September is a natural reset point for schools. New timetables begin, pupils return after the summer break, routines are re-established, and staff teams start the new academic year with fresh priorities. But one issue remains high on the agenda for schools and MATs across England: attendance. The Department for Education continues to provide guidance and resources to help schools communicate with parents and carers about attendance, alongside statutory guidance on working together to improve...

Energy is one of those costs that schools cannot avoid. Classrooms need heating and lighting. IT systems need power. Kitchens, offices, halls, sports facilities, and specialist rooms all rely on energy every day. But for schools and MATs, energy is also one of the areas where costs can feel hardest to control. Prices change. Contracts can be complex. Renewal windows can be missed. Procurement routes need to be compliant. And for trusts managing multiple schools, different sites may have...

Supply staffing is a vital part of keeping schools running. When teachers or support staff are absent, schools need reliable cover quickly. Without it, timetables are disrupted, staff workload increases, and pupils can lose continuity in the classroom. But supply staffing is also a major area of spend. For MATs, especially those managing multiple schools, it can become difficult to track consistently. From September 2026, single and multi-academy trusts are mandated to procure supply staff...