Key performance indicators (KPIs) for schools and trusts

Key financial performance indicators can be useful for making sure you're using resources effectively and achieving value for money. See examples of KPIs and how to use them alongside your school improvement plan (SIP) or strategic plan.

Last reviewed on 8 August 2023
See updates
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 2331
Contents
  1. KPIs are no longer mandatory for academies
  2. Why KPIs can be useful
  3. Setting and monitoring other KPIs 
  4. School examples
  5. Multi-academy trust (MAT) example

KPIs are no longer mandatory for academies

The requirement for academy trusts to select key financial performance indicators has been removed from the Academy Trust Handbook 2023, and the DfE has confirmed that they're no longer mandatory.

There's no requirement for maintained schools to set financial KPIs.

Why KPIs can be useful

Setting financial KPIs can be an effective way to make sure you're:

  • Aligning your budget with your priorities
  • Using your resources effectively

Examples of KPIs you could use are:

  • Spending on particular areas as a percentage of total expenditure (e.g. on teaching staff, supply staff, premises, teaching resources and/or energy)
  • In-year balance as a percentage of total income
  • Revenue reserves as a percentage of total income
  • Average teacher cost

Remember that everything your trust or school spends is about improving outcomes for pupils. KPIs can help you

Read next

Also in "Self-evaluation guidance"