DfE Update academies: 7 January 2026
Published 7 January 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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1. Action: Financial statements deadline has passed
The deadline to submit your trust’s financial statements was Wednesday 31 December 2025.
Thank you to all trusts that submitted their statements on time.
If you have not submitted your financial statements, make every effort to do so immediately. If you are having difficulties, read our guidance for support.
2. Action: Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund for defined vulnerable groups funding claims
From academic year 2025 to 2026, we’ve changed how you access funding for the Care to Learn scheme and the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, defined vulnerable groups element. We have explained this in the funding rules for each scheme.
The second window for you to submit new funding claim forms to us is now open.
You can use this window to submit any new funding claim that you did not submit in the first claim window. You are not permitted to adjust any claims you have already submitted.
Adjustments can only be made in the third window later in the year. The only exception is if we contacted you about the claim you submitted in the first window and agreed that you can resubmit it in the second window.
The deadline for your submission is 5pm Wednesday 11 February 2026.
We have published guidance to help you complete your submission which includes the link to the form.
3. Information: Maximising value for pupils programme
The maximising value for pupils programme brings together guidance and tools to support you to 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
View the guidance to explore the support available and identify opportunities to reinvest savings back into improving outcomes for pupils.
4. Information: National Apprenticeship Week 2026
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 takes place from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February 2026.
This week-long celebration brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Visit the National Apprenticeship Week 2026 website for ideas, help and support to plan #NAW2026 activities or view the online calendar of events.
5. Events and webinars: Risk protection arrangement members only: Contract works workshop
Thursday 15 January 2026, at 10am to midday. Register online
6. Events and webinars: Spring term webinars and power hours for school business professionals
You can now book free places on our webinars and senior leadership and operations power hours.
The schedule of free online events is designed to support business and finance managers and leaders across all aspects of resource management in your school or trust.
This term we’ll be covering a wide variety of topics including buying Energy for Schools, VAT(HMRC), Banking, Plan Tech and Digital, and more. View the full schedule and register online today