Schools and academies

Contact our specialist education team

Supporting strong governance and financial clarity across academies, multi-academy trusts (MATs) and the wider education sector in the Midlands,

Educational trusts operate in one of the most scrutinised and fast‑changing regulatory environments in the UK. Funding pressures, rising costs, increasing regulatory expectations and the need for robust governance place significant demands on leadership teams, finance functions and trustees.

Whether you are a single academy, a growing multi-academy trust (MAT), an independent school or a specialist provider, you need advisors who understand:

Academy Trust Handbook requirements and how they translate into day-to-day governance
The importance of strong internal controls and financial oversight
The realities of tight deadlines, limited capacity and operational pressures
The need for straightforward advice rather than technical jargon
The challenge of balancing compliance and operational needs with your core purpose: delivering the best outcomes for pupils

PKF Smith Cooper has the range of services and depth of expertise to help schools and academies succeed.

How we support schools and academies

We work with education providers across the Midlands, delivering assurance, advisory and sector specific support tailored to your governance and operational needs. Our clients include academies, MATs, independent schools, special schools, free schools and maintained schools.

Specialist audit, assurance and advisory services for academies and MATs

Audit and assurance

External audit – Independent assurance over financial statements and compliance with DfE and Charity Commission requirements, supporting trustees in meeting statutory responsibilities.
Internal scrutiny/internal audit – Independent assurance over financial controls, risk management and governance, as required under the Academy Trust Handbook.
Systems, controls and governance reviews – Evaluation of financial controls, schemes of delegation and governance frameworks with practical recommendations aligned to DfE expectations.

Financial reporting, tax and compliance for the education sector

Financial reporting and accounts preparation – Preparation of annual accounts, management information and statutory submissions in line with DfE, Companies Act and Charity SORP requirements.
VAT and indirect tax advice – Specialist support across VAT liability of supplies, section 33B rules, partial exemption and capital projects to maximise VAT recovery and reduce risk.
Tax advice and support – Guidance on PAYE, benefits, off‑payroll working and trading subsidiaries to ensure compliance with HMRC expectations.
Pension schemes, including Teachers’ Pension EOYC – Accurate reporting and compliance with Teachers’ Pension Scheme requirements, reducing the risk of retrospective corrections.

The breadth of our services means you can access wide-ranging specialist support without the need for multiple providers.

Why choose PKF Smith Cooper?

Senior led audit and advisory support

You work directly with experienced audit and advisory specialists who remain involved throughout the year. This continuity supports stronger governance, smoother audits and more informed decision-making.

Governance focused, practical advice for trustees and leaders

We combine deep technical expertise with a clear, accessible style. You receive advice that is timely, transparent and easy for trustees and non-financial stakeholders to act on.

Midlands expertise with PKF Global reach

As the home of PKF in the Midlands, we blend regional insight with the scale and capability of the PKF Global network, the 13th largest accountancy brand in the UK and 15th internationally.

A smooth, well managed onboarding process

We liaise with outgoing advisors, review prior year files and agree clear timelines so your first cycle with us is efficient and disruption-free. This reduces pressure on finance teams and minimises operational disruption.

Proactive communication and a no surprises approach

We stay in close contact with clients throughout the year, raising issues early and resolving them quickly so trustees and leaders can make informed decisions.

Access to insights, events and regulatory updates

Our clients benefit from monthly newsletters, Advisory Hour webinars and regular website updates on upcoming tax and regulatory changes.

Switching to PKF Smith Cooper: a smooth transition for your school or trust

Whether you are establishing internal scrutiny for the first time, appointing new external auditors or expanding your MAT, we make sure the transition to us from your current provider smooth and well-managed. We take time to understand your governance structure, meet key stakeholders and review any previous assurance activity. Our onboarding approach ensures clarity where it is needed, continuity where possible and a confident start to our working relationship from day one.

Frequently asked questions about academy audit, governance and compliance

What are the audit requirements for academy trusts?

Academy trusts must prepare audited financial statements in line with the DfE Accounts Direction and Charity SORP. External audit provides independent assurance over compliance and supports trustees in meeting statutory responsibilities.

What is internal scrutiny and why is it required

Internal scrutiny provides independent assurance over financial controls, risk management and governance. It is a mandatory requirement under the Academy Trust Handbook and helps trustees demonstrate effective oversight.

Do academies need to register for VAT?

VAT rules for academies are complex. We advise on VAT recovery, partial exemption, capital projects and common areas of risk to ensure compliance and maximise recoverable amounts.