Guidance

Framework for auditors and reporting accountants of colleges

Audit and regularity assurance requirements for further education colleges, sixth-form colleges and designated institutions.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This framework and guide is for external auditors and reporting accountants of colleges.

It covers the Department for Education (DfE) audit and regularity assurance requirements for:

  • further education colleges
  • sixth-form colleges
  • institutions established or designated under the provisions of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (鈥榙esignated institutions鈥�)

It replaces the post-16 audit code of practice for colleges.

Using the framework and guide

Read the framework and guide alongside any agreements setting out the conditions of funding, including:

  • the college鈥檚 accountability agreements with聽DfE and Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
  • the college鈥檚 grant funding agreements with聽DfE听补苍诲听ESFA
  • the college鈥檚 contracts with聽DfE听补苍诲听ESFA
  • the college financial handbook

This framework and guide is in effect from 1 August 2024.

Guidance on preparing and submitting annual reports and financial statements (accounts) is given in college accounts direction.

The 聽from the Association of Colleges (AOC) gives detailed guidance on the preparation of college accounts, including a model set of accounts.

Updates to this page

Published 26 March 2025

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