claims. Any claims that miss the closing date must be submitted in the final window.
Guidance to help you complete your submission is available and includes a link to the form.
2. Information: Maximising value for pupils programme guidance
The Maximising value for pupils programme brings together guidance and tools to support you get best value from every pound.
You’ll find practical resources including:
- updated financial benchmarking tools
- a banking comparison tool to maximise interest on reserves
- free procurement training
- school resource management adviser support
Visit the guidance for schools and trusts pages to explore the support available and identify opportunities to reinvest savings back into improving outcomes for pupils.
3. Webinar: Risk protection arrangement members only: Flood and storm resilience workshop
Thursday 19 February from 10am to midday. Register online.