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Budget setting in maintained schools

Use our budget setting guidance learn how to scrutinise your school's proposed budget and provide appropriate challenge.

Guidance
30/04/2025
tools-resources using a pen for inputting numbers into calculator

Governing bodies in local authority (LA) maintained schools are required to approve and submit a budget that runs from the 1 April to the 31 March each year. The budget should align with strategic priorities to help the school meet its aims.

Our budget setting guide provides an overview of typical activities that boards undertake in the approach to annual budget approval, together with a suggested timetable. Use the guide to learn how to scrutinise the proposed budget and provide appropriate challenge.

The guide covers:

  • creating a budget setting timetable
  • reviewing the school’s current financial position
  • preparing the draft budget
  • scrutinising and approving the budget
  • questions to ask about the draft budget
  • tools to support budget planning

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