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Academy Trust Handbook: summary of changes from October 2026

Changes to the Academy Trust Handbook include a stronger focus on inclusion and new expectations for trustee financial training and CFO qualifications. Tighter controls on procurement, executive pay and severance payments are also introduced.

New
on 16 July 2026
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 53881
Contents
  1. More focus on inclusion
  2. Trusts must cooperate with local authorities 
  3. Expectations for financial training for trustees
  4. Stricter rules for chief financial officer recruitment in larger trusts
  5. A stronger expectation to use ICFP
  6. New 'going concern' risk warnings
  7. Deadline changes for budget forecast returns
  8. New requirements for managing savings and investments
  9. New frameworks for procurement and purchasing
  10. Stricter controls on executive pay and pensions
  11. Trusts can offer electric vehicle salary-sacrifice schemes as a staff benefit
  12. New expectations for audit and risk committee members
  13. Clarity on severance payments
  14. New summary statements for funding distribution
  15. Formal directions can be issued for compliance breaches
  16. Possible further changes

This article refers to the Academy Trust Handbook (ATH) 2026, which comes into effect on 1 October 2026. It breaks down the changes highlighted at the beginning of the handbook.

Your trust must follow the 2025 version until 30 September 2026.

Part 1: Roles and responsibilities

More focus on inclusion

Paragraphs 1.17 to 1.19 set out that trusts should:

  • Ensure that inclusion is embedded across all aspects of their provision
  • Establish and implement a clear, trust-wide approach to inclusion so all pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged and those with SEND, are identified early, able to access high-quality teaching and support, and supported to participate fully in school life

Boards should designate a specific trustee or committee to oversee inclusion, including SEND. 

Trusts must cooperate with local authorities 

Expectations for financial