This article applies to mainstream academies. If your school is a special or alternative provision (AP) academy, read our article on how special schools are funded instead.
National funding formula (NFF)
LAs determine your school's core budget using a local funding formula
The government uses the national funding formula (NFF) to work out your 'notional' core funding allocation.
However, your actual allocation is based on a local funding formula from your local authority (LA) – this is the same system as for maintained schools.
But, unlike for maintained schools:
- Your LA will submit its local formula to the DfE, so the DfE can issue academies allocation statements – as explained in the 'introduction' section of this funding allocation guidance
- Your funding allocations are:
- Paid directly to your trust
- Based on the academic, rather than financial, year
This is explained in guidance on academies revenue funding allocations.
The previous government was taking a gradual approach to introducing the direct NFF model. The