Latest News

We work with schools and trusts every day and this blog is where we share what we’ve learned. From managing budgets to making the most of your accounting tools, you’ll find tips, insights, and inspiration right here.

Key dates for academy schools: September 2025 to August 2026

The academy finance year is packed with major deadlines, from audits and census submissions to the AAR, BFR and year-end close. Staying ahead of these dates is essential for compliance, planning and keeping your trust running smoothly.

December 5, 2025

How to Simplify Year-End Reporting Before the Christmas Break

Year-end doesn’t have to be a scramble. With the Christmas break approaching, now’s the perfect time for schools and MATs to tidy key areas, sort reconciliations, spot variances early and get ahead of audit prep.

November 28, 2025

The Benefits of Real-Time Reporting for Multi-Academy Trusts

Real-time reporting gives MATs clearer insight, quicker decisions and stronger financial control. See how XfE supports schools and trusts.

November 14, 2025

XfE & DfE AAR Update: Key Takeaways, Replay, and Slides

The XfE × DfE webinar was a huge success! Catch up on the replay and slides to see how automation is transforming the Academy Accounts Return process for schools and trusts.

November 12, 2025

What Is XfE And How It Supports UK Schools

Discover how XfE (Xero for Education) helps schools and trusts modernise finance with automation, real-time reporting, and education-focused workflows.

November 7, 2025

Why Schools Are Switching to Smarter, Cloud-Based Finance Systems Like XfE

Schools and trusts are streamlining finance with XfE, the cloud-based platform that standardises data, automates workflows, and shortens month-end.

October 31, 2025

Join Our Exclusive DfE & XfE Webinar

Join XfE and the Department for Education on 12th November 2025 at 12:30pm for an exclusive webinar exploring how automation is transforming AAR submissions for schools and trusts.

October 24, 2025

We Won Total Xero Award 2025 for Total Xero & Mid-Size Firm of the Year

We’re celebrating a huge win! XfE have scooped two top prizes at the Xero Awards 2025, recognising our drive to innovate and support schools and trusts with smarter financial tools.

October 17, 2025

We've been named a finalist in three categories at the Xero Awards 2025

We’re proud to share that Thorne Widgery & XfE has been named a finalist in three categories at the Xero Awards 2025

Meet the Team: Sam The Head of XfE

Each month, we will be posting a little about a member of the growing XfE team. We think it's important that our schools get to know the team behind the software.

Why Xero (and XfE) Are Transforming School Finances

Discover how XfE is transforming school finance. From real-time reporting to DfE-approved tools and full support, we help schools and trusts simplify, automate, and stay in control of their finances.

The Benefits Of Cloud Accounting

Cloud accounting is transforming how schools manage their accounts, making it easier to collaborate, access data in real time, and reduce IT headaches. In this post, we explore the benefits of cloud-based finance systems like Xero, and how XfE combines smart software with expert support to help schools and trusts work smarter.

The importance of moving away from outdated systems for managing school finances

School finance is challenging enough without outdated systems slowing you down. In this post, we unpack 10 common headaches finance teams face and how XfE helps make them a thing of the past. If you're still wrestling with manual data entry, clunky approvals, or year-end chaos, this one's for you.