The Academies Accounts Direction 2024 to 2025, published by the Department for Education (DfE), provides essential guidance for academy trusts, their auditors, and reporting accountants in preparing and auditing financial statements for the year ending 31 August 2025. The guidance ensures that financial reporting remains transparent, consistent, and aligned with statutory requirements.
Purpose of the Accounts Direction
The Accounts Direction outlines the framework for:
It is a contractual requirement under an academy trust’s funding agreement and must be followed alongside the Model Set of Accounts and the Framework and Guide for External Auditors.
Key Changes in the 2025 Edition
The 2025 edition introduces several important updates aimed at improving clarity, consistency, and accountability:
1. Updated Disclosure Requirements
2. Changes to the Model Set of Accounts
The “Coketown” model has been revised to include:
3. Auditor and Reporting Accountant Guidance
The Framework and Guide have been updated to reflect:
4. Transition from ESFA to DfE
Following the closure of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) on 31 March 2025, all responsibilities have transitioned to the DfE. Trusts should now direct all queries and submissions to the DfE.
Compliance and Submission
Academy trusts must:
Looking Ahead
The DfE has also released the Academies Chart of Accounts 2025 to 2026, which aligns with the new direction and supports automation and consistency in financial reporting.
If you wish to discuss this further, please contact one of our Education team members here at James Cowper Kreston.
