Why Schools Across the UK Are Choosing Xero and XfE

When it comes to managing school finances, having the right tools makes all the difference.

Across the UK, more and more schools and trusts are turning to Xero and it’s easy to see why. It’s modern, cloud-based, and built to make accounting simpler, faster, and more accessible.

At XfE, we use Xero as the foundation for the finance systems we create for schools. But we also know that education needs more than just good accounting software — it needs a system built around the way schools work. That’s why we’ve built a connected ecosystem of tools, support, and our own custom-built XfE app, designed specifically for education.

Why Schools Love Xero

Xero brings a lot to the table for schools and multi-academy trusts looking to modernise their financial management:

• Cloud-based access – Work anywhere, on any device. Perfect for busy school teams and MATs.
• Real-time reporting – No more waiting for month-end. Get a live view of your budgets, spending, and balances.
• User-friendly design – Clean, intuitive, and easy for both finance and non-finance staff to use.
• Seamless integrations – Xero connects with hundreds of trusted apps, making it flexible enough to fit your specific needs.

For schools, that means less paperwork, better visibility, and more time to focus on pupils.

Where XfE Steps In

Xero is brilliant but schools have unique requirements that go beyond standard accounting. That’s where XfE comes in.

We don’t just help you use Xero — we tailor it for education. We combine Xero with a curated suite of trusted apps (including ApprovalMax, Lightyear, and Fathom) and our own XfE app to create a complete, education-focused finance ecosystem.

One Connected System. Full Support.

From setup to training and ongoing support, we’re with you every step of the way. Whether you’re a single school or a growing trust, XfE builds a joined-up finance system that saves time, reduces admin, and gives you total confidence in your numbers.

So yes, Xero is fantastic for schools but..

With XfE, you get so much more:

• A school-specific portal
• The right integrations
• A team of experts who truly understand education finance

Key Features

💳 Bank Feeds

Automatically import statement data from your bank straight into the system — no manual uploads, no delays, just seamless financial tracking.

🏫 DfE Approved

Submit your Academy Accounts Return (AAR) directly from within XfE. Our software is fully approved by the Department for Education, making compliance faster and easier.

📊 Benchmarking

Drill down into key performance indicators across your trust. Compare data, analyse trends, and make confident, data-driven decisions.

⚙️ Bulk Actions

Save time with one-click bulk tools. Move transactions, update records, or apply changes across multiple entries instantly.

🌐 Browser-Based

As a cloud-based platform, XfE works anywhere, anytime. Log in securely from your browser — no installations, no IT headaches.

📈 Powerful Reporting

Turn complex data into clear insights. Our reporting suite helps you understand your academy’s finances and make informed strategic decisions.

🤝 Fully Supported

You’re never on your own. Our friendly support team is here to help via callback, video tutorial, or email — so you’re always learning and supported.

🔄 Automatic Updates

Enjoy continuous improvements with automatic updates. You’ll always have access to the latest version of XfE — no manual downloads, ever.

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Want to see it in action?
Get in touch to discover how we can build a smarter, simpler finance system for your school or trust.

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