Latest news & insights

On 3rd February 2025, Ofsted published proposals for new inspection arrangements for schools in England. The previous single-word judgement system is planned to be replaced by a five-point grading system across eight to ten evaluation areas plus a ‘met or ‘not met’ judgement on safeguarding.

Effective governance is at the heart of every successful school and academy. With the rise of hybrid meetings, ensuring seamless collaboration between in-room and remote participants is more important than ever.

At Schools’ Choice, we are proud to be the only Sage Intacct partner dedicated exclusively to the education sector. As the UK’s leading provider of professional finance managed services for schools and academies, with over 40 years of expertise, we understand the unique financial challenges faced by Multi Academy Trusts (MATs).

As we start a new year, we also prepare to begin the 2025/26 tax year and close off 24/25 tax year. One of the many benefits of outsourcing your payroll is that we handle many of the tasks associated with a tax year’s end and start. However, it’s important to understand the changes which will come into place from 6th April 2025.

The Government has published details of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Following the tragic murder of Sara Sharif, this far-reaching Bill attracted much media interest in light of proposed reforms to Elective Home Education; however, this Bill is extensive in the changes which will be introduced.

Schools' Choice is excited to be returning the CST Finance and Operations Conference in 2025. The event is taking place at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) Finance and Operations Conference and brings together school trust leaders from across the country to gain valuable insights on pressing topics and challenges.

The chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered the first budget of the new Labour government on 30 October 2024. Within the budget, as always, was a stream of information. Below we focus on what does the budget mean for employer costs from April 2025 as well as discussing what changes will happen to payrolling benefits.

Schools’ Choice is delighted to announce its new partnership with the Confederation of Schools Trust (CST) Directory of Services, an essential resource connecting school trusts with quality suppliers.

Schools' Choice is pleased to be exhibiting at The Confederation of School Trusts (CST) Conference on the 7th and 8th November 2024.