Academy Trust Handbook 2025

Yesterday, the Department for Education published the updated Academy Trust Handbook, which comes into effect from 1^st September 2025 for all academy Trusts.  The Academy Trust Handbook must be complied with as a condition of trusts’ funding agreements with the Secretary of State and describes a range of financial and other responsibilities.   

The key highlights are:  

• Cybersecurity Compliance: Trusts are now prohibited from paying ransoms in cyber-attack situations, emphasising the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. 
• Executive Pay: Boards must ensure that CEO remuneration is "defensible" and properly documented, reflecting value for money and transparency. 
• Digital Infrastructure Goals: Trusts should now be working towards meeting six core digital and technology standards by 2030, including broadband, network switching, wireless networks, cybersecurity, filtering, and digital leadership and governance. 
• Financial Reporting Enhancements: The Academies' Accounts Direction 2024 to 2025 introduces new requirements for internal scrutiny, particularly for Trusts with annual revenue over £50 million, and mandates clearer disclosures in financial statements. 
• Governance Guidance: The Academy Trust Governance Guide has been updated to align with the new handbook, providing clearer expectations for Trust Boards and governance professionals. 

There also continues to be a pause on electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes, which will continue whilst the DfE clarify their approach and gather data on how Trusts would implement the scheme. 

For a detailed overview, refer to the full guidance on the Department for Education website:  Academy trust handbook 2025: effective from 1 September 2025 - GOV.UK 

Contact us at [email protected] if you require support in any follow-up discussions you need in relation to this year’s changes as well as key elements of the Handbook for the academic year ahead, not least your key considerations in areas such as executive pay, staffing structures, and effective governance.