Accountants for Schools and Universities Helping You Stay Compliant and Financially Focused

Schools and universities across the UK play a vital role in shaping future generations through structured learning and skills development. However, the sector now faces growing financial pressure. Schools are managing real-term funding cuts, rising energy costs, and higher wage demands—while trying to support increasing special education needs. Universities, meanwhile, face reduced tuition income due to falling international student numbers and visa policy changes. That’s why many now rely on accountants for schools and universities who truly understand their financial challenges. Since 2006, Apex Accountants has supported education providers with tailored budgeting, VAT guidance, staff cost planning, and sector-specific advice—keeping institutions stable, compliant, and financially focused.

Education Sector Market Insights

School Funding Pressures

• 76% of primary and 94% of secondary schools in England are projected to face budget shortfalls in 2025–26.
• Operational costs are expected to rise by 3.4%, while mainstream funding will only increase by 2.2%, leading to a £700 million funding gap. 
• Despite a £2.3 billion increase in the core schools budget for 2025–26, real-term per-pupil funding remains below 2010 levels. 

University Financial Challenges

• 43% of English universities anticipate deficits in 2024–25, up from 29.6%, due to declining international student numbers.
• International student enrolment dropped by 16% between January and July 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
• The UK government has proposed a 6% levy on foreign student tuition fees.

What We Offer as Accountants for Schools and Universities

At Apex Accountants, we provide tailored financial services to educational institutions across the UK. Our deep sector experience helps schools, academies, and universities manage financial pressures, stay compliant, and plan for the future with confidence.

• Annual Accounts and Audit Support Services
  We prepare annual accounts in line with the Academies Accounts Direction and the Charities SORP. Our audit support services meet Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) requirements.
• VAT Advisory
  With changes in VAT, we guide clients on VAT registration, exemptions, trading subsidiaries, and compliance. We also provide specialist tax advice for schools managing mixed supplies and exempt income.
• Payroll and Pension Management
  We process staff salaries, manage teachers’ pension scheme reporting, and assist with end-of-year pension certifications—meeting all HMRC and ESFA deadlines.
• Bookkeeping and Financial Reporting
  We maintain clear, accurate financial records and deliver reports that support decision-making and improve financial transparency.
• Budgeting and Forecasting
  Our team prepares detailed forecasts and budget returns, including ESFA budget submissions, helping leaders manage funding and plan with confidence. This is especially valuable for clients looking for reliable financial planning for universities.
• Virtual CFO Services
  We provide strategic oversight for institutions without in-house finance leads—supporting board reporting, planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Software Advice and Support
  We offer expert guidance on accounting software selection, system reviews, and day-to-day support to keep your systems efficient and compliant.
• Tax Services
  We offer full tax advisory and compliance services, including employment tax, VAT, and transaction-related support—backed by our experience as specialist tax advisors for educational institutions across the UK.

Challenges Facing UK Schools and Universities – And How Apex Accountants Can Help

1. Budget Deficits

Schools and universities are struggling with widening budget gaps, making it harder to manage core operations. Apex Accountants supports institutions with tailored budgeting, financial forecasting, and monthly reports to keep spending in check and decision-making clear.

2. Policy-Driven Revenue Loss

Tuition fee changes and new levies are reducing income for many universities. Our team helps by reviewing funding strategies, advising on efficient structures, and offering financial planning for universities that meets both short-term needs and long-term goals.

3. Rising Operational Costs

Energy bills, wage increases, and day-to-day costs are rising fast. We track spending patterns, identify inefficiencies, and support cost control with clear financial reporting and sector-specific advice.

4. Payroll and Pension Pressures

Administering staff pay and pension schemes is time-consuming and complex. Our team handles full payroll processing, auto-enrolment, and pension submissions—keeping schools and universities compliant without added workload.

Why Schools and Universities Need Sector-Specific Accountants

Schools and universities operate within a highly structured financial environment, shaped by public funding rules, tuition income, and regulatory obligations. Unlike commercial businesses, educational institutions must report against strict frameworks like SORP (Statements of Recommended Practice) while balancing multiple income streams, from grants and donations to student fees. These financial structures require in-depth knowledge of sector-specific requirements that general accountants may overlook.

Additionally, education providers often deal with mixed VAT treatment, staff pensions, capital project funding, and audit preparation. Sector-focused professionals like tax advisors for educational institutions bring the precision needed to avoid errors, support accountability, and meet evolving compliance standards.

That’s why Apex Accountants offers tailored, practical support based on over 20 years of experience. We help institutions stay organised, compliant, and focused on their goals.

Why Choose Apex Accountants for Your Education Institution

Choosing the right accountant matters—especially in the education sector. At Apex Accountants, we’ve supported schools and universities since 2006 with financial clarity, sector-specific insight, and responsive advice. We understand the day-to-day pressures institutions face—from funding gaps and rising costs to changing VAT rules and payroll duties.

What sets us apart is our hands-on approach. As experienced accountants for schools and universities, we offer tailored budgeting, VAT guidance, payroll and pension support, and real-time reporting—so you can act quickly and plan with confidence. Our clients benefit from practical advice and a team that knows education inside out. We also provide clear, proactive tax advice for schools, helping leaders stay compliant with changing regulations and avoid unexpected liabilities.

With  years of experience and a deep commitment to the sector, we help you stay compliant, reduce admin stress, and focus more time on teaching and student outcomes.