Academy Trust Handbook 2025 — What You Need to Know

The Academy Trust Handbook 2025 has now been published. While there are no major policy overhauls, several key updates provide important clarity for trust leaders. This summary sets out what has changed and what school trusts need to be aware of from 1 September 2025.

Summary of Changes to the 2025 Academy Trust Handbook

No significant policy shifts 

The changes for 2025 are minimal but add crucial detail and reinforce expectations. The current 2024 handbook remains in effect until 31 August 2025.

1. 2030 Digital and Technology Standards

Trusts are now expected to understand their progress against the Department for Education's six core digital and technology standards, covering:

• Broadband
• Network switching
• Wireless networks
• Cybersecurity
• Filtering
• Digital leadership and governance

2. Executive Pay Must Be Transparent and Defensible

Boards must document how executive pay decisions are:

• Transparent
• Proportionate
• Defensible

The handbook expects robust, justifiable decisions, formally approved by the board. The DfE can challenge CEO pay where necessary.

3. Cyber Ransom Demands — Strict Ban

Paying cyber ransom demands is now explicitly prohibited. The risk of repeat incidents and the lack of guaranteed service restoration make such payments unacceptable.

4. Educational Performance Removed from Notice to Improve (NtI) Criteria

Educational performance is no longer grounds for issuing an NtI. Notices can still be issued for:

• Poor governance structures
• Failures in safeguarding
• Neglecting school estate safety

5. Expanded Definition of Repercussive Payments

The term now includes any transaction likely to result in additional costs for other parts of government. All novel, contentious, or repercussive transactions require DfE approval before agreements or financial commitments are made.

6. Due Diligence Required for Procurement

Trusts must have robust due diligence processes in place around procurement. The handbook also provides an extended list of resources to support effective procurement practices.

7. New Guidance on Financial Support and Oversight

The Department for Education has published new guidance outlining:

• How the DfE will work with trusts where there are financial concerns
• What financial support is available to trusts
• How the DfE may intervene, via its Regions Group

6. Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Schemes Remain Paused

The current pause on EV salary sacrifice schemes remains in place. Discussions are ongoing, with no confirmed date for resumption.

What to Do Next

Trust leaders should assess their compliance with the updated requirements and take early action to plan for:

• Meeting the 2030 digital and technology standards
• Ensuring executive pay decisions meet the new transparency expectations
• Strengthening procurement due diligence
• Understanding the new financial oversight processes

Further updates and summaries will be shared as more detail becomes available.

Stay Informed and Prepared

The 2025 Academy Trust Handbook sets clearer expectations for governance, financial management, technology standards, and due diligence.

Review your policies, assess your digital infrastructure, and ensure your governance processes meet the latest requirements.

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