Academy Trust Handbook 2026: Key Changes from 1 October

The Academy Trust Handbook 2026 comes into effect on 1 October 2026, bringing a number of updates that academy trusts need to be aware of.

While the changes cover several areas of trust governance and financial management, there is a clear focus on inclusion, financial oversight, value for money and transparency.

As we’re fast approaching October, here’s a reminder of some of the key changes.

A stronger focus on inclusion

The new handbook places greater emphasis on trusts having a clear, trust-wide approach to inclusion, particularly for pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and children known to social care.

Trusts should have consistent approaches to identifying and supporting need, making effective use of expertise and resources, and monitoring outcomes. Boards should also have appropriate oversight of inclusive practice and SEND.

The handbook highlights the importance of working with local authorities and other partners to support local inclusion and place-planning needs.

The handbook also reinforces the importance of safeguarding, reminding academy trust boards of their duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, follow statutory safeguarding guidance and ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, volunteers and contractors.

At Smile Education, safeguarding and compliance are at the heart of what we do. We have maintained compliance accreditation for 10 consecutive years and work closely with Adele Gladman & Associates to keep our safeguarding practices aligned with the latest guidance and best practice. We have also recently achieved Standards in Recruitment accreditation, alongside 9 years of APSCo Compliance+ status, demonstrating our continued commitment to robust recruitment and compliance standards.

Changes to procurement and supply staffing

Trusts will need to consider available DfE purchasing opportunities when making procurement decisions and keep a record of their decision-making.

There are also specific requirements around supply staffing. Trusts must use the Government Commercial Agency's Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment service unless they have a compliant alternative agreement offering rates no higher than those available through the framework.

This makes it increasingly important for trusts to understand their procurement arrangements and demonstrate value for money when working with suppliers.

Smile Education is a Government Commercial Agency approved supplier on both Lot 1 (Teachers and Education Recruitment) and Lot 2 (Managed Service Provision) as detailed by the RM6376 Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Agreement.

New requirements around executive pay

From 1 October, DfE approval will be required before advertising a new academy trust appointment where remuneration exceeds £174,000, or where performance-related pay exceeds £25,000.

The handbook also states that executive remuneration should not increase faster than teachers' pay unless there is a clear justification and prior DfE approval.

Greater financial transparency

Multi-academy trusts will now need to publish a summary statement on their website by 31 January, alongside their annual accounts, explaining how funds are distributed across their schools.

In simple terms, this gives schools, parents and other stakeholders greater visibility of how funding is being allocated across a trust.

What should academy trusts do now?

With the changes coming into effect on 1 October 2026, trusts should take the opportunity to review their current processes, particularly around:

• Inclusion and SEND
• Procurement and supply staffing
• Executive pay
• Financial planning and oversight
• Transparency around funding
• Governance skills and financial expertise

The Academy Trust Handbook is a requirement of academy trusts' funding agreements, so understanding what has changed is important.

For the full details, academy trusts should refer to the Academy Trust Handbook 2026 published by the Department for Education.