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Statement of accounting policies: model and example

Download our model statement of accounting policies and adapt it to suit your context. You'll also find a template from the DfE.

Last reviewed on 25 February 2026See updates
Ref: 41581
Statutory/mandatory for:
Academies
Free schools
Contents
  1. Who's this for?
  2. Download our model statement of accounting policies 
  3. See the DfE's model set of accounts

Who's this for?

All academy trusts, whether single academy or multi-academy, are required to have accounting policies, as explained below.

In a multi-academy trust (MAT), the trust usually sets this centrally as it's ultimately accountable for finance. If you're a school leader in a MAT, you can still use our model to get a sense of what your trust's document might look like. 

If you're a maintained school, you're not required to have accounting policies.

Download our model statement of accounting policies 

Model policy: accounting policies DOCX, 193.3 KB
Download

We created these with Martin Owen, our associate expert who's also a chartered accountant.

Approved by Forbes Solicitors, this model is designed for you to adapt to suit your context. 

Academy trusts are required to prepare an annual report and accounts in line with the Charity Commission’s Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), and the DfE's Accounts Direction (see paragraph 4.1 of the Academy Trust Handbook). 

Select accounting