Academy Trust Handbook 2026: Key Changes Summary
The Academy Trust Handbook 2026 (ATH 2026) was published on 15th July 2026 and will come into effect on 1st October 2026. The handbook sets out mandatory requirements for academy trusts, with compliance remaining a condition of funding agreements. ATH 2026 introduces a number of updates focused on strengthening governance, financial oversight, transparency and compliance across trusts.
Key Changes
Inclusion and collaboration
ATH 2026 introduces stronger expectations around inclusion and collaboration. Trusts are required to take a more strategic, trust-wide approach, with increased board oversight and closer working with local authorities and partner organisations.
Digital and technology standards
Trusts are expected to continue working towards meeting the DfE’s six core digital and technology standards by 2030. Filtering and monitoring requirements remain a key safeguarding expectation.
Financial governance and oversight
The handbook strengthens expectations around trustees’ financial knowledge, integrated curriculum and financial planning, and the management of financial risks, including going concern considerations.
Chief Financial Officer requirements
Expectations for CFO roles have been strengthened. Larger trusts will be expected to recruit appropriately qualified finance professionals, with a mandatory requirement coming into force from September 2027.
Procurement and value for money
New guidance requires trusts to consider and, in some cases, use DfE-approved procurement frameworks for services such as supply staffing, energy and management information systems.
Executive pay controls
ATH 2026 introduces tighter controls over executive pay, including clearer approval thresholds and stronger governance expectations for remuneration decisions.
Severance payments and transparency
There is expanded guidance on severance payments, including additional approval requirements and expectations around value for money and documentation. Multi-academy trusts must also publish how funding is distributed across their schools.
Regulatory intervention
The handbook clarifies the action that may be taken where trusts fail to meet their obligations, including formal directions and potential enforcement action.
Read the Full Summary
For a detailed breakdown of all changes and their implications, download the full summary: