Education services

The UK education sector is under increasing pressure on multiple fronts. Rising operational costs, funding constraints, and staff wellbeing and retention issues are making it more difficult for institutions to maintain quality and plan for the future. We are supporting schools, colleges and universities to respond to increasing regulatory demands, and growing expectations around transparency, performance and governance.

With increased funding pressure for education providers, and especially universities reliant on overseas tuition fees, we are working with a number of clients to ensure financial stability.

Sustainability and ESG targets are also becoming urgent priorities. We are helping our clients to comply with evolving standards, such as the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Meeting these challenges requires agile, forward-thinking responses from education leaders, supported by robust governance, innovative funding models, and a commitment to long-term resilience.

Ensuring compliance with DfE and MCAs funding rules is critical for education providers, particularly when working with respective funding streams. Institutions need to demonstrate that funding has been used appropriately, supported by accurate data and robust internal processes. Independent funding assurance reviews help identify gaps in compliance, highlight areas for improvement, and provide confidence ahead of external audits. By addressing issues early and aligning with regulatory expectations, education providers can reduce the likelihood of clawback, improve audit outcomes, and demonstrate a strong commitment to accountability and good governance.

We work with a wide range of MATs across the UK, supporting them with audit, assurance, financial planning, and governance. Our team understands the unique challenges MATs face, including managing growth, maintaining compliance, and delivering value for money. As members of the DfE Audit Forums and regular contributors to sector discussions, we bring practical, up-to-date insights to help MATs operate effectively and strategically.

Yes, we regularly deliver training sessions, workshops, and webinars tailored to the needs of education professionals. These cover a wide range of topics, including financial management, governance, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance. We also offer bespoke sessions for boards, leadership teams, and finance staff, helping to build internal capability and support continuous improvement. Our training is informed by real-world experience and sector insight, ensuring it’s both practical and impactful.