The academies sector continues to face a challenging environment, with rising cost pressures and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. While funding levels remain largely unchanged, trusts are having to place greater emphasis on structural efficiency and consolidation in order to sustain educational outcomes and long-term stability.
Now in its 14th year, our 2026 Academies Benchmarking Report offers a detailed review of financial performance across more than 1,500 academies in England. The analysis draws on data from both UHY clients and a wide range of some of the largest non-UHY multi-academy trusts, providing a robust and representative national picture.
This year’s report explores:
- comparative benchmarking across MATs, primary and secondary academies
- detailed insights into GAG funding performance, reserves, and cash balances
- workforce trends, including pupil-to-teacher ratios and the implications of the 4% pay award
- analysis of energy expenditure, climate action planning, and mandatory SECR reporting requirements
- performance comparisons by MAT size to help trusts understand how they sit within the national landscape
As in previous years, we have also included a practical benchmarking worksheet at the end of the report. This enables trusts to compare their own per-pupil financial metrics directly against national averages with ease.
Whether you are a CEO, CFO, trustee, or school business manager, the report is designed to support informed decision-making and provide a clear framework for benchmarking performance.
Access our 2026 Academies Benchmarking Report below:
This article shared with the permission of the UHY Hacker Young network – originally here.