Academy services
At drb Schools and Academies Services , we provide expert financial management and strategic support tailored specifically for academies and multi-academy trusts.
With over 20 years’ experience supporting education settings, our consultants understand the increasing complexity of academy funding, compliance, and governance. We work as an extension of your leadership team—bringing the expertise, capacity, and insight needed to strengthen financial performance and support long-term sustainability.
All of our services are bespoke, designed around your structure, priorities, and stage of development—whether you are a single academy or a growing trust.
How we support academies
Academy conversion process
Expert guidance and hands-on support to ensure a smooth, compliant, and well-managed transition to academy status.
Multi academy trust Services
Specialist support designed to strengthen financial systems, governance, and strategic growth across Multi Academy Trusts.
Audit of private and unofficial funds
Thorough and independent review of private and unofficial funds to ensure transparency, compliance, and robust financial oversight.
Finance and administration cover service
Flexible finance and administrative support to maintain continuity, efficiency, and control during staff absences or periods of change.
Internal control review service
Comprehensive assessment of internal controls to strengthen financial processes, minimise risk, and enhance accountability.
Strategic financial management support
Strategic and operational financial support to improve decision-making, optimise resources, and secure long-term financial sustainability.
Academies services FAQ
We offer a comprehensive range of services including financial management, academy conversion support, governance and compliance advice, internal control reviews, and ongoing operational support tailored to academies and trusts.
Our services are designed for single academies, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), and schools considering conversion, as well as established trusts looking to improve performance or scale effectively.
Yes, we provide end-to-end support throughout the conversion process, including financial due diligence, project management, and post-conversion setup to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
We help with budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, cash flow management, and providing strategic insights to support informed decision-making and long-term sustainability.
Yes, our flexible cover service ensures continuity during staff absences or transitions, helping maintain financial control and operational efficiency.
We work with MATs to develop scalable financial systems, strengthen governance, centralise finance functions, and support sustainable growth and compliance.
An internal control review assesses your financial processes and systems to identify risks, improve efficiency, and ensure strong governance and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Yes, we provide independent audits of private and unofficial funds to ensure transparency, proper management, and alignment with best practice guidelines.
We take a bespoke approach, working closely with your leadership team to understand your specific challenges and goals, ensuring our support aligns with your organisation’s needs.
Simply get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements, and we’ll arrange an initial consultation to explore how we can best support your academy or trust.