DfE Updates: Key Announcements and Deadlines for Academy Trusts – September and October 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) has published several important updates for academy trusts and school leaders, covering funding allocations, financial reporting, staff development and upcoming deadlines.

We've summarised the key announcements from the DfE updates published on 23 September, 30 September and 7 October 2026 to help academy trusts stay informed and meet their responsibilities.

DfE Update – 7 October 2026

Budget Forecast Return Data Now Available

The latest 2026 Budget Forecast Return (BFR) data is now available through the Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool (FBIT).

Academy trusts can use the tool to review financial performance, compare spending with other schools and identify opportunities to improve financial management.

Trust-specific BFR information is available to authorised users through DfE Sign-in.

T Level Data and Funding Deadlines

Schools and academies delivering T Levels are being reminded to check their student data carefully before submission.

Accurate recording of programmes, components and planned hours is essential, as errors could affect future funding allocations.

Key deadlines include:

• 28 October 2026: Autumn school census.

• 4 December 2026: Individualised Learner Record (ILR) R04 return.
  

The DfE has warned that certain errors cannot be corrected in-year, making accurate submissions particularly important.

High Needs Place Funding for 2027/28

The high needs place change notification process is now open, with a deadline of 6 November 2026.

Schools and colleges should review their anticipated high needs places and discuss any required changes with their local authority.

Professional Development Funding

Applications are open for DfE-funded bursaries covering 75% of the cost of the CIPFA Level 7 Diploma in School Financial and Operational Leadership.

The qualification supports school business professionals in developing financial management, governance and strategic leadership skills.

Applications close on 20 October 2026.

DfE Update – 30 September 2026

Pupil Premium Funding Allocations Updated

The DfE has published its quarter two update to pupil premium allocations for the 2026/27 financial year.

Payments to academies were scheduled for 8 October 2026, with updated allocation statements available through Document Exchange.

Academy trusts should review their statements and ensure the revised figures are reflected in their financial planning.

16 to 19 Funding Data Accuracy

The autumn school census opened on 1 October 2026, with the DfE emphasising the importance of accurate 16 to 19 learner data.

The department has confirmed that it will no longer routinely correct significant errors relating to the recording of core aims, as it has done in previous years.

Schools should therefore check their data carefully to avoid potential impacts on future funding allocations.

Care to Learn and Bursary Fund Claims

Funding claim forms are available for the Care to Learn scheme and the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund for defined vulnerable groups.

The submission deadline is 5pm on 11 November 2026.

Claims submitted after this deadline will need to wait until the next claims window in January 2027.

Adult Skills Fund Changes

The DfE has also outlined changes to future Adult Skills Fund contracting arrangements.

Current procured contracts expire in August 2027, with the government planning to expand devolved funding arrangements rather than conduct a new national procurement exercise for 2027/28.

DfE Update – 23 September 2026

PE and Sport Premium Reporting

The DfE reminded schools of their responsibility to submit the 2025/26 PE and sport premium digital expenditure return by 30 September 2026.

The return details how funding has been spent and the impact it has had on achieving the grant's objectives.

Schools that have not completed the required reporting should review their position, as failure to comply with grant conditions could potentially result in funding being recovered.

Training Opportunities for School Business Professionals

The DfE has continued to promote professional development opportunities for school business managers and academy trust leaders.

Funded training sessions, delivered in partnership with the Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL), cover areas including:

• Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP).

• Human resource management and flexible working.

• Leadership and change management.

• Strategic financial and operational planning.
  

These sessions aim to help school leaders strengthen financial decision-making and improve operational efficiency.

DfE Seeks Feedback From School Business Professionals

The department has also invited school business professionals and trust leaders to contribute to research on financial management, funding and grants.

The feedback will help shape future DfE services and improve the support available to schools and academy trusts.

Supporting Academy Trusts With Financial Management

With ongoing changes to education funding, reporting requirements and financial guidance, academy trusts must remain proactive in managing their responsibilities.

Keeping up to date with DfE announcements, reviewing funding allocations and preparing for key deadlines can help trusts maintain compliance and make informed financial decisions.

At SJC, Chartered Accountants, we work with academies and multi-academy trusts, providing specialist accounting, audit and financial advice to support effective financial management and long-term planning.

If your academy trust needs support with financial reporting, budgeting or its wider accounting responsibilities, get in touch with our team today.