DfE Update local authorities: 4 March 2026
Published 4 March 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-4-march-2026/dfe-update-local-authorities-4-march-2026
1. Information: Publication of the national non-domestic rates billing authority guidance and NNDR accounting guidance updated for 2026 to 2027 financial year
We have published the updated national non-domestic rates (NNDR) payment process for schools: operational guidance for billing authorities for the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
This guide provides supportive information for billing authorities on the central NNDR payment process for their local authority-maintained schools and academies, including 16 to 19 academies that are not further education providers. It is important to note this is a payment process update and not a change in NNDR policy.
We have also published the updated NNDR accounting guidance, outlining how local authorities and academies should account for their NNDR in the 2026 to 2027 financial year, based on the payment process used by their billing authority.
The NNDR online claim form opens for 2026 to 2027 submissions on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
2. Information: DfE bursaries for Institute of Leadership and Management Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management
We are launching an exciting pilot that offers fully funded bursaries for the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management.
This will support those who have recently joined the school business profession and those who want to develop their skills and gain a recognised qualification.
Places are limited and we will assess applications based on eligibility. As this is a pilot, we will ask successful participants for feedback during the course so we can refine future support for school business professionals.
If you are interested in completing the qualification, you should apply on or before Friday 13 March 2026 using the Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management – Bursary Application Form.
3. Information: Inclusion 2028 programme extended for 2026 to 2027
Ensure to cascade this article to your primary and secondary mainstream schools and academies, and alternative provision settings.
We are pleased to announce that the Inclusion 2028 programme has been extended for the 2026 to 2027 financial year. This grant supports schools to make PE, sport and physical activity more inclusive for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
A national network of 53 lead inclusion schools can provide you with advice, guidance and training to help improve inclusive practice. You can also access free, bespoke resources through the inclusive education hub.
Find out more at Youth Sport Trust.
4. Information: Dedicated schools grant recoupment process
We have published details of the dedicated schools grant recoupment process for the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
5. Reminders: Manage your education estate digital service is now live
Responsible bodies, schools and colleges can now access our new digital service, manage your education estate through DfE Sign-in.
Manage your education estate brings DfE estates guidance, data and tools together in one place for the first time. It is designed to support those responsible for school and college buildings (‘responsible bodies’) to manage their estate.
6. Feedback: Help shape DfE guidance and services for your school
We are developing a new online service that brings trusted DfE tools, guidance and services together in one place. This aims to help schools save time and reduce administrative burden.
To help us do this, we want to understand how you find and use DfE information, so that we can design a service that meets your needs.
We are inviting school business managers, school business professionals, and school leaders to fill out our short survey, which should take around 10 minutes to complete.
Your feedback matters whether you use DfE guidance and services often or rarely.
We are keen to hear from you if your role involves funding, finance, compliance, Human Resources, procurement, or statutory returns.
7. Events and webinars: Financial Benchmarking & Insights Tool Overview
Friday 13 March 2026 at 3pm to 3:30pm. Register on EventBrite.
8. Events and webinars: School land transactions – selling or leasing school land
Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 2pm to 2:30pm. Register on Eventbrite.