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ARTICLE · 08 OCTOBER 2026

Academy Trust Handbook 2026 – The updates your Trust needs to know

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The Department for Education has introduced significant changes to the Academy Trust Handbook 2026, effective from 1 October 2026, strengthening expectations around governance, financial sustainability, procurement, inclusion, executive remuneration and transparency. This briefing note provides academy trusts with a comprehensive overview of the main regulatory changes and outlines the practical steps trustees, accounting officers and executive leaders should be taking now to ensure compliance with the new

United KingdomConsumer Protection
Cassandra Hurley
Cassandra Hurley

Who is this Briefing Note for

This briefing note is for all proprietors of academies and academy trusts (“Trusts”) including Boards of Trustees, Accounting Officers, Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Operating Officers, Governance Professionals, Executive Leaders and Business Managers.

Purpose and Scope of this Briefing Note

This briefing note provides a snapshot overview of the main changes introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) in the Academy Trust Handbook 2026 (“the 2026 Handbook”) and to highlight any key actions Trusts should be taking, or consider taking, in preparation for the incoming changes. The briefing note is not intended to cover every change and Trusts and those responsible for compliance with the 2026 Handbook are expected to read the 2026 Handbook and understand its requirements.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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