Education providers across the public and independent sectors are navigating a period of sustained challenge and reform. From funding constraints and evolving pedagogical models to digital disruption and changing governance expectations, institutions face mounting pressure to do more with less while maintaining excellence and accountability.
We work closely with schools, academies, colleges, and universities to deliver strategic, financial, and operational solutions that protect educational quality and institutional sustainability.
Core Education Services
Governance and Regulatory Compliance
We help governing bodies and leadership teams strengthen institutional governance in line with sector-specific frameworks and oversight requirements. Our services include board assurance mapping, compliance reviews against DfE and OfS standards, and governance structure reviews to ensure robust decision-making and regulatory alignment.
Financial Management and Audit Services
We deliver sector-focused audit and assurance services tailored to the needs of educational institutions. Our work includes financial statement audits, grant assurance engagements, and internal audit programmes aligned with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and charity SORP requirements. We support robust financial controls and effective stewardship of public and private funds.
Strategic Finance and Institutional Performance
We provide cost efficiency reviews, financial resilience diagnostics, and strategic resource modelling to help institutions navigate funding pressures. Our advisory supports planning across multi-year budgets, scenario analysis, and the financial due diligence required for mergers, group formations, or capital investments.
Payroll, VAT, and Employment Tax Advisory
We offer comprehensive tax support, including payroll compliance, VAT efficiency planning, and employment tax advice. Our services address issues such as staff benefit schemes, apprenticeship levy management, and the complex VAT rules that apply to fee-paying, grant-funded, and mixed-use operations.
Specialist Advisory Services
Digital Strategy and Innovation Planning
We help institutions assess, procure, and integrate digital learning and back-office technologies, ensuring investments align with educational strategy and regulatory compliance. Our team supports change management, risk evaluation, and digital governance to ensure impactful transformation.
Mergers and Structural Change
We provide advisory support for structural change in response to demographic shifts, funding challenges, or strategic growth plans. This includes financial due diligence, risk assessments, post-merger integration planning, and stakeholder communication strategies to support a smooth and sustainable transition.
Efficiency and Operational Reviews
Our operational diagnostics identify opportunities to improve productivity, enhance procurement practices, and streamline support functions without compromising academic quality. We support institutions in benchmarking performance, realigning cost structures, and embedding continuous improvement.
Why Choose Our Education Team
Sector Insight: In-depth understanding of public and independent education, shaped by years of hands-on advisory experience
Strategic Alignment: Practical, future-facing solutions designed to strengthen institutional sustainability and student outcomes
Integrated Support: Audit, tax, governance, and strategic advisory delivered through a single, coordinated team
Proven Value: A track record of helping schools, college,s and universities enhance efficiency, accountability, and impact
Getting Started
Contact our education specialists to discuss how we can support your institution’s success. Whether you’re navigating a merger, improving governance, or building financial resilience, we bring clarity, technical depth and sector understanding.
Our work supports the education community to meet the evolving needs of learners, staf,f and regulators—empowering institutions to thrive in a changing world.