The Department for Education (DfE) has published its updated Academy Trust Handbook, effective from 1 October 2026. Key changes include:

• New executive pay restrictions and DfE approval for some decisions
• A requirement to publish details of how trust funds are distributed
• Renewed focus on trustees’ financial skills and experience

Governance guides for academy trusts and maintained schools have also been updated to reflect changes to ATH and other recent guidance spanning allergy safety, inclusion, school meal expansion, sustainability leadership and more.