Moving your local education authority-run school over to being an academy is a complex and demanding process.
We have the experience and specialist expertise your school needs to make this change as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Academies
We understand the challenges you’ll face when transitioning to Academy status
What do you need help with?
Our team provide advice and guidance for schools seeking academy status, as well as helping existing academies to meet their compliance, accounts, auditing and EOYC Teacher’s Pension Scheme returns workload.
Full accounting support throughout the academic year
Your accounting processes need to be more robust, highly organised and able to meet the requirements of the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
We’ll do:
- A full review of your existing accounting system
- Give advice on the changes needed to meet the ESFA’s accounting requirements
- The preparation and submission of your statutory accounts
Assurance of having your accounts checked & audited
Every academy must have its accounts independently audited on an annual basis, in line with the guidance supplied by the ESFA.
You’ll get:
- A comprehensive audit of your academy’s accounts
- Help with the completion of your Annual Accounts Return (AAR) and the audit of the AAR
An annual plan to ensure you are meeting your ESFA requirements
As an academy, you must be able to prove that you are 100% compliant with Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) guidance.
We’ll help you with:
- A detailed review of compliance and governance processes
- Full reporting on your financial health and management
The running and admin of the End of Year Certification Teachers’ Pension
Academies must declare the pension amounts deducted from their employees as well as the amounts being paid by the academy in employer contributions.
We’ll help with:
- Your academy’s end of year declaration, which must be audited by a third party – we’re well positioned to provide this service
- Ensuring your academy is meeting the EOYC Teachers’ Pensions guidelines and requirements
“They are very experienced and knowledgeable about the way Academies work, and are always up to date with the latest regulatory changes. Our board of Governors feel very secure that we’re in good hands.
They’re also a pleasure to work with. When a team of people are spending lots of time in your office pouring through all your paperwork, it makes such a difference when they are friendly and genuinely nice people.”
Joanne Hamer, School Business Manager, Dallam School
Meet your Academies team
Our team provide a personal service that’s based on building a long-standing relationship with each school.
Academies Team
- Darren Little FCAPartner, Ambleside Office
“If you benchmark the financials in your business, it helps you compare your costs to similar businesses in your sector.”
Darren has been with Saint & Co since 2003. He is an audit partner who works with a wide range of clients, but has a significant amount of experience in working with Academies.
He guides and supports his clients through the audit process to make it as painless as possible. While Academies form a large part of his portfolio, he also has many clients in other sectors and relishes the diversity in size and variety of his client base. Darren says: “Auditing can be a daunting process. We do our best to make it straightforward for our clients. We’re always on your side.”
What I’d most like to be doing if I wasn’t in Accounting: Professional sportsman as you get paid for doing your passion.
Mostly likely to find me: Cycling the passes in Lake District or trail running, anything to keep fit and healthy.
One thing I wish people knew about me: I can normally see other people’s points of view easily.
Clients most often say: That i have an attention to detail and hard working.
- Ian Thompson FCAPartner, Ambleside & Penrith Offices
“We combine the professionalism of a regional practice with the flexibility and friendliness of a local firm…”
Ian has been with the firm since 1991 and is based in the Ambleside and Penrith offices. He works with a wide range of clients from small startups through to well-established businesses, focusing particularly on Hospitality, Tourism and Academies.
Ian is the conduit between the clients who need help and the staff who provide the work, offering up support and answering questions. Ian describes himself as a people person. He welcomes the latest innovations that help make accountancy services more efficient, but firmly believes that technology will never replace the value of strong client relationships.
What I’d most like to be doing if I wasn’t in Accounting: Something to do with rugby
Mostly likely to find me: Watching rugby and spending time with family
One thing I wish people knew about me: Because of my background, I have empathy with anyone trying to make a living in the area, no matter the industry.
Clients most often say: I'm approachable and they can talk to me.
- Stuart Farrer FCA DChAPartner, Carlisle Office
“I love that no two days are ever the same…”
Stuart has been part of Saint & Co since 1990 and is a well-known personality in the Carlisle business community. He values the time he spends meeting clients and advising them on their business finances.
Stuart supports a range of businesses from one man plumbers up to £30m corporate companies, placing a particular focus on charities. Most of all, Stuart loves the variety in his work and having a different conversation every day. He says “I like to spend time getting to know people and their businesses very well. My job is interesting every day.”
What I’d most like to be doing if I wasn’t in Accounting: Playing guitar in a band… or playing rugby or cricket for England
Mostly likely to find me: Involved in sport - either rugby or cricket, cycling or learning to play the guitar (a new hobby).
One thing I wish people knew about me: That I'm learning to play the guitar at 50
Clients most often say: I don't look like an accountant.
- Sophie Graham, FCA DChAPartner, Carlisle Office
“We’re always looking for ways to help our clients run their organisations more efficiently. Time saved could lead to additional revenue.”
Sophie joined Saint & Co in 2003. She carries out audits for Limited Companies, Charities, Academies and professional services firms such as solicitors.
Sophie says: “The best part of my work is getting out and about and meeting various clients and their staff. No two days are ever the same.”
Sophie spends most of her time outside work taking her daughter, Freya, and son, James to tennis matches as they both play for Cumbria County. However, when she gets some spare time to herself, she enjoys socialising with friends.
- Clare Garrison ACASenior Manager
“Think ahead and try to think about how your revenue streams will change in the future.”
Clare joined Saint & Co in January 2009. She works with Charities, Academies and Industrial Companies around Cumbria and South West Scotland. Her role involves helping organisations fulfill their statutory audit requirements and ensure they have the internal controls relevant for their business.
Clare says: “Our goal is to help our clients succeed. We do this by helping clients understand their financial situation so they can make better informed decisions about their future.”
Clare is a keen walker, and is often found walking the Lake District fells with her partner and dog.
Academy Advice
Ready to discuss your academy requirements?
Our team are here to help your school with whatever you might need.
