The Academy Trust Handbook 2025

On 25 June 2025 the Department for Education published its updated Academy Trust Handbook (“Handbook”), which came into effect on 1 September 2025.

As academies will be aware, the Handbook sets out the overarching framework for financial governance, management and other controls, which apply to academy trusts in England and compliance with the requirements set out in the Handbook is a condition of academies’ funding agreements. It is therefore important that Academies and Trusts ensure they understand the Handbook, any aware of any changes from the previous version and are prepared to implement any necessary changes to policies and procedures to reflect these changes.

Whilst there were a wide range of changes made in the 2025 version of the Handbook, in this article we will be focusing specifically on the changes and guidance as to how academies are to manage their estate, described in the Handbook as ‘both an asset and a mechanism to deliver outcomes for pupils’, and what they need to be aware of going forward.

Estates Management

As a starter, the Handbook states that ‘The DfE expects academy trusts to manage their school estate strategically and effectively and maintain their estate in a safe working condition.’

Importantly, the Handbook now includes a reference to the new School Estate Management Standards (“Standards”) which were published by the DfE last April and provides fresh clarity around what “effective” estate management looks like across England’s schools and academies.

This is a significant development, as a failure to comply with the Standards can now be used as a reason to issue a school or trust with a Notice to Improve. This policy shift underscores the DfE’s expectation that responsible bodies take a more structured and proactive approach to estate oversight. 

Whilst the Standards do not introduce new legal obligations for Academies, they provide a clear, codified framework for both minimum and aspirational estate management practices to progress from “basic” to “fully effective” and even “advanced” estate management - which includes complying with statutory duties to ensure the health and safety of building occupants.

Academies and Trusts are therefore expected to benchmark their current approach against the Standards to ensure compliance and long-term asset sustainability.

The Standards are designed to support schools to manage their estates effectively and set out the practices and processes required to effectively manage the school estate. Effective use of the Standards will help Academies and Trusts to prioritise projects within their estate, build on good practice, and observe legal requirements.

By issuing these Standards, the DfE has now set an operational bar against which it can benchmark performance and, if necessary, issue improvement notices under the Handbook. This codified framework therefore serves to give regulators and responsible bodies alike a clearer reference point.

A copy of the Standards can be found here School estate management standards - GOV.UK but if any further assistance is needed, please contact Forbes’ Education Team who will be able to provide advice and guidance as needed.

Sustainability and Climate Action Plan

The Handbook also reiterates the requirement set out in the previously published Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for Education for every trust to appoint a Sustainability Lead and have an active Climate Action Plan in place by 2025. This aligns with the broader Net Zero agenda and is a clear signal that environmental leadership is now a core accountability for school leaders.

Though it is up to each Academy or Trust to decide the structure of their sustainability leadership team, the DfE advises that the most effective changes are delivered when driven by a diverse team of passionate individuals. We would advise that is therefore important that both educational and operational expertise is brought to this team.

Practising good estate management will help Academies and Trusts to identify any opportunities there may be to make better use of their estate through enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and increasing access to and connection with nature. This in turn will help Academies and Trusts to improve sustainability, build and improve community connections, and provide an enhanced learning experience beyond the classroom.

We are aware that there are many organisations who already provide courses, products, and services to support Academies and Trust’s approach to climate change and the DfE has published various guidance’s and programmes which can assist. There are also many examples of excellent practice when it comes to sustainability and climate change in the education sector. We also appreciate that your Academy or Trust may already have a plan in place and where this is the case you will not need to create a new plan.

Conclusion

It is important that Academies and Trusts are comfortable with and ensure they are well placed to comply with the obligations set out in the Handbook.

Early adoption and tangible progress will be key to demonstrating compliance and commitment with the Handbook and the DfE has curated a wide range of resources to support Academies and Trust in developing their plans, many of which are signposted directly in the updated Academy Trust Handbook 2025.

If any particular advice and guidance is needed Forbes are well placed to assist Academies and Trusts with ensuring they have a full and thorough understanding of their obligations, and to support with the preparation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Estates Management and Environmental Sustainability requirements, as well as the Handbook generally.