Acknowledgements
The Academy trust handbook has been produced jointly by ESFA and the following working group of academy sector representatives:
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) closed on 31 March 2025. All activity has moved to the Department for Education (DfE). You should continue to follow this guidance.
| Name | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Mike Antoniou | University Schools Trust (chair) |
| Olu Alalade | Skinners鈥� Academy, Hackney |
| Louise Bridgett | PKF Francis Clark chartered accountants |
| Angela Cox OBE | Catholic Education Service |
| Catherine Dottridge | Tenax Schools Trust |
| Emma Harrison | Association of School and College Leaders |
| Jim Farquhar | Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust |
| Robyn Ford | Church of England Education Office |
| Sam Henson | National Governance Association |
| Lee Hughes | Peterborough Diocese Education Trust |
| Julie Kendall | Together Learning Trust (to March 2024) |
| Stephen Lester MBE | School resource management adviser and Institute of School Business Leadership |
| Alison Moon | Veritas MAT |
| Margo Muris | Alec Reed Academy (vice chair) |
| Patrick Overy聽 | Learning Partners Academy Trust (from February 2024) |
| Diane Slack | Westbourne Primary School |
| Anne Slade聽 | The Pioneer Academy (from February 2024) |
| Craig Alderson | ESFA |
| Matthew Smith | ESFA |
We are also grateful for input from the:
- Confederation of School Trusts (CST)
- National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT)
- academy trusts on the Academies finance and assurance steering group
If you have suggestions for future revisions please contact ESFA using the .