Guidance

Financial support for academy trusts in financial difficulty

Information about financial support for academy trusts with financial concerns.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 5 November 2019
• Last updated: 5 April 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England

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Financial support for academy trusts in financial difficulty

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There are times when some trusts will need support when they face financial difficulty. We are providing more information about how we can support trusts, by partnering with us, to manage these circumstances and to be able to continue to operate and deliver for pupils. The support offered may include providing financial support in some cases.

This information explains the procedure for considering financial support for academy trusts when they are experiencing financial difficulty. The information aims to give greater clarity about:

• categories we have for the use of financial support
• the circumstances in which we may provide financial support and its repayment terms
• the criteria against which we assess academy trusts requesting financial support
• the conditions to ensure financial support is managed effectively
• when we would intervene to address financial management concerns

We work closely with Regional Directors to find the most appropriate way forward for the academy trust and its pupils. In all our decisions, we ensure our joint strategy:

• serves the best interests of the pupils, and protects high quality education
• ensures public funds are both properly spent and protected whilst ensuring value for money
• shares risk with the trust appropriately
• is supported by robust evidence
• supports the trust to build and sustain effective leadership and governance

Published 5 November 2019
Last updated 5 April 2023 + show all updates

1. 5 April 2023

   We have updated this page with the latest information on financial support for academy trusts in financial difficulty.

2. 5 November 2019

   First published.